By Beth David, Editor
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced on Monday, 5/17, the Commonwealth is on track to meet the goal of vaccinating 4.1 million residents by the first week of June and all remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted.
The Commonwealth’s face covering order will also be rescinded on May 29. The Department of Public Health will issue a new face covering advisory consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated 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.
Massachusetts leads the nation in vaccinating residents, with 75% 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% 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% this week.
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 The gathering limit will be rescinded.
Face coverings will also remain required indoors for staff and students of K-12 schools and early education providers.
All industries will be encouraged to follow CDC guidance for cleaning and hygiene protocols.
On May 18, 2020, the Administration published the reopening phases, which called for ending restrictions when vaccines became widely available. Today, there are over 975 locations for Massachusetts residents to access vaccines without delay.
Non-vaccinated individuals are advised to continue wearing face masks and to continue distancing in most settings.
Governor Baker will end the State of Emergency June 15, and the Administration will work with legislative and municipal partners during this period in order to manage an orderly transition from emergency measures adopted by executive order and special legislation during the period of the State of Emergency, such as fully remote meetings.
On May 17, there were 359 new, confirmed cases reported, bringing the total to 657,478 in Mass. There were six new, confirmed deaths in the state on 5/17, bringing the total to 17,419.
Acushnet has 36 active cases and a total of 1,326; and a 5.02% positivity rate for the past two weeks.
Fairhaven has 49 active cases and a total of 2,013; and a 3.52 positivity rate for the past two weeks.
Visit https://www.mass.gov for more information.
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