Town Of Wakefield: Indoor Mask Mandate Lifted February 18

Press release from the Town of Wakefield:

February 17, 2022 - 1:49pm

At their February 16, 2022, meeting, Wakefield’s Board of Health voted to rescind the Town’s mask mandate for public indoor spaces and municipal buildings effective Friday, February 18, at 12:01 a.m. Citing a declining positivity rate and decrease in COVID-related hospitalizations and deaths, the Board agreed that the temporary mandate could be lifted.

The Board has noted that well-fitting masks, vaccinations and boosters, testing, distancing, proper hygiene, and ventilation are among the protections that significantly reduce risk of transmission, and individuals can still choose to wear masks based on their personal circumstances. Private businesses have the option to create their own policies requiring masks, if desired.

Masks are still required on transportation like the MBTA, commuter rail, buses, rideshares, and airplanes, as well as in healthcare facilities and congregate care facilities. Read more about these state and federal guidelines. 

Note that the Wakefield School Committee sets policy for Wakefield Public Schools. The School Committee voted on Tuesday evening, February 15, 2022, to rescind the current face covering policy on March 9, 2022. At that time, students, faculty, and staff may choose to continue to wear masks to be safe or if they need to for medical purposes. Additionally, masking will continue to be required on school buses and when students return to school from isolation.   

Additional Resources

If you are looking to get a booster or initial vaccine, use this tool to find vaccination locations near you. If you or a family member have sensory and/or other accommodation needs and are looking to get a COVID vaccination, VaxAbilities hosts clinics staffed with skilled support personnel so the experience is the most positive and comfortable possible.

Need to test? View COVID-19 testing sites around the state through the Massachusetts "Stop the Spread" program.

• Beginning January 15, most people with a health plan can go online or to a retail outlet to purchase an at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic test at no cost, either through reimbursement or free of charge through their insurance.
• In addition, a new federal program will provide every home in the U.S. four free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests.
• You are encouraged to follow best practices should you test positive.

View our health and wellness resources to help you stay physically active, maintain good nutrition, and cope with stress.

If you have any questions about the mask order or the resources listed, you can contact Wakefield’s Health Department at (781) 246-6375.

This press release was produced by the Town of Wakefield.The views expressed here are the author’s own.