Cardinal Sean O'Malley, Archbishop of Boston. Photo: Getty Images
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Boston Catholic Archdiocese is announcing a new mask mandate as COVID numbers in Massachusetts rise to new heights this holiday season.
The mask mandate takes effect on December 18th — everyone five years old and older must wear a mask when attending public masses, including weddings and funerals.
Cardinal Sean O’Malley cited the explosion of COVID cases over the last few weeks as the reason for the new requirement. The latest daily report from Thursday night recorded 5,476 new cases and 27 new deaths.
Read More: Mass. Records Highest Single Day Covid Count Since Last January
O’Malley also said parishes should designate areas where social distancing is respected, as well as have masks available for those not expecting to need one, especially on Christmas.
The mandate will carry on into the new year, expiring on January 17th.
WBZ's James Rojas (@JamesRojasNews) has more:
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