Massachusetts makes mask use mandatory, deaths top 4,400
Boston — Massachusetts residents are now required to wear facial coverings when in public.
An executive order signed by Gov. Charlie Baker last week took effect Wednesday mandating the use of masks when individuals aren’t able to socially distance from others.
Under the order, masks must be worn in grocery stores and pharmacies, on public transit and in cabs and ride-hailing services. The order also lets store owners deny entry to anyone not wearing a mask.
Those who refuse could face fines as high as $300.
Children under 2 are exempt, as are those with certain medical conditions.
The use of masks is key to help slow the spread of the coronavirus, Baker said.
“It’s clear this virus is highly contagious and can be spread person to person without symptoms,” the Republican said at a press conference.
The order defines a facial covering as anything that covers the nose and mouth, including masks, scarfs or bandannas. Medical-grade face masks should be reserved for medical workers, Baker said.
More developments in Massachusetts:
COVID-19 update
Massachusetts recorded another 208 confirmed COVID-19-related deaths on Wednesday, bringing to 4,420 the total number of deaths recorded in the state since the pandemic’s start.
The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts surpassed 72,000 on Wednesday after the state reported an additional 1,754 individuals who tested positive for the disease caused by the coronavirus.
The number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care units now stands at 922, while the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19 is more than 3,500.
The number of deaths at long-term care facilities stands at 2,653 — or 60% of the state’s COVID-19-related deaths.
Voting options
Voters would have more options to cast ballots under legislation proposed by Secretary of the Commonwealth William Galvin.
Under the proposal, Massachusetts voters could choose to vote by mail in the Sept. 1 primary and the Nov. 3 general election.
The plan would allow for 18 days of early voting for the November election, as well as seven days of early voting ahead of the September primary.
The Democrat is also asking lawmakers to let officials mail early ballots as soon as ballots are ready. Current law limits the availability of mail-in ballots.