Boston To Drop City's Indoor Mask Mandate In Most Settings As Of Saturday
BOSTON (CBS) – The Boston Board of Health voted on Tuesday to end the city's indoor mask mandate in most settings, effective Saturday.
With COVID metrics continuing to improve, Public Health Commissioner Dr. Bisola Ojikutu made the recommendation during a virtual meeting on Tuesday. The Board of Health unanimously approved the proposal.
Masks will still be required on public transit, at Logan Airport, and in healthcare settings.
In addition, masks will still be mandated in Boston Public Schools. The Board of Health will discuss school masking at its next meeting on March 9.
Masks are still recommended for people at high risk for serious illness.
An indoor mask mandate has been in place for most public locations since August 2021. The city recently dropped its requirement for restaurants, gyms, and large venues to check customers' proof of vaccination at the door.
"I'm grateful that our city is ready to take this step in our recovery thanks to the hard work and commitment of residents keeping our communities safe over many, many months," Mayor Michelle Wu said in a statement. "As we continue to make progress even while living with COVID, Boston will continue leading on public health to keep our communities safe, healthy, and prepared."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday outlined a new set of measures for communities where COVID-19 is easing its grip. As a result, the CDC said most Americans live in places where healthy people can safely take a break from wearing masks.
Many Massachusetts schools returned from February break with no mask mandate in place for the first time in nearly two years. Boston, however, opted not to drop its mask mandate in schools.
