Baker Issues Mask Advisory, Activates Guard To Help At Hospitals

MASSACHUSETTS — The ongoing omicron variant-fueled surge of coronavirus cases in Massachusetts prompted Gov. Charlie Baker to issue a "mask advisory" Tuesday and activate 500 National Guard members to help at overcrowded hospitals.

Under the advisory, the state Department of Public Health is advising everyone — regardless of vaccination status — to wear a face mask in indoor public places. The advisory falls short of a mandate that would require mask-wearing in public places, which many health care professionals have called on Baker to impose since cases started to surge last month.

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Baker once again during his Tuesday news conference shot down the suggestion that the state should reimpose a universal indoor mask order.

"I have no interest in putting a mandate on this issue, given all the tools available on a statewide basis, on the people of Massachusetts," he said. "If locals wish to pursue (city= or town-specific) options they can do so.

"We issued a mask mandate last fall because we had no other options available to us."

The National Guard members who were activated Tuesday will begin training this week to support 55 acute care hospitals' non-clinical support needs and 12 regional ambulance service providers with transport needs. The Guard members are expected to complete their training and begin working in hospitals and with the ambulance companies on Monday.

The surge, coupled with a labor shortage, has left most Massachusetts hospitals at or near capacity. As part of Tuesday's moves, the DPH ordered hospitals to cancel or postpone nonessential, elective procedures that would result in inpatient admission.

Baker has resisted a mask mandate, saying the state's high vaccination rate and local regulations offered enough protection. But the emergence of the omicron variant, coupled with cold weather that forced holiday gatherings indoors, prompted the DPH to alter its recommendations.

"If people wish to add another layer of protection by wearing a mask in indoor settings, we would urge them to do so," Baker said.

On Monday, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said the city will begin requiring proof of vaccination on Jan. 15 for people to enter many indoor public spaces, including restaurants and gyms. Officials in Somerville, Salem and several others applauded the move and said they were considering similar measures.

Baker did not answer whether he was in favor of the specific vaccine order but added that his administration would be there to help support cities and towns as they enact the policies that they feel best fit their communities.

Baker said he expects cases will remain high "for the foreseeable future" in Massachusetts, and across the country, and continued to urge vaccinations and booster shots as the best protection against serious sickness or death.

"New cases today do not mean the same thing as they meant a year ago," he said. "Vaccinated people may test positive but their chances of dying or getting seriously ill are so small they pale in comparison to so many riskier behaviors out there.

"Yes, cases may go up. But if you are vaccinated your risk stays the same — which is extremely low. If you are boosted, your risk is even lower."