Framingham Mask Mandate Returns With COVID-19 Surge

FRAMINGHAM, MA — A mask mandate will return to Framingham beginning Jan. 19, according to an order signed Friday by Mayor Charlie Sisitsky.

The mandate returns after Framingham reported nearly 2,000 new coronavirus cases in one week on Wednesday, and as the city prepares to lift a pause on school and civic events.

"[A]ll persons entering any indoor public location in the City of Framingham shall wear a clean, well-fitted mask or face covering that covers their nose and mouth, such as a fabric or surgical mask. For purposes of this executive order, 'public location' is defined as any place open to the public, including but not limited to grocery stores, pharmacies, all other retail stores, public transportation, taxis, livery, and other ride-sharing vehicles, and any other business open to the public, including hotels, motels, event venues, and private clubs that host indoor events or performances," the order says.

Framingham has had a mask mandate for public buildings since the end of the summer, but a full mask mandate over public places has not been in place since last spring. Natick this week also brought back a mask mandate amid rising local cases.

The Framingham Board of Health will meet in emergency session Friday evening to approve the mandate.