Are mask mandates coming back to Boston?

BOSTON — The Chief of Boston Health and Human Services, Marty Martinez, said when it comes to mask mandates that the city is reviewing its own metrics and looking at the latest CDC guidance.

Some major cities, including New York City, are requiring city workers to get vaccinated.

At this point, Martinez said Boston is not seeing a huge uptick in cases. Specifically, he said that only 36 people are being treated for COVID in Boston hospitals, compared to 1,500 at the peak of COVID.

>>>MORE: ‘I’m not putting that in my arm!’: Mixed reaction to vaccine, mask policies at Boston businesses

But he adds that, so far, only 60% of people in the city are fully vaccinated. And he does note that many institutions can mandate vaccinations, like hospitals and universities. But will the city mandate its workers to get the shot?

Martinez said they are exploring that possibility because city workers deal directly with the public. But they want to make sure any decision is based on science.

“Everything is on the table. The mayor’s said to us time and time again, let’s see what we have to do and if we need to tweak some of those precautions we will,” he said. “We will continue to look at it.”

Martinez said we can expect to hear more on this from the mayor Thursday.

Download the free Boston 25 News app for up-to-the-minute push alerts

>> Complete Covid-19 vaccine coverage

RESOURCES:

- Complete local and national coronavirus coverage here

- Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Watch Boston 25 NOW

- Download our free apps for your phone and smart TV

©2021 Cox Media Group