COVID-19 Information

PRESS RELEASE APRIL 27, 2021

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that Massachusetts will reopen some outdoor Phase 4, Step 2 industries effective May 10^th and put plans in place for further reopening on May 29^th and August 1^st. The Administration continues to take steps to reopen the Commonwealth's economy with public health metrics continuing to trend in a positive direction. This includes drops in average daily COVID cases and hospitalizations. Massachusetts remains first in the nation for first vaccine doses and total doses administered per capita, among states with more than 5 million people. The Administration will also relax the Face Coverings Order for some outdoor settings, effective April 30^th.  

Face Coverings Order: 

Effective April 30^th, the Face Coverings Order will be relaxed for some outdoor settings.

Face coverings will only be required outside in public when it is not possible to socially distance, and at other times required by sector-specific guidance.

Face coverings will still be required at all times in indoor public places. Face coverings will also continue to be required at all times at events, whether held indoors or outdoors and whether held in a public space or private home, except for when eating or drinking.

At smaller gatherings in private homes, face coverings are recommended but not required. The $300 fine as an enforcement mechanism will be eliminated.

For more information, visit mass.gov/reopening.

Effective Monday, May 10^th:

Large venues such as indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas and ballparks currently open as part of Phase 4, Step 1 at 12% will be permitted to increase capacity to 25%.

The Commonwealth will reopen some outdoor Phase 4, Step 2 industries including amusement parks, theme parks and outdoor water parks that will be permitted to operate at a 50% capacity after submitting safety plans to the Department of Public Health.

Road races and other large, outdoor organized amateur or professional group athletic events will be permitted to take place with staggered starts after submitting safety plans to a local board of health or the DPH.

Youth and adult amateur sports tournaments will be allowed for moderate and high risk sports.

Singing will also be permitted indoors with strict distancing requirements at performance venues, restaurants, event venues and other businesses.

Effective May 29^th:

Subject to public health and vaccination data, gathering limits will increase to 200 people indoors and 250 people outdoors for event venues, public settings and private settings.

Subject to public health and vaccination data, additional Phase 4, Step 2 industries will be permitted to open including:

• Street festivals, parades and agricultural festivals, at 50% of their previous capacity and after submitting safety plans to the local board of health.
• Bars, beer gardens, breweries, wineries and distilleries, will be subject to restaurant rules with seated service only, a 90 minute limit and no dance floors.

Subject to public health and vaccination data, the restaurant guidance will be updated to eliminate the requirement that food be served with alcohol and to increase the maximum table size to 10.

Effective August 1^st:

Subject to public health and vaccination data, remaining industries will be permitted to open including:

• Dance clubs, and nightclubs
• Saunas, hot-tubs, steam rooms at fitness centers, health clubs and other facilities
• Indoor water parks
• Ball pits

All industry restrictions will be lifted at that time, and capacity will increase to 100% for all industries, with businesses encouraged to continue following best practices. The gathering limit will be rescinded.

Depending on vaccine distribution and public health data, the Administration may consider re-evaluating the August 1^st date.

The Department of Public Health will also continue to issue guidance as needed, including guidance to still require masks indoors.

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COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Stoneham Residents

Effective March 22, 2021, workers in certain categories are eligible to get vaccinated, please check your eligibility here: https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine

To pre-register or to find a vaccine location, please visit: 

https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/ 

Effective 3/11/21, K-12 educators, school staff, and child care workers are eligible to get vaccinated. 

People with no computer access can call 2-1-1 or 877-211-6277 for assistance finding an appointment.

The state COVID-19 website is the best place for the most up-to-date vaccine information. For those without access to email, please call 781-279-2621 and leave a message and a member of our staff will return your call during business hours. Thank you.

COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Massachusetts’ planning and preparation for a COVID-19 vaccine

Please watch this video if you are having trouble using the PrepMod platform to register (created by the Malden Health Department): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-evpnqKq2s 

If you are a veteran, please contact the VA you receive services from to get vaccinated. Each VA location will have different eligibility requirements. Here is a link to the VA in Bedford's COVID-19 vaccine information page: https://www.bedford.va.gov/services/covid-19-vaccines.asp.. Here is the link to the VA in Jamaica Plain:   https://www.boston.va.gov/services/covid-19-vaccines.asp