If you need assistance, please contact the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. According to Baker, this will begin no later than July 6. Henry McMaster (R) signed legislation April 25 that bars the state, local governments and school districts from requiring COVID-19 vaccination as a condition for employment or attendance and prohibits places of public accommodation such as hospitals, restaurants, theaters and stores from denying service based on vaccination status. You can also manage your communication preferences by updating your account at anytime. Note: The June 14, 2021Reissuingof Certain Public Health Orders reissued 14 public health orders under Governor Baker's May 28, 2021 Modified Public Health Emergency under the public health statute. Those that presented greater risk opened in later phases. State law vests parents with authority to choose whether their children wear a mask inschools. 2022-09), Order of the Commissioner of Public Health (COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Order No. Mass.gov is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Kitchen & Dining Kitchen Dining Room Pantry Great Room Breakfast Nook Living Living Room Family Room Sunroom.Check the dip switches in both the remote and the receiver (if non-learn receiver) to make sure both are in the same position. Restaurants in Massachusetts will be allowed to serve customers indoors beginning Monday, and other business are preparing to reopen, as the state eases more regulations amid the coronavirus pandemic. Get the latest news and information on the coronavirus, State-by-state guide to face mask requirements. Restaurants in Massachusetts will be allowed to serve customers indoors beginning Monday, and other business are preparing to reopen, as the state eases more regulations amid the coronavirus pandemic. Requires that all gatherings (regardless of size or location) must end and disperse by 9:30 PM, Also requires that organizers of gatherings report known positive COVID-19 cases to the local health department in that community and requires organizers to cooperate with contact tracing. We were unable to subscribe you to WBUR Today. Vaccine and testing regulations:Legislation signed by then-Gov. Some hospitals still have restrictions in place. Vaccine and testing regulations:Then-Gov. But here areanswers to some common questions about the shifting landscape. Phase 3 of the states reopening plan includes reopening gyms, outdoor camps, museums and more. Belmont: Masks are required in any indoor spaces open to the public including restaurants, bars, salons, places of worship, fitness centers and other businesses Billerica: Masks required in. Note: Please visit the Registry of Motor Vehicles website to learn more about accessing RMV services during COVID-19. This requirement only applies to the worker providing care. Mask regulations:Gov. Individuals may be exempted from the vaccine mandates because of religious beliefs or medical conditions. The report found that U.S. consumers are 60% more likely to support a brand that supports Black Lives Matter, 50% think its worth paying more to support a company that supports a socially responsible cause, and 54% actively try to support retailers and brands whose purpose aligns with their ownvalues and morals. Mask regulations:Face-covering is no longer required in health care and long-term care facilities, per Pritzker's Oct. 17 order. With the arrival ofCOVID-19 vaccines, the closures, capacity limits and large-scale mask orders that marked earlier phases of the pandemic gave way to vaccine and testing mandates and more targeted face-covering rules, which many states extended or reinstated as the delta and omicron variants spread. More information: Read the District of Columbias latest COVID-19 situational update. Vaccine and testing regulations:Gov. And the details are changing quickly. So again, you need to check out what your community or favorite restaurant or gym require. Feb. 7, 2022 Updated 5:51 PM PT. That means vaccinated people. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. Freestanding, outpatient behavioral health settings are not subject to the requirements of this Order. Additional industries such as amusement parks, theme parks, and outdoor water parks opened on May 10, along with road races and other large, outdoor organized amateur or professional group athletic events. Thank you! Social distancing guidance includes spacing tables six feet apart with a maximum party size of six people. "It's time to give our kids a sense of normalcy and lift the mask mandate on a state-wide basis for schools," Baker said. "We feel we are in a fairly safe position to do this rescission," said Dr. Michael Hirsh,Worcester's medical director, citing declining infections, hospitalizations and test positivity rates. BOSTON The capacity restrictions for many Massachusetts businesses were eased Monday due to downward trends of new COVID-19 cases in the state. Nearby, Cambridge will end its indoor mask requirement on March 13, 2022, and