MA Masks Can Soon Come Off During Outdoor Games, Recess, Camps

ACROSS MASSACHUSETTS — The masks can soon come off on the baseball fields, playgrounds and outdoor youth camps across the state.

As part of the decision to lift all statewide coronavirus-related business restrictions effective May 29, Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito said on Monday that youth sports will be allowed to play without face coverings as of Tuesday.

Also effective Tuesday, schools can let students take them off while outdoors during recess. Summer camps can choose to allow campers to go mask-free while outdoors as well, effective May 29.

The state will also lift guidelines on the touching of shared items such as sports equipment, toys and books, as of Tuesday.

(MORE ON PATCH: MA Lifting All COVID-19 Restrictions May 29)

"We are making these updates after consultation with our medical advisory board to reflect the latest CDC guidance around outdoor face coverings and surface transmission while keeping our children safe," Polito said.

Children 12 years old and older became eligible for the Pfizer vaccine last week with several school districts offering student clinics to administer them.

All youth and amateur sports restrictions will be lifted on May 29.

Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association spokesperson Tara Bennett told Patch the MIAA will release a statement on face coverings for school athletic events "when the MIAA governance process has been completed" and that it was working Monday morning with the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs on their updated guidance for all athletics.

"Until then, current guidelines remain in place," she said.

Individual communities, schools, local Boards of Health and private companies have the option of maintaining stricter rules when it comes to face coverings and other safety protocols.

Gov. Baker said that goes for any vaccination requirements as well.

"If a camp were to decide they want their folks to get vaccinated as a precaution for the summer that's something they can do," Baker confirmed on Tuesday.

Staff and students will still be required to wear masks indoors at K-12 schools, camps and daycare facilities.

More Patch Coverage: MA Ready To Vaccinate 12-Year-Olds

Swampscott School Coronavirus Vaccine Clinic Set For This Weekend