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Gov. Charlie Baker removes his mask as he steps to the microphone during an April 26, 2021 press conference. Photo by Jessica Rinaldi | Boston Globe Staff/Pool
Massachusetts is relaxing its outdoor mask mandate as the numbers of hospitalizations and cases of COVID-19 continue to decline in the state, the Baker administration said on Tuesday.
Beginning Friday, face masks will only be required outside in public when it’s not possible to socially distance – or when required for other reasons, including at outdoor events.
Face coverings will still be required at all times in indoor public places, including stores.
Face coverings will also continue to be required at all times at events, whether held indoors or outdoors and whether held in a public space or private home, except when eating or drinking.
At smaller gatherings in private homes, face coverings are recommended but not required.
The $300 fine that had been put in place as an enforcement mechanism will also be eliminated.
In about two weeks, on May 10, large venues like stadiums can boost capacity from 12 percent to 25 percent, and amusement parks that submit safety plans to the state can reopen at 50 percent capacity. Road races and singing at indoor venues will be permitted with precautions in place.
More restrictions are set to ease Memorial Day weekend, and Gov. Charlie Baker’s office said those changes are “subject to public health and vaccination data.” On May 29, gathering limits are slated to increase to 200 people indoors and 250 outdoors; street festivals, parades and agricultural festivals can return at half-capacity; and bars, beer gardens, breweries, wineries and distilleries can reopen subject to the same rules as restaurants, including a 90-minute table limit.
The state also plans to update its restaurant guidance that day, to increase the maximum party size from six to 10 and eliminate the requirement that food be served with alcohol.
On Aug. 1, the gathering limit is scheduled to be rescinded, all industry restrictions will be lifted, and 100 percent capacity will again be allowed across all industries.
“We hope that with more vaccines and a continued success in stopping COVID we can take this step earlier, but it will depend on everyone continuing to get vaccinated and doing the right things,” Baker said.
Businesses will be “encouraged to continue following best practices,” as of Aug. 1, and the state Department of Public Health “will also continue to issue guidance as needed, including guidance to still require masks indoors,” Baker’s office said.
On Monday, the DPH reported 812 new cases of COVID-19 – the lowest daily total since early November – along with 12 new deaths, 625 hospitalizations and a seven-day positivity rate of 1.72 percent.
State House News Service contributed to this report.