Somervilles Board of Health will hold a meeting on March 3, 2022, to discuss whether to end Somervilles requirement. Private businesses and venues may require masking or proof of vaccination as a condition for entry. Proof of vaccination still is mandated at assisted living facilities and senior centers. Kim Reynolds (R) signed legislation in June 2022 barring public and private schools, colleges and universities, and childcare centers from requiring COVID-19 vaccination as a condition for attendance. May 2, 2020: State Parks and Forests reopen for passive recreation. Allowsfor an exception for residents who cannot wear a face-covering due to a medical or disabling condition, but allows employers to require employees to provide proof of such a condition. At the national level, President Joe Biden signed anexecutive orderthat requireshealth care workersand federal executive branch employees to get the vaccine. Previously, indoor dining and businesses/activities deemed higher risk required proof of vaccination, a negative COVID test result within 48 hours, or a signed letter from a medical professional confirming full recovery from COVID-19 within a specific timeframe. 2021-18), Order of the Commissioner of Public Health (COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Order No. That includes Boston, Chelsea and Northampton schools. 2022-01), Order of the Commissioner of Public Health (COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Order No. community health centers and clinics or other licensed medical/clinical settings that care for patients with acute illness and/or immunocompromised patients (e.g. All rescinded or lapsed emergency orders and guidance are listed for reference only. The loosened restrictions are part of the second step of Phase 2 of Massachusetts's 4-phased reopening plan. 20 states have some restrictions No restrictions Restaurants are operating with no capacity limits in place. Another federal order that mandated masks on public modes of transportation, including commercial flights, and in transit hubs such as airports and bus and train stations was struck down by a federal judge April 18. Mike Dunleavy (R) issued an order in April 2021 banning all executive branch departments from requiring anyone to provide proof of vaccination to travel to or around the state. Asa Hutchinson (R) signed a bill that prohibits state and local agencies from requiring proof of vaccination to travel, participate in education or receive services. 2021-11), Order of the Commissioner of Public Health (COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Order No. Masks will still be required indoors for people who are not vaccinated, and in high-risk settings, including in hospitals and in schools although state officials said they were working with labor. Pedro Pierluisi (D) issued an executive order in March 2022 lifting workplace vaccine and booster mandates except for those necessary to comply with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services vaccination rules. The second step of Phase 2 includes increasing capacity at offices from 25% to 50%. The new local order signed on Dec. 23, 2020, reduces the capacity for indoor dining in restaurants from 50% of the stated fire capacity to 30%; Lowers the number for an indoor mass gathering for social gatherings with individuals from outside your household from 10 persons to 2 persons; New restrictions are effective as of Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021. Please limit your input to 500 characters. More information: Check the state public health departments COVID-19 page. Additionally . (issued March 25, 2021, reissued June 14, 2021)authorizing additional individuals to administer COVID-19 vaccination (v, regarding non-essential, elective invasive procedures in hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers, gathering size limit for gatherings at private residences: indoor gatherings at private residences are limited to 10 people and outdoor gatherings at private residences are limited to 25 people. Customers must wear a mask when away from their table. For Home health care workers, including Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) and Home Health Aides in community and home-based settings where they are providing patient-facing care. