A city order requiring the wearing of face coverings in public indoor spaces in Boston was lifted Saturday. This included public dining and shopping establishments, museums and entertainment venues.
As a result of a steep decline in new coronavirus infections and hospitalizations, as well as high vaccination rates, Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, city public health commissioner, announced the decision earlier this week.
City public health commissioner Ojikutu said during the meeting, all of our key metrics are moving in the right direction.
Those at high risk for being sick should still wear masks, the city recommends. Further, businesses and other venues can continue to require customers to wear masks.
The Boston Public Health Commission recommends masking in certain indoor settings, but masks are no longer mandatory, unless you are at high risk for severe illness or you will be around people who are.
As officials push for a return to normalcy after two grueling years, Boston is following New York, Los Angeles, and other large U.S. cities that have relaxed pandemic restrictions.
As part of this policy change, masking requirements will also be lifted at many city buildings, except those that serve vulnerable populations.
In public transportation, health care centers, congregate living communities, and public schools, masks are still required. School masking policy will be discussed at a health board meeting on March 9.
