Mass. updates mask-wearing guidance for certain vaccinated people — and for the schools

In light of new federal mask guidelines earlier this week, Massachusetts public health and education leaders announced today changes to the state's mask-wearing recommendations.

First: Fully vaccinated people in Massachusetts are now recommended to wear masks indoors if they:

• 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, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated

Unlike the CDC guidance, Massachusetts is not recommending mask-wearing based on the transmission rates of your county.

Next: The state took another departure from CDC guidance with its new mask-wearing recommendations for schools. Despite federal recommendations that everyone in K-12 buildings wear masks regardless of vaccination status, Massachusetts is focusing on unvaccinated people. Unvaccinated students, educators, and staff members are recommended to wear masks, but vaccinated students can take their masks off. Cities and towns can make adjustments to determine what works best in their own district.