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Individual facilities and health systems may set their own policies, and face-covering remains mandatory in New York City public hospitals. Brad Little, a Republican, moved the state to Stage 4 of its reopening plan in May, removing recommended gathering size limitations. FAQ: What CT's new restaurant rules mean for you. 2021-6), Order of the Commissioner of Public Health(COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Order No. Home > Wu lifted the citys proof-of-vaccine mandate for indoor dining and other indoor activities on February 18, 2022, after the city met several benchmarks related to bed occupancy in intensive care units, hospitalizations per day, and community positivity rate. This Advisory has been updated as of June 10, 2022 The Department of Public Health urges all eligible residents to get vaccinated and stay up to date . With public health metrics continuing to trend in a positive direction, including drops in average daily COVID cases and hospitalizations, and vaccination rates continuing to increase, Massachusetts moved into Phase IV (New Normal) on March 22, 2021 with indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas, and ballparks permitted to open at 12 percent capacity, and exhibition and convention halls also beginning to operate. Vaccine and testing regulations:State health care employees and workers in high-risk congregate-care facilities were required to be vaccinated by Sept. 7, 2021, or undergo regular testing. Mask regulations:Abbott signed an order in May 2021 prohibiting local governments and school districts from instituting mask requirements. Greg Abbott (R) issued executive orders barring government entities from compelling anyone to get vaccinated or requiring proof of vaccination as a condition for receiving services. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Workers range from baristas and servers to operations managers who discuss their personal experiences during the ongoing pandemic. Mask regulations:Face-covering is required in health care facilities; group residential settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, shelters and prisons; and in D.C. government buildings where employees interact directly with the public. Over time, the State of New Jersey has carefully and deliberately eased restrictions, while ensuring critical public health safeguards remain in place. The report also found that Black workers were more likely to report their employers for not protecting them from coronavirus than white employees. Effective July 1, 2022, the Department of Public Health advises that individuals should wear a mask or face covering when indoors (and not in your own home) if you have a weakened immune system, or if you are at increased risk for severe disease because of your age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in your household has a weakened . But he is worried some communities might be rolling back these protections too soon. You skipped the table of contents section. More information:Check the Puerto Rico health departmentsCOVID-19 page(Spanish and English). The city's proof of vaccination requirement for indoor dining and drinking has been in place since August 2021 and there have been no updates on that front. Face-covering is still required inhospitals, long-term care facilities and state government buildings. Businesses are prohibited from requiring documentation of a customers vaccination status. Summary: This FAQ explores what states have laws concerning dogs in outdoor dining area of restaurants. Were heading in the right direction, announced Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, with declining COVID positivity rates, less strain on our healthcare system, and vaccination rates higher than ever. Nearly 72% of city residents are fully vaccinated, according to data from mid-February 2022. Gov. Earlier this month, the governor announced the statewide school mask mandate would expire on Feb. 28. In-depth news coverage of the Greater Boston Area. Vaccine and testing regulations:Gov. Capacity limits are currently being maintained at 50 per cent at indoor public settings, including restaurants, bars and "other food or drink establishments without dance facilities and strip clubs." Phase I (Start) of the plan began on May 18, 2020, and allowed manufacturing facilities, construction sites, and places of worship to re-open. Thank you for your website feedback! Masks are still required in congregate settings, like health care and correctional facilities. by Jenny Rough and Andy Markowitz, AARP, Updated February 13, 2023. On March 10, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency, giving the Administration more flexibility to respond to the Coronavirus outbreak. Boston still requires them for all public indoor spaces, as do neighbors Cambridge, Somerville, Newton, and Brookline. Kristi Noem (R) issued an executive order in April 2021 barring state and local governments from issuing or requiring the use of vaccine passports. Salem dropped both its proof-of-vaccine mandate and indoor mask mandate on February 8, 2022; Boston dropped its vaccine mandate on February 18, 2022; and Brookline followed on February 22,. "I'm just concerned that there are places that are getting a little bit ahead of the curve, and could inadvertently create a situation where those cases go back up," he said. (rescinded by, and at all times on public transit and in retail settings (rescinded by. Previously issued emergency orders and guidance associated with the COVID-19 State of Emergency, which terminated on June 15, 2021. Thank you for your website feedback! The wave of cities and states loosening COVID-19 restrictions on businesses this week including Texas, Chicago, San Francisco and Massachusetts prompted Centers for Disease Control and . They talk about losing their livelihoods, customers who refuse to wear masks, having to change procedures so therestaurantis safe and sanitized and more. More information: Read Connecticuts COVID-19 response. More information: Check the states COVID-19 page for more information. 