MA Mask Order Still in Place for Now

Image credit: Confused traffic signal by caesararum 

While the Centers for Disease Control on Thursday, May 13, 2021 released new recommendations to lift the mask requirement for vaccinated individuals, Governor Charlie Baker has not yet declared any change from his Order 67 of April 29, 2021 that is currently in place for Massachusetts.  As of this minute, Governor Baker's Order 67 is in force. Governor Baker did, however, mention that Massachusetts will soon be updating its Covid-19 restrictions.

The new CDC guidelines declare vaccinated individuals can resume activities that they did before the pandemic.  In Massachusetts right now, these guidelines can be considered updated information regarding how the safety risks are significantly lower for vaccinated people than for unvaccinated people in just about all foreseeable situations.  For more information about distinguishing between safety guidance provided by CDC and the obligation under Governor Baker's Order, see "When Do We Wear Masks Now."

In Massachusetts, under Governor Baker's Order, a mask is still required in public indoor locations for people over age 5. For public outdoor locations, a mask is only required if (1) the person is unable to maintain a distance of at least six feet from non-household members or (2) the person is attending an event or gathering.  At private home gatherings, masks are encouraged but are not required. 

Exceptions to the current mask requirement include people with a medical or disabling condition who are unable to wear a mask. Those needing to communicate with the hearing impaired or disabled may go maskless when a mask would impair communication. People in a personal vehicle who are not accompanied by a non-household member need not wear a mask. Exceptions also include eating and drinking in restaurants, receiving dental care, swimming, and other situations that may be permitted by state agencies related to public health, labor, energy and environmental affairs, and education.

Before deciding to adopt CDC guidelines in Massachusetts, an issue that policy makers may need to review is the risk to the unvaccinated, including children under age twelve and immunocompromised people who are not eligible for vaccination.  Adopting a policy that follows CDC's latest guidance could make enforcement difficult where unvaccinated people may be tempted to unmask in social situations, putting other unvaccinated individuals at risk. Research has shown that the risk of spreading Covid-19 to others is lower from vaccinated individuals who are highly unlikely to become infected themselves.

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