Baker Says No New Mask Mandate, Signs $4B COVID Recovery Bill

MASSACHUSETTS — Gov. Charlie Baker signed a $4 billion COVID-19 recovery bill Monday but said no to imposing a new mask mandate as coronavirus cases spike in Massachusetts.

"Kids are staying in school, our small businesses are open for holiday shopping, families are gathering," Baker said. "COVID isn't going away anytime soon. If you're eligible to get vaccinated, get vaccinated; eligible to get boosted, get boosted."

Baker was asked about the mask mandate as he announced the state would send 2 million rapid COVID-19 test kits to communities hit hardest in the recent surge. The state's seven-day, average positive-test rate is about 5 percent and infections are occurring at rates not seen since last winter.

The state legislature passed the COVID recovery bill on Dec. 3. The bill is being paid for with $1.5 billion from last year's state budget surplus and $2.5 billion from the state’s allocation under the American Rescue Plan Act.

The bill gives money to Massachusetts cities and towns for improvements, including $100 million for water and sewer systems, $100 million for environmental infrastructure plans,$100 million for public school HVAC upgrades, $50 million increased broadband access and and $15 million cybersecurity systems.

The bill also includes $200 million for local boards of health. Another $600 million is set aside for housing, workforce and economic development proposals.