2021-17), Order of the Commissioner of Public Health (COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Order No. One Fair Wage reported that 80% of restaurants in New York City are not consistently following COVID protocols. Massachusetts moved to Phase 2 ("Cautious") in June, allowing additional lower risk businesses to reopen, including retail, childcare facilities, restaurants (with outdoor table service only), hotels and other lodgings, personal services without close physical contact, youth and adult amateur sports, and driving and flight schools. Private business may require vaccination for employees or customers but must allow exemptions on grounds of religious belief, personal conscience or medical condition, including prior recovery from COVID-19. Three weeks turned into three months, and restaurants in the state were permitted to reopen for outdoor dining only on June 8, 2020, provided they followed a lengthy list of guidelines,. Protests outside Boston mayor's house spark debate, Mass. Customers ages 12 and older in Washington, D.C., must have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine to dine inside a restaurant or attend an event at most indoor venues from . Vaccine and testing regulations:Gov. New daily cases The feedback will only be used for improving the website. Restaurant Hospitality is part of the Informa Connect Division of Informa PLC. Boston requires all city workers get vaccinated, which has prompted push-back and legal fights from some public employee unions. J.P. Pritzker (D) Oct. 17. Businesses can still make their own rules, though. There are no state vaccine or mask mandates in force, nor any prohibitions of mandates. You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. What about masking rules for cities and towns? Chris Sununu. Under the order, restaurants were allowed to operate for takeout and delivery beyond 9:30 p.m., but were not permitted to remain open for indoor or . Masks continue to be required in the settings defined below, except for when eating, drinking, sleeping, or as provided for in applicable guidance, and for an individual in a group that is exempt from the Order. The state Department of Public Health recommends that venues check vaccination or test status for such mega events.. Vaccine or testing regulations:State employees are required to get vaccinated or submit to weekly testing. For example, many restaurants in Cambridge require proof of vaccination. Effective January 31, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. Ontario will begin the process of gradually easing restrictions, while maintaining protective measures, including but not limited to: Increasing social gathering limits to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors. Health care workers must be vaccinated and boosted, but those with religious or medical exemptions to vaccination are no longer required to get tested. Explore what's open 2021-10), Order of the Commissioner of Public Health (COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Order No. The rules are changing daily, depending upon where you live. On May 27, while Mr. Little was out of state . Under Worcester's new policy, masks will still be required on public transportation, in the airport and at some other public spaces. Amusement parks, theme parks . Charlie Baker (R) issued a similar order for executive branch employees. Mask regulations:State law prohibits local governments from ordering businesses to impose mask rules. Other restrictions remain in place, including mandatory mask-wearing when not eating, spacing tables a social distance of six feet apart, capping service at 90 minutes per seating, and limiting tables to parties of six or fewer. It's Boston local news in one concise, fun and informative email. www.aarp.org/volunteer. As of the end of February, there are around 120 adult COVID hospitalizations per day and 87% adult ICU bed occupation, where 95% for five straight days is the citys threshold for concern. A similar mandate applies to nursing home and hospital employees. If you need assistance, please contact the Department of Public Health. This page is located more than 3 levels deep within a topic. The loosened restrictions are part of the second step of Phase 2 of Massachusettss 4-phased reopening plan. Certain employees may be eligible to forgo the vaccine and opt for weekly testing. (note: the version of this Order linked here notes that the early closing provisions have been rescinded by, (issued October 22, 2020) regarding operation of indoor ice rinks and indoor ice skating and hockey facilities. Mike Parson (R) issued an order that prohibits state agencies from compelling an individual to receive a COVID-19 vaccine or penalizing a business for noncompliance with federal vaccine mandates. May 2, 2020: Golf courses reopen. Mask regulations:Ducey also signed a measure in April banning mask mandates for minors. