BOSTON — The long-closed Massachusetts State House will finally reopen to the public on Tuesday, February 22, after being closed for nearly two years due to the pandemic.
Masks will be required. And visitors will have to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test.
“We are pleased to announce that the State House will be opened to the public, Monday through Friday, as of Tuesday, February 22, 2022. Masks will be required, as well as proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test from no more than one day before entry. With public health data constantly evolving, we will review these requirements on a weekly basis. We look forward to seeing the public in the State House,” according to a joint statement from Senate President Karen E. Spilka and House Speaker Ronald Mariano.
Governor Charlie Baker spoke Monday afternoon, after his weekly meeting with Senate President Spilka and House Speaker Mariano.
He said he disagrees with them on a vaccine mandate to enter the state house.
“I don’t think this building needs a vax mandate, but I’m in a different position than my colleagues on that one,” said Baker.
The state house was the target of a protest last week, by demonstrators demanding access to the building.
[ Small protest targets State House access, COVID restrictions ]
The statehouse has been closed for 700+ days.
During the Monday afternoon media availability with the governor, House Speaker Mariano was asked how the mandates will be enforced.
“We will have someone at the door, checking to make sure that people are vaxxed,:” said Mariano. “We’re in the process of negotiating exactly how we will administer the doors. We are prepared to use court officers. We want to provide an opportunity for people to come in but we do ask that they respect the folks who are going to be in here working.”
Mariano was also asked what took so long.
“I think what took so long was the fact that this is also a public building and it’s a tourist attraction. It’s on The Freedom Trail. We wanted to make sure we knew who was coming in here and that the folks that were coming in here weren’t a threat to the folks who were working in here.”
“There are about 600 workers in here, that are the employees of the house and the senate. Our goal is to protect them,” Mariano said.
Senate President Spilka also spoke Monday afternoon and addressed people’s frustration with restrictions.
“I know people, myself included, are tired of COVID and all of the vaccine requirements, mask requirements. People want to get on with their lives. They’re tired of it. They’re over it, for many folks, but COVID is not over with Massachusetts, nor its residents. We still have usually 50 people, state residents, dying almost every single day from COVID. So, this is a very real issue.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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