Somerville To Lift Final Mask Mandate

SOMERVILLE, MA — The city will lift its mask mandate for city buildings and events on Monday, March 21, marking an end to all city-issued face covering requirements.

The Board of Health ended the mask mandate for indoor public spaces on March 5, and face coverings will be optional in Somerville schools starting Monday, March 14.

Federal and state masking requirements still apply in certain settings, such as mass transit, ride-shares, medical settings and adult daycare. People with COVID-19 symptoms, a positive test, or known exposure to COVID-19 should wait until they have completed quarantine and are symptom-free before heading out without a mask.

Businesses are allowed to establish their own mask requirements, and masks may continue to be worn by choice.

Those who are immunocompromised or at higher risk of severe illness, and those who live with or spend time with them, may wish to continue masking in indoor settings.

People at higher risk for severe illness include seniors, those with underlying health conditions, pregnant or recently pregnant people and people who are not vaccinated.

"Vaccination has played a significant role in driving down COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and especially with the masks coming off, it remains more important than ever that we all stay up to date with the vaccines," Mayor Katjana Ballantyne said in a statement. "Please be sure to get vaccinated and boosted when you are eligible so that you can continue to protect yourselves, your neighbors, and our incredibly dedicated healthcare workers."