Reopening Update: State to Lift Most COVID Restrictions May 29th, Face Covering Order to be Rescinded & Replaced with CDC Guidance
Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that business and capacity restrictions will be lifted effective May 29th. The Commonwealth’s face covering order will be also be rescinded on May 29th, and the Department of Public Health will issue a new face covering advisory consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s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. Face coverings will also remain required indoors for staff and students of K-12 schools and early education providers.

Governor Baker will end the State of Emergency on June 15th.

Business Restrictions Lifted

  • Effective May 29th, 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.

  • Capacity will increase to 100% for all industries.

  • The gathering limit will be rescinded.

  • All industries are encouraged to follow CDC guidance for cleaning and hygiene protocols.

Face Covering Guidance


  • The new advisory will be consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance.

  • Non-vaccinated individuals are advised to continue wearing face masks and to continue distancing in most settings. The new advisory will recommend fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a face covering or social distance indoors or outdoors except for in certain situations.

  • Face coverings will still be required for all individuals in the following settings:
  • On public and private transportation (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations)
  • In healthcare facilities/ healthcare providers
  • In congregate care settings, including health and rehabilitative day services.
  • Face coverings will also remain required indoors for staff and students of K-12 schools and early education providers

  • Youth and Amateur Sports Face Covering Guidance: Effective May 18th, the youth and amateur sports guidance will be updated to no longer require face coverings for youth athletes ages 18 and under while playing outdoor sports. Effective May 29th, all youth and amateur sports restrictions will be lifted. Click here for complete Youth Sports guidance.

  • K-12, Early Education and Summer Camp Guidance: Effective May 18th, guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Early Education and Care will be updated to no longer require masks for outdoor activities like recess and to allow for the sharing of objects in classrooms, in both K-12 and childcare settings. This guidance will remain in effect beyond May 29th.
  • Click here for DESE Guidance
  • Click here for EEC Guidance

  • The Administration will release updated guidance for summer camps, effective May 29th, which will include no longer requiring masks for outdoor activities.

State of Emergency Order

  • Governor Baker will end the State of Emergency on June 15th, 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.

Complete reopening information can be found online at Mass.gov/Reopening.
Upcoming Partnership Events

All Partnership events and committee meetings are being held virtually, via Zoom, at present. Committee meetings are open to all interested persons with advance registration.

  • **TOMORROW: Climate Legislation Presentation with Secretary Theoharides: The Water Resources and Energy and Sustainable Development Committees of the 495/MetroWest Partnership will host a special presentation from Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen A. Theoharides on An Act Creating a Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy, major climate legislation signed into law earlier this year. The event will take place virtually tomorrow, Tuesday, May 18th at 9:00 AM via Zoom; the presentation will be followed by a Question and Answer period. Click here to register for this event.

  • Housing Committee, Submarkets Presentation and Discussion: The Housing Committee of the 495/MetroWest Partnership invites you to a presentation and discussion with MAPC focused on their Housing Submarkets study, and submarket-specific strategies to create more affordable housing. This event will take place virtually via Zoom on Wednesday, June 9th from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM. Presenting on behalf of MAPC will be Karina Oliver-Milchman, AICP, Chief of Housing & Neighborhood Development, and Jessie Partridge Guerrero, Research Manager. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A period, as well as a discussion. Click here to register for this event.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out if the Partnership can be of any assistance to you:
Jason Palitsch, Executive Director
(774) 760-0495 x105

Thank you for your continued commitment to strengthening our region.