Worcester’s Board of Health to consider letting mask mandate expire

WORCESTER, Mass. — The city of Worcester could become the biggest city in Massachusetts to do away with its mask mandate. The Board of Health is expected to take up the issue Monday night. But the idea already has the backing of the city’s manager, especially as case numbers and the number of hospital patients with COVID continue to drop.

That’s why City Manager Ed Augustus will be asking the board of health to let the mandate expire on Feb. 18. Augustus also says if the board approves, any college or business with over 90-percent vaccination rate of its students or employees can end their mask mandate before the 18th. DESE’s mask mandate will remain in effect until at least the end of the month. Masks will still be required on city buses and public transportation. Augustus did say if cases go back up, the city could quickly reverse course.

“We put this mask mandate in back in September, so if we think things are moving in the wrong direction because of some new variant in the future, then we will re-institute it,” said City Manager Ed Augustus.

Beverly, Lowell, and Mansfield allowed their mask mandates to expire. Canton’s Board of Health has a meeting this week, where it will consider dropping the mask mandate.

On Feb. 14 in Worcester, there will be full public access to city buildings and the senior center. Boards and commissions can also resume in-person meetings.

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