MASS. - All remaining COVID-19 restrictions in Massachusetts and the state's face covering order will be lifted on May 29.

The Baker-Polito made the announcement on Monday, following the news that the Commonwealth is on track to meet the goal of vaccinating 4.1 million residents by early June. 

What You Need To Know

  • State's face covering order will be lifted on May 29

  • State of Emergency ends on June 15

  • The state is on track to vaccinate 4.1 million people by the first week of June
  • Effective May 29, with the exception of remaining face-covering requirements for public and private transportation systems and facilities housing vulnerable populations, all industry restrictions will be lifted, and capacity will increase to 100% for all industries. The gathering limit will be rescinded.

The state's Department of Public Health will issue a new face covering advisory in line with the recently updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance.

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.
  • Inside schools, childcare programs (On May 18, the state will no longer require masks for outdoor activities like recess and to allow for the sharing of objects in classrooms, in both K-12 and childcare settings)

Gov. Baker also announced the State of Emergency order will be lifted on June 15.

Effective May 18, the youth and amateur sports guidance will be updated to no longer require face coverings for athletes 18 and under while playing outdoor sports. Effective May 29, all youth and amateur sports restrictions will be lifted.

The Administration will release updated guidance for summer camps, effective May 29, which will include no longer requiring masks for outdoor activities.

Effective May 29, all industries will be permitted to open. With the exception of remaining face-covering requirements for public and private transportation systems and facilities housing vulnerable populations, all industry restrictions will be lifted, and capacity will increase to 100% for all industries. The gathering limit will be rescinded.

All industries will be encouraged to follow CDC guidance for cleaning and hygiene protocols.

Across the state, new COVID-19 cases have dropped by 89% since January 8. COVID hospitalizations are down 88% since January 1 and the positive test rate is down by 88% from peaking at 8.7% on January 1 to 1% on Monday.