I hope this finds you all healthy and safe. Below are recent updates on the vaccine eligibility timeline, the next phase of reopening, and a list of resources available to you during the pandemic.

As always, constituent services are our top priority. We continue to work remotely and our office is fully functioning. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance.

On March 17, the Baker-Polito Administration announced a more detailed timeline for all remaining residents to be eligible for a vaccine. All residents can pre-register to book an appointment at a mass vaccination site at mass.gov/COVIDVaccine. Appointments will be offered based on eligibility and available appointments at nearby locations. We anticipate additional sites will come online in April.

Timeline for remaining groups:

The full timeline is available at mass.gov/COVIDVaccinePhases.

The federal government has expressed assurances that an increased vaccine supply will be available to all states soon. Please note that it still could take weeks for people to be notified that an appointment is available at a mass vaccination site as vaccine doses become available.

Prevention measures are still necessary until more people are fully vaccinated, even for individuals who are fully vaccinated. Remember our social distancing basics. Please continue to wear a face mask. Stay healthy and safe. Help keep our family, friends, and community members healthy and safe.

Review MA’s Guidance for people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. 

On March 18, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that Massachusetts will advance to Step 1 of Phase IV of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan on March 22. A new Massachusetts Travel Advisory will also go into effect on March 22. 

 

As of March 22, all communities in Massachusetts will move into Step 1 of Phase IV of the state’s reopening plan. This will open a range of previously closed business sectors with tight capacity restrictions that are expected to be adjusted over time if favorable trends in the public health data continue.

Effective on the planned advancement to Step 1 of Phase IV, the following large capacity sports and entertainment venues will be permitted to operate at a strict 12% capacity limit after submitting a plan to the Department of Public Health (DPH):

 

Also effective on March 22, gathering limits for event venues and in public settings will increase to 100 people indoors and 150 people outdoors. Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 25 people, with indoor house gatherings remaining at 10 people.

 

Additionally, overnight summer camps will be allowed to operate this coming summer. Exhibition and convention halls may also begin to operate in accordance with gatherings limits and event protocols. Other Phase IV sectors remain closed.

For more detailed information, visit Mass.gov.

 

Effective March 22, the Massachusetts Travel Order will be replaced with a Travel Advisory. 

 

The new travel advisory will urge all persons entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, to quarantine for 10 days upon their arrival if they have been out of the state for 24 hours or more. 

 

The advisory does not apply to the following categories:

 

Travelers are encouraged to consult and follow the CDC’s guidelines and requirements for travel.  Read more here.