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FRANKLIN, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) – The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) is removing their mask mandate for student athletes in the state.
“To remain consistent with the DESE mask requirement update, beginning February 28, 2022, the MIAA mask-wearing protocols will end,” Executive Director Dr. Robert Baldwin announced on Twitter Friday.
The MIAA said future tournaments will continue to adhere to the restrictions of the schools at which they are being hosted. Member schools will also need to communicate with and respect any local protocols. Anyone who wishes to still wear a mask may continue to do so.
“As we have learned throughout this ordeal, we will continue to monitor facts that we received to inform future decision-making,” Baldwin continued. “I would like to commend the perseverance and understanding of all stakeholders as you have attempted to adhere to the arduous task of masking guidelines during this winter athletic season.”
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DESE announced Wednesday that the indoor mask mandate for Massachusetts schools would be lifted at the end of the month. In addition, the Archdiocese of Boston will also lift their mandate on the same day. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has said the mask mandate for Boston schools will remain in effect after the 28th.
This comes as COVID-19 cases across the Commonwealth have continued to decline since the start of the year. The latest COVID numbers from the Department of Health on Thursday showed a 7-day average positivity rate of 3.80%.
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