CDC Calls For Mask Use In 7 MA Counties: See The List

ATLANTA, GA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending mask use in several Massachusetts counties due to high levels of COVID-19.

Community levels of COVID-19 currently are medium or high in all but one Massachusetts county. Mask use while indoors or in public is recommended in all counties with high levels of coronavirus.

As of Thursday, the following counties have high levels of COVID-19, according to the CDC:

• Berkshire County
• Franklin County
• Worcester County
• Middlesex County
• Suffolk County
• Norfolk County
• Barnstable County

Hampshire, Hampden, Essex, Plymouth and Dukes counties all have medium levels of COVID-19, while Bristol County is the only county where levels remain low. In medium-level counties, the CDC recommends people at high risk for severe illness talk to their doctor about wearing a mask in public and take other precautions.

The CDC updates community levels every Thursday.

The CDC issued new guidance in February that is based on COVID-19 transmission levels and hospital capacity.

As of April 18, masks are no longer required in most public places in Massachusetts, according to the state department of health. Masks continue to be required for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people in certain places including health care and congregate care facilities, correctional facilities and emergency shelters.

See a full list of places where masks are still required in Massachusetts.