You Need to Wear a Mask When Entering These MA Buildings

We're seeing more and more throughout Massachusetts and the country, in general, a relaxation in mask mandates. However, hospitalizations are creeping up in parts of the country. Could the winds of change be in the air regarding mask mandates? Many folks have heard by now that several airlines don't require masks to be worn on airplanes. In addition, many buildings throughout Massachusetts have loosened up on mask requirements as well, but not everyone.

I started thinking about this as I have two appointments coming up soon, one is in Springfield (a checkup on my transplanted kidney) and one is in Pittsfield (dentist). Low and behold both of those Massachusetts facilities still require you to wear masks which makes sense to me. As a matter of fact, according to mass.gov, a number of health care facilities in Massachusetts still have mask mandates. Here's what it says on the site:

Masks continue to be required for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals at all times in the following locations, subject to the exemptions listed below:

Healthcare facilities licensed or operated by the Commonwealth and healthcare practice locations of any provider licensed by a professional board which sits within the Department of Public Health or the Division of Professional Licensure. These settings include nursing homes, rest homes, emergency medical services, hospitals, physician and other medical and dental offices, urgent care settings, community health centers, vaccination sites, behavioral health clinics, and Bureau of Substance and Addiction Services (BSAS) facilities. This requirement applies to patients, residents, staff, vendors and visitors.

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As a matter of fact, there are other Massachusetts facilities and programs that still require you to wear a mask including:

The RIDE
Congregate Care Facilities
Emergency Shelter Programs
Prisons/Jails/Houses of Correction etc.
Health Care and Day Services
Home Health Care Workers

You can get complete details on this list by going here.

As mentioned above, this makes sense to me. With some of these facilities having many people located in them, you never really know who isn't feeling well and who is. Plus, since I do have a transplanted kidney, my immune system is a bit compromised. So, I have no issue with keeping things on the safe side. I'm sure we could have a friendly debate about this all day but what are your thoughts on the mask requirements for these Massachusetts facilities and programs?

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