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Here's what changes starting Monday, March 1: Concert halls, theaters, and other indoor performance venues can reopen at 50% capacity, with a 500-person limit. Vaccine and testing regulations:A requirement that unvaccinated staff at health care and long-term care facilities get tested weekly for COVID-19 was lifted by Gov. As of Sept. 23, masks are no longer required on public transit and in transportation hubs in Los Angeles County. Vaccine and testing regulations:Gov. Plus, new survey data on tipped worker wages and consumer habits, Guy Fieri, who raised $25 million for restaurant relief in 2020, gives around $300,000 away during Guys Restaurant Reboot, 7 programs offering financial support for operators, 5 Things: Alinea allows workers to go maskless; NYC fully reopens, Heres what restaurants should do after receiving a Restaurant Revitalization Fund grant, 2023 Informa USA, Inc., All rights reserved, News & Insights on the Entire Restaurant Industry, New on the Menu: Invasive venison and Jonathon Sawyers sweet potatoes, Chef Yia Vang discusses Hmong cooking, his restaurants, and hunting invasive species, Chef Carrie Baird opens her first restaurant in Denver, James Beard Foundation names 2023 Americas Classics, Rising Stars: Lijo George and Max Boonthanakit, chefs of Camphor in Los Angeles, make kind of French food with Indian spices, 6 exciting new Southern restaurant concepts we cant wait to try, Negative online reviews have increased for restaurants, 13 exciting restaurant concepts that opened in 2022, Hiring activity slows for small restaurant owners, Capacity Caps Will Be Removed for Massachusetts Restaurants on March 1, Restaurant Workers Share Their Experiences With Shutdown Mandates | Covid Confessions | Episode #1, Massachusetts announces restaurants can open to 100% capacity, 60% of Americans are more likely to support a brand that supports Black Lives Matter, says Mintel, Danny Meyers SPAC releases pricing for $250 million IPO, 80% of NYC restaurants are not consistently following COVID safety and prevention protocol, according to new survey by One Fair Wage, Documentary highlights restaurant workers on the front lines, Allowed HTML tags: . Union Square Acquisition Corp., the newest special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, from Union Square Hospitality Group and Danny Meyer, announced the pricing of its initial public offering: 250,000,000 units for $10 per unit, totaling $250 million. More information: Check the states COVID-19 page for updates. The latest numbers are good news. Mask regulations:A statewide indoor mask mandate expired March 12. (issued September 8)related to the operation of farmers markets, farm stands, and CSAs (replaces previous April 27. . The city of Boston will end its indoor mask mandate for most spaces including restaurants on March 5, 2022, with city officials citing improving COVID-19 numbers. This is also complicated: a number of cities and towns in the Boston area don't have vaccine requirements, including Arlington, Cambridge and Somerville, but lots of business owners have imposed their own rules. Phase III Step 2 Arcades and Other Indoor and Outdoor Game and Recreation Businesses Checklist Phase III, Step 1 Sector Specific Workplace Safety Standards (Phase III Step 1) For Arcades and Other Indoor and Outdoor Game and Recreation Businesses Phase III Step 1 Arcades and Other Indoor and Outdoor Game and Recreation Businesses Protocol Summary to search for ways to make a difference in your community at With infection and hospitalization numberscoming down, are we finally turning a corner in the pandemic? Why are so many communities dropping their restrictions now? Staff, patients, vendors, and visitors must all wear masks at the following sites: hospitals, emergency medical services, primary care and urgent care settings. Heres a look at each states vaccine, testing and mask requirements. No current regulations:Gov. Some places, like Medford, Malden, and Melrose, require masks only in. Suggestions are presented as an open option list only when they are available. Laura Kelly (D) signed a bill requiring employers that mandate vaccines to allow for a medical or religious exemption. You should check with the hospital or healthcare facility you are going to. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. Note:Governor Baker ended theState of Emergency onJune 15, 2021. An official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, This page, COVID-19 Mask Requirements, is. All county COVID-19 restrictions have ended as of March 1. At the Feb. 25 press conference, Baker cited encouraging trends in public health data as well as continued vigilance by residents in the state around masking and social distancing in dialing back restrictions. Mask regulations:Masks are required for all employees, contractors and visitors indoors in state government buildings and other state-owned facilities. