WORCESTER, Mass. - Starting July 1, new guidance from the state’s Department of Public Health will make masks optional for most individuals, regardless of vaccination status.

The decision concerns UMass Memorial Health’s Dr. Robert Klugman.

“The risk of getting COVID is going to stay very real for a while,” said Klugman. “We’re not going to be in the clear. Unfortunately, this COVID virus is rapidly evolving.” 

What You Need To Know

  • Starting July 1, masks will be optional for most in Massachusetts
  • Mass DPH is still recommending mask wearing for those who are immunocompromised or live with someone who is
  • New COVID-19 variants have some in the city and health care professions worried about removing masks
  • DPH says 84% of eligible residents in Massachusetts are fully vaccinated and more than half of adults are boosted, which led to the decision to change the guidance

Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke said, “Massachusetts residents have the option to make a personal choice about wearing a mask or face covering in indoor settings."

Klugman points to newer variants like the BA.2 as cause for concern.

​”These are more contagious, more easily transmitted, and can blast through prior vaccination and even prior infection," Klugman said.

Masks will still be required in certain settings, like health care facilities.

Though a mandate has been lifted for some time, some in Worcester were mixed about being around others in public without masks on.

“For me, I’m really happy,” said one man walking downtown.

“I would feel uncomfortable to be around them without wearing a mask,” said another woman.

Worcester still has an indoor mask advisory. The city says there’s no decision yet on when it will remove it.

If the mask advisory removed, Dr. Klugman still warns people to take precautions when going out.

“Going to a wedding, a funeral, places where you don’t know if people have been tested or could be bringing you the virus. I had one patient who went to a wedding where 40 people got COVID,” Dr. Klugman said. “Those are the worries. It’s really proportional to your health and your risks.”