Massachusetts has adopted a 4-phased approach to reopening the state—one that will be driven by public health data.  Learn more about reopening Massachusetts.

COVID Restrictions to Lift May 29, 2021

The Baker-Polito Administration recently announced that all remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted effective May 29 and the State of Emergency will end on June 15. 

Effective May 18

  • Masks will no longer be required for outdoor activities like recess, and sharing objects in classrooms will be permitted.​​​​​​

Effective May 29

  • Non-vaccinated individuals are advised to continue wearing face masks and to continue distancing in most settings. 
  • Face coverings will still be required for ALL individuals in the following locations:
    • On public and private transportation,
    • Inside K-12 public schools, collaboratives, approved special education schools,
    • Inside childcare programs,
    • In health care facilities and provider offices,
    • In congregate care settings,
    • In health care and rehabilitative day services and programs.
  • The gathering limit will be rescinded.
  • All industries will be permitted to open and can increase capacity to 100%.
  • All youth and amateur sports restrictions will be lifted.
  • Summer camps will no longer require masks for outdoor activities.

For more information, read the press release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Plans for Continued Reopening

The Face Coverings Order will be relaxed for some outdoor settings, effective April 30, 2021. Face coverings will still be required at all times in indoor public places. Face coverings will also continue to be required at all times at events, whether held indoors or outdoors and whether held in a public space or private home, except for when eating or drinking. At smaller gatherings in private homes, face coverings are recommended but not required. Learn more.

Additional changes will go into effect on May 10 and May 29, subject to public health and vaccination data. Learn more.

MA Advances to Step 1 of Phase IV of the Reopening Plan & Travel Order Downgraded to Advisory

On March 18, 2021 the Baker-Polito Administration announced that Massachusetts will advance to Step 1 of Phase IV of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan on Monday, March 22. Additionally, the Massachusetts Travel Order originally issued in July 2020 will be downgraded to a Travel Advisory, effective March 22. 

Phase IV, Step 1 and Gathering Changes

Effective March 22, MA will transition to Step 1 of Phase IV of the reopening plan.

  • The following large capacity sports and entertainment venues will be permitted to operate at a strict 12% capacity limit after submitting a plan to the Department of Public Health:
    • Indoor and outdoor stadiums
    • Arenas
    • Ballparks
  • Gathering limits for event venues and in public settings will increase to 100 people indoors and 150 people outdoors. Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 25 people, with indoor house gatherings remaining at 10 people.
  • Dance floors will be permitted at weddings.
  • Overnight summer camps will be allowed to operate this coming summer.
  • Exhibition and convention halls may also begin to operate, following gatherings limits and event protocols. 

Travel Order

Effective March 22, the Massachusetts Travel Order will be replaced with a Travel Advisory. The advisory does not apply to anyone in the following categories:

  • Anyone who is returning to Massachusetts after an absence of fewer than 24 hours. 
  • Travelers who have a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72 hours prior to their arrival in Massachusetts. 
  • Workers who enter Massachusetts to perform critical infrastructure functions (as specified by the Federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) while they are commuting to or from or while at work.
  • Travelers who are fully vaccinated (i.e. who have received two doses of either the Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines OR who have received a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, 14 days or more ago and who do not have symptoms). 

Read the full press release.

Capacity and Gathering Limits

Temporary capacity and gathering limits will be in effect from Saturday December 26, 2020 through January 24, 2021, unless extended by the Governor.

  • Most industries are subject ot a 25% capacity limit.  See list of industries.
  • Indoor gatherings are limited to 10 people.
  • Outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 people.

Read a summary of the restrictions here.

Read the emergency order here.

New Restrictions for Capacity, Mask Compliance & Distancing

On Tuesday December 8, 2020, the Baker-Polito Administration announced new statewide restrictions to respond to the increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.  These restrictions, effective December 13th, reduce indoor capacity among other changes.  Learn more.

New Measures to Curb Rising COVID-19 Cases

On Monday November 2, 2020 , the Baker-Polito Administration announced a series of target measures to disrupt the increasing trend of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. 

  • Stay at Home Advisory: Beginning on Friday November 6, 2020, all residents of Massachusetts are advised to stay home between the hours of 10pm and 5am.  Read the advisory. 

  • Early Closure of Businesses and Activities:  Effective Friday November 6, 2020, certain businesses and activities must close to the public each day between the hours of 9:30 PM and 5:00 AM.  Businesses and activities include: restaurants (in-person dining), liquor stores, marijuana sales, indoor and outdoor events, theaters, movie theaters, performance venues, youth and adult amateur sports activities, golf facilities, recreational boating and boating businesses, outdoor recreational activities, casinos and horse tracks, driving and flight schools, zoos, botanical gardens, wildlife reserves, nature centers, close contact personal services (such as hair and nail salons), gyms and fitness centers, indoor and outdoor pools, and museums.  Read the executive order to see the full list of businesses.

  • Face Covering Order: Effective Friday November 6, 2020, all persons are required to wear face-coverings in all public places, even where they are able to maintain 6 feet of distance from others. The revised order still allows for an exception for residents who cannot wear a face-covering due to a medical or disabling condition, but it allows employers to require employees to provide proof of such a condition. Read the revised order.

  • Order Limiting Size of Gatherings:  Effective Friday November 6, 2020, indoor gatherings at private residences are limited to 10 people and outdoor gatherings at private residences are limited to 25 people.  The order also requires that organizers of gatherings report known positive COVID-19 cases to the local health department in that community and requires organizers to cooperate with contact tracing. Violating the order will result in $500 for each person above the limit at a particular gathering. Read the revised order.

COVID-19 Travel Order

Effective August 1, 2020, all visitors and returning residents entering Massachusetts must follow new travel orders. All visitors entering MA and returning residents (who do not meet an exemption) are required to:

  • Complete Massachusettes Travel Form prior to arrival, unless you are visiting from a lower-risk state designated by the Department of Public Health.
  • Quarantine for 14 days or produce a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72-hours prior to your arrival in Massachusetts.

Failure to comply may result in a $500 fine per day.

COVID-19 Resources & Information