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. You have been subscribed to WBUR Today. Pete Ricketts (R) in February 2022 requires employers to allow for exemptions from workplace vaccine mandates for medical or religious reasons. Mass.gov / Official Photo. oncology, rheumatology, immunology). Vaccine and testing regulations:Employees at health care facilities and congregate living facilities such as nursing homes, group homes and prisons must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Please remove any contact information or personal data from your feedback. The CDC recommends that you wear the most protective mask you can that fits well and that you can wear for as long as you need it. TEDx speaker, LGBTQ+ advocate and digital influencerAlec Fischer created a documentary highlighting various industries that have been considered essential during the past year of COVID. State officials also are barred from requiring COVID-19 vaccines at schools, per legislation Ducey signed in May. Retailers will be able to open fitting rooms by appointment only. Advertisement Starting Saturday, patrons will. In May, he signed legislation barring mask mandates in buildings run by state or local government. Increased capacity limits on Massachusetts restaurants, gyms and other businesses are set to take effect Monday as state health officials continue to see encouraging trends in the state's COVID-19 data. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again. Vaccine and testing regulations: Then-Gov. Vaccine and testing regulations:A vaccine requirement for health care and education workers expired Oct. 31 with the end of the state's COVID-19 emergency order. Amongst Black consumers, the report found that 79% are more likely to support brands that support Black Lives Matter. Statewide, all restaurants, bars, lounges and clubs that serve food and drinks must close their indoor premises by 10 p.m. nightly and cannot open until at least 5 a.m. the next day. Some local restaurants, bars, and live music venues are taking it one step further, mandating that guests who are dining or attending a show indoors must show proof of vaccination at entry.. Vaccine and testing regulations:State government workers and staff at health care and long-term carefacilities must be fully vaccinated or submit to weekly testing. Mass.gov is a registered service mark of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. More information:Check the state health departments COVID-19 page. The Baker-Polito Administration is working 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. Glenn Youngkin (R) rescinded his predecessors executive order mandating vaccination for state employees. Government-owned or -operated health care institutions are exempt. Vaccine and testing regulations:Gov. Others only require masks in public buildings. Mask regulations:Masks are mandatory in long-term care facilities, medical facilities, prisons and shelters. 2021-2), Reissuance of Certain Public Health Orders(, COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Order No. Some towns and cities have community-wide mask requirements. Please do not include personal or contact information. Key numbers from the state Department of Public Health show infections, hospitalizations and positive test rates peaked in January and have been steadily dropping since. Note:Governor Baker ended theState of Emergency onJune 15, 2021. A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts. Mask regulations:Face-covering is required for workers in health care settings where COVID-19 patients are treated. restaurants, health clubs, casinos, and similar venues no longer need to close at 9:30 pm and (2)retail sales of alcohol and adult use marijuana no longer must stop at 9:30 pm. An appellate court justice has temporarily blocked the city from enforcing the mandate for police and fire departments. An indoor mask mandate enforced in Athens and Clarke County during periods of high COVID-19 transmission expired in full Oct. 6. Baker lifted a statewide mask mandate for K-12 public schools on Feb. 28, 2022. Mask regulations:State legislation adopted in February effectively bars school mask mandates by allowing parents to decide whether or not their children wear masks in public schools and early childhood programs. Please limit your input to 500 characters. Please limit your input to 500 characters. (superseded and rescinded by, Indoor gatherings at all venues and locations limited to 25 people, (2), Outdoor gatherings at private residences limited to 50 people, (3), Outdoor gatherings at event venues and in public settings (as further defined in the Order) (a), Lower Risk Communities - up to 100 people, (b), Communities that do not qualify as lower risk up to 50 people (rescinded by, all persons to wear face-coverings in all public places, even where they are able to maintain 6 feet of distance from others.