COVID-19 restrictions will lift in Massachusetts by May 29

All COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted by May 29 and the state of emergency will end June 19, Gov. Charlie Baker announced Monday.

The end of these public protections, in effect since March 2020, comes as the state is on track to meet the goal of vaccinating 4.1 million residents by the first week of June.

Among the orders is the lifting of the face covering requirement in public spaces. The Department of Public Health will issue a new face covering advisory consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance. 

Effective May 29, all industries will be permitted to open and gathering limits will be rescinded.

Face coverings will still be mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings.

Face coverings will also remain required indoors for staff and students of K-12 schools and early education providers. Masks will not be required outside.

Massachusetts leads the nation in vaccinating residents, with 75 percent of adults receiving at least one dose. To date, over 4 million residents have received a first dose, with 3.2 million fully vaccinated. New cases have dropped by 89 percent since January 8.

In Grafton, 11,735 residents have received their first vaccine, while 8,616 are fully vaccinated. There have been 1,182 Covid cases in town.

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