mask mandate

After months of repeated messaging by Boston Public Schools and city leadership that masks would remain in place for students and staff at BPS, Monday marked the first day that masks were optional for those in good health on school grounds.

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said Monday the city would make no immediate changes to its current policy of recommending masks indoors despite an uptick in COVID-19 cases.

Elected officials and public health officials came together last week to take aim at Gov. Charlie Baker’s handling of the latest COVID-19 surge that has already infected thousands and will likely infect more as families continue to gather for the holidays.

Acting Mayor Kim Janey announced last Friday a city-wide mandate requiring people to wear face masks in indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status, beginning August 27.

After the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced updated mask guidelines for vaccinated and unvaccinated people against COVID-19, Governor Charlie Baker announced Monday that all mask mandates and business restrictions in Massachusetts will be lifted on May 29.