Governor Declares State of Emergency Immediately; Closes MBTA on Tuesday

Gov. Charlie Baker signed an Executive Order on Monday allowing for the enforcement of a statewide travel ban effective at midnight.

Exceptions:

• Essential emergency response professionals
• Medical, healthcare and human service workers, including shelter personnel
• Essential public transit and support workers
• Public and private personnel supporting public works and utility operations
• Essential state employees
• Those traveling for essential medical procedures
• Vehicles and personnel delivering essential supplies to healthcare facilities.

The travel ban will be lifted on a county by county basis as conditions allow. All drivers are encouraged to remain safe and use their best judgment.

The MBTA will cease its services at midnight and may resume on Wednesday.

MBTA service will remain open during regular business hours on Monday. The MBTA will be closed on Tuesday. Services are planned to resume Wednesday, and additional announcements will be made by noon Tuesday.

Gov. Baker signed a Declaration of Emergency for Massachusetts on Monday ensuring state resources are available and coordinated for storm preparation and to enable swift response among the state, cities and towns.The state of emergency declaration will allow expedited use of state resources, the ability to request and receive mutual aid assistance from other states or the federal government if needed, the immediate procurement and deployment of goods and services necessary for response and other actions as considered necessary by the Governor. The state of emergency shall remain in effect until notice is given in the governor’s judgment that it is no longer necessary.