Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has signed an executive order requiring all residents to wear a face covering while in public, in situations where social distancing can’t be practiced, he said Friday.
The order is set to go into effect on May 6.
It will apply to all workers and customers of businesses, including retail and grocery stores, and while using public transportation. The order doesn’t apply to children younger than 2.
“If everybody’s wearing a mask, it will dramatically reduce the opportunity and possibility of spread,” Baker said. “This is going to be a way of life.”
As of Thursday, Massachusetts had 62,205 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 3,562 fatalities, nearly 60% of which were reported at long-term care facilities.
Baker said that although the state has seen a slight decline in its COVID-19 numbers, the drop is not enough to consider reopening.
