Health

Outdoor mask requirement eased Friday throughout MA

BOSTON — We earned a bit more freedom Friday when it comes to masks. The state mandate for mask-wearing outside has been lifted. People are now allowed to go mask-free when outside and socially distanced.

It is not a major change, but it does show we are moving in the right direction.

One observation out in Waltham on Moody Street: we saw more people wearing their masks than not wearing them. On Friday, local restaurants in the city set up for their outdoor dining season. Everyone is just happy the rules are starting to loosen.

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Boston 25 News talked to some people who did not know the outdoor mask protocols changed Friday.

“I had no idea, but I’m fine with keeping it on for now,” one person said.

Restaurants on Moody Street like Tempo believe no masks will help their outdoor dining scene. Owner Erin Barnicle said they are also counting the days until they can seat larger parties and have full capacity.

“Everyone is just looking forward to getting back to normal, being able to serve guests the way we used to and enjoy life how it was,” Barnicle said.

When you are inside, you still have to wear the mask, but when you come outside, you can take it off as long as you stay about six feet from others.

“It’s great we are getting there anyway. It’s been a long year,” one woman said.

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With the outside mask requirement lifted, people said they really do have something to smile about and, with no masks on outside, everyone can see.

Many said they are going to wait for full vaccination before going mask-free outside.

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