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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the state's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education are releasing new guidance when it comes to wearing masks indoors.
The DPH said in a release on Friday that fully vaccinated people are now encouraged to wear a mask or face covering when indoors if they have a weakened immune system.
That guidance applies to people who many have an increased risk of severe disease because of their age or underlying medical conditions. Everyone is also encouraged to wear masks around others who may be at risk of severe illness or are not vaccinated.
READ MORE: Somerville 'Strongly Recommends' Masks Indoors Regardless Of Vaccine Status
All residents and visitors are still required to wear masks in certain settings -- like on transportation and in health care facilities.
Meanwhile, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) also released new guidance on Friday in line with the DPH's recommendations.
The department is strongly recommending that all students in grades K through six wear masks when indoors -- unless they have specified medical or behavioral needs.
Officials are also recommending all unvaccinated staff or unvaccinated students in grades seven and above wear masks indoors.
Students and staff are still required to wear masks on school buses or inside a nurse or school health office.
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Written by Rachel Armany