Newton’s Indoor Mask Mandate To End On Feb. 18

NEWTON, MA — The City of Newton will rescind its mask mandate in all indoor public spaces effective at the end of the day Friday, Feb. 18, said Mayor Ruthanne Fuller in a statement Friday.

According to Fuller, she and Health and Human Services Commissioner Linda Walsh made the decision based on several factors, including the city’s high vaccination rates, the most recent COVID-19 data, and the widespread availability of COVID-19 at-home test kits.

"While the City of Newton will no longer be requiring masks at the end of next week in indoor public places, we support people who may choose to wear a mask,” said Fuller. "People have many reasons and circumstances for choosing to wear a mask, including vaccination status, desire to have an extra layer of defense against infection, being in a crowded gathering, visiting vulnerable family or friends, or living with someone who is immunocompromised.”

"Individual businesses and employers may also choose to require masks in their establishments,” she continued.

Newton residents will still be required to wear masks in a number of places in accordance with state and CDC guidelines. For instance, masks should be worn around others for an additional five days after a five-day isolation or quarantine period and will still be required on school buses, public transportation, and ride share, in healthcare and congregate care facilities, and certain other settings.

As of Thursday, more than 95 percent of Newton residents ages 5 and older have at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 88 percent are fully vaccinated.