Reading Drops COVID-19 Emergency Orders

READING, MA — The Reading Board of Health voted Thursday to rescind all emergency orders related to the coronavirus pandemic in conjunction with the state.

Gov. Charlie Baker will lift the state of emergency in Massachusetts June 15. Reading health officials approved the lifting of all orders on that date by a vote of 3-0.

Reading's emergency orders have been in effect since March 2020. Thursday's vote will not impact the ability of the Board of Health to issue future orders related to the pandemic, and health officials endorsed any further guidance from the state.

"In the interim, the BOH endorses and will enforce current COVID-related guidelines, advisories and mandates as promulgated by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts," Board of Health Chair Rick Lopez said prior to the vote. "In no way will this action impact the authority of the BOH from issuing orders deemed necessary by the BOH at any time in the future."