At its February 16th meeting Arlington’s Board of Health lifted the indoor mask mandate effective immediately. In their decision the Board cited, among other factors, reduced transmission rates, high vaccination status, and wider availability of testing. Read the memo from Arlington’s Board.

Although the mask mandate has been lifted for indoor spaces, business may choose to require the use of masks for their own establishment.

On February 15th the State rescinded its mask advisory, issued in December, but still has in place a mask mandate for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings. Read full state mask requirements at mass.gov/maskrules.

Arlington’s Board of Health along with the Mass. Department of Public Health recommends the following:

 

Fully Vaccinated individuals should continue to wear a face covering if you:

 - Have a weakened immune system.
- Are at increased risk for severe disease because of age or an underlying medical condition.
- Live with someone who has a weakened immune system and is at increased risk for severe disease or is unvaccinated.
- People who are not fully vaccinated should still wear masks indoors.

Individuals not fully vaccinated should continue to wear a face covering or mask to help prevent spreading COVID-19 to other people:

Individuals considered close contacts or have tested positive for COVID-19

- Must follow the isolation and quarantine guidance which includes wearing a mask in public for 5 more days after they leave isolation or quarantine on day 5, regardless of vaccination status.

Arlington’s Public Health Department will continue to monitor cases locally, provide vaccination and booster clinics, and antigen testing. To learn about an upcoming clinic or local COVID-19 related information, please visit arlingtonma.gov/covid19 or subscribe to Town Notices at arlingtonma.gov/emailsubscription.