Governor Charlie Baker will be lifting all remaining covid-19 restrictions on May 29, at which point a new face-covering advisory will be issued. 

The administration justified lifting the restrictions by citing the state’s relatively high vaccination rate, with 75 percent of adults having received at least one dose. New cases have dropped by 89 percent since January 8, and hospitalizations are down by 88 percent since January 1, according to a release from the Governor’s office.

Beginning May 29, all industries will be allowed to be open. Capacity will be increased to 100 percent for all industries. There will be no gathering limit.

All industries will be encouraged to follow CDC guidance for cleaning and hygiene protocols. 

Baker plans to end the State of Emergency on June 15.

Mask guidance

Masks will be required on public and private transit and in facilities housing vulnerable populations, including healthcare facilities and providers, congregate care settings and health and rehabilitative day services. Non-vaccinated people are encouraged to continue wearing face masks and observe social distancing, while vaccinated people can forgo face masks and social distancing both indoors and out, except for certain situations.

More detailed mask guidance will be released by the state ahead of May 29.

Youth, amateur sports

Starting May 18, athletes 18 and under will no longer be required to wear masks while playing sports outside. 

On May 29, all youth and amateur sports restrictions will be lifted.

Childcare, schools, summer camps

Face coverings will continue to be required for staff and students in k-12 schools and early education providers when inside, but no masks will be required outside as of May 18. 

Restrictions on the sharing of items in classrooms will also be lifted.

Guidance for summer camps will be released soon, and will not require masks for outdoor activities.