Photo: (Mario Jarjour/WBZ NewsRadio)
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Tuesday marks a step towards the new normal in Massachusetts; the pandemic State of Emergency has ended a little more than a year after it began.
Gov. Baker lifted Covid-19 restrictions and the statewide mask mandate on May 29, but some policies remained in place -- like limits on public meetings, occupancy rules, and mask rules in certain areas.
The end of the declaration means ride-share drivers can once again start implementing a surcharge - which may make it easier to request an Uber or Lyft.
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Starting Tuesday, local courts will also no longer grant a continuance in eviction cases for tenants that fail to pay rent.
It also marks the end of the sale of to-go cocktails -- which helped restaurants and bars continue essential operations during the pandemic.
Gov. Baker and state lawmakers are now working to extend some of the more popular policies included in the State of Emergency - like the use of special permits for outdoor dining.
At this time, the State House is still closed to the public -- and face coverings are still required in places like hospitals and congregate care facilities - as well as on public transportation like the MBTA.
It comes as nearly four million Massachusetts residents are now fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
WBZ NewsRadio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasWBZ) reports.
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Written by Rachel Armany