Gov. Baker to update reopening plans
Baker promised an update early next week after new CDC guidance.
Gov. Charlie Baker said in a tweet Friday that he’ll update the state’s reopening plans early next week.
Baker’s comments came a day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued new guidance saying that fully vaccinated Americans no longer need to wear masks indoors or out in most situations.
“The @CDCgov guidance is great news. We will be updating our reopening plans early next week,” the Republican tweeted. “Massachusetts is on track to vaccinate more than 4 million residents soon. Please stay safe while we prepare next steps to return to our new normal.”
Two weeks ago, Massachusetts began to ease up on mask requirements by allowing people to go maskless in outdoor public settings as long as they could continue to socially distance from others.
Face coverings are still required at all times in indoor public places, including stores. Store owners can still refuse entry to any customer who won’t put on a mask.
Face coverings also continue to be required at all times at events, whether held indoors or outdoors and whether held in a public space or a private home, except when eating or drinking.
Under the state’s existing reopening timetable, beginning May 29, street festivals, parades and agricultural festivals will be allowed to open at 50% of their previous capacity, and bars, beer gardens, breweries, wineries and distilleries will be subject to restaurant rules with seated service only, a 90minute limit and no dance floors.
Beginning Aug. 1, other businesses will be allowed to open, including nightclubs, indoor water parks, ball pits, saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms at fitness centers and health clubs.
Meanwhile, more than a dozen states have quickly embraced new federal guidelines that say fully vaccinated Americans no longer need to wear masks indoors or out in most cases.
As many business owners pointed out, there is no easy way to determine who has been vaccinated and who hasn’t.
Labor groups and others warned that employees at stores, restaurants, bars and other businesses could be left exposed to the coronavirus from customers and could be forced into the unwanted role of “vaccination police.”
Several major chains, including CVS, Home Depot, Macy’s and supermarket giant Kroger Co., said they are still requiring masks in stores for the time being, though some said they are reviewing their policies.