Mass. to Lift COVID-19 Restrictions May 29

With the state on track to vaccinate at least 4.1 million residents by the first week of June, Massachusetts leaders are lifting virtually all COVID-19 restrictions just in time for Memorial Day weekend.

On Monday, Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito announced that their face covering order will be rescinded on May 29. There is an exception for public transportation, healthcare facilities and other settings housing vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings.

Starting on May 29, all industries will be permitted to open and the gathering limit will be rescinded.

All industries will be encouraged to follow guidance from officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Baker will end the State of Emergency on June 15.

"The Commonwealth leads the nation in vaccinating residents, with 75 percent of adults receiving at least one dose. To date, over four million residents have received a first dose, with 3.2 million fully vaccinated," was written in a press release on the topic.

Massachusetts has an estimated 6.89 million people, according to the United States Census Bureau.

New cases in Massachusetts have dropped by 89 percent since Jan. 8. COVID hospitalizations are down 88 percent since January 1 and the positive test rate is down by 88 percent.

Officials at the CDC say that once a person is fully vaccinated, they can resume activities they did prior to the pandemic, which means not wearing a mask or physically distancing.

Contact Managing News Editor Kimberley Haas at Kimberley.Haas@townsquaremedia.com.