Mask Mandate Back For Worcester Civic Buildings, Events

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester is bringing back a mask mandate amid a rise in coronavirus cases locally and across Massachusetts.

The new mask mandate, which goes into effect Thursday, only applies to civic buildings and events sponsored by the city. The order does not apply to private businesses, although many national chains are bringing back mandates for employees — including Walmart, Home Depot and Walgreen's — and strongly urging customers to wear them.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said places in the U.S. where coronavirus transmission is rated "substantial" or "high" should return to masking. Worcester County is in the "substantial" category.

Some of the buildings in Worcester where masks will be required include: City Hall; the Municipal Service Center along Main Street; Worcester Public Library branches; police and fire stations; the Worcester Senior Center; Department of Public Works and Parks buildings; Union Station; and the MassHire Central Region office along Main Street.

The order applies to every visitor and employee, regardless of vaccination status.

Masks are also required on all public transit, including Worcester Regional Transit Authority buses and MBTA commuter rail trains.