Massachusetts Department of Public Health Updates Face-covering Advisory

BOSTON — The Department of Public Health (DPH) released updated guidance regarding the use of face coverings and masks by individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Recognizing that Massachusetts is a national leader in vaccine acceptance, and in light of recent improvements in COVID indicators, DPH now advises that a fully vaccinated person should wear a mask or face covering when indoors (and not in their own home) if they have a weakened immune system, if they are at increased risk for severe disease because of age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in their household has a weakened immune system and is at increased risk for severe disease or is unvaccinated.

Individuals who are not fully vaccinated should continue to wear a face covering or mask when indoors with others to help prevent spreading COVID.

Individuals who have tested positive or are a close contact of someone with COVID must follow the isolation and quarantine guidance, which includes wearing a mask in public for five more days after leaving isolation or quarantine on day 5, regardless of vaccination status.

All people in Massachusetts, regardless of vaccination status, are required to continue wearing face coverings in certain settings, including on public transportation and in healthcare facilities. Visit www.mass.gov/maskrules for a complete list of venues where face coverings have remained mandatory since May 29, 2021.