The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Public Health
250 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108-4619

CHARLES D. BAKER

MARYLOU SUDDERS

KARYN E. POLITO

MONICA BHAREL, MD, MPH

Lieutenant Governor

Commissioner

Governor

Secretary

Tel: 617-624-6000

GUIDANCE FOR WEARING FACE MASKS IN PUBLIC SETTINGS
ISSUED
May 1, 2020
On May 1, 2020, Charles D. Baker, Governor of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, issued an order effective 12:01 am, Wednesday, May 6,
2020, requiring individuals to wear masks in public places. This guidance is
issued pursuant to that Order to further clarify who is required to wear masks
and any exceptions.
Any person who is in a place open to the public in the Commonwealth, when
unable to maintain a distance of approximately six feet from every other
person, shall cover their mouth and nose with a mask or cloth face-covering.
Masks are required at all times when:
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Inside or waiting in line outside of grocery stores, pharmacies, and
other retail stores;
Providing or using the services of any taxi, car, livery, ride-sharing, or
similar service;
On any form of public transit, including train or bus; and
In an enclosed or semi-enclosed transit stop or waiting area.

The use of a mask does not replace important social distancing measures. All
individuals must continue to maintain more than 6 feet of distance from
other people; wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20
seconds; and stay home when sick.
Children under the age of 2 years should not wear face coverings or masks.
For children 2 years of age and older, a mask or face covering should be
used, if possible. Mask use by children 2 years of age and up to the age of
five s encouraged but should be at the discretion of the child’s parent or
guardian at this time. Parents and guardians should ensure that the mask fits
snugly and does not obstruct a child’s ability to breathe.
The fit of face coverings should be as follows:

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Fit securely and comfortably against the side of the face;
Be secured with ties or ear loops;
Allow for breathing without restriction; and
Be able to laundered and machine dried without damage or change of
shape.

Exceptions for wearing face masks include situations that may inhibit an
individual from wearing a face-mask safely. These may include, but are not
limited to:
 Those who cannot breathe safely;
 Those who, due to a behavioral health diagnosis, are unable to do so;
 Those communicating with people who rely upon lip-reading;
 Those who require supplemental oxygen to breathe; and
 Those who are exercising outdoors and are able to keep physical distance
from others.
Masks and face coverings should be routinely washed depending on the
frequency of use. When possible, masks should be washed in a washing
machine. If a washing machine is unavailable, masks should be washed with
soap and water and allow drying fully before using again.
Per COVID-19 order No. 31, violations of the masking order shall be punished
in the following manner: (a) the first offense shall result in a warning and (b)
the second or subsequent offense may result in a civil citation and a fine of
up to $300.
For information on how to make your own masks please visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/DIY-cloth-facecovering-instructions.pdf