Massachusetts COVID public health emergency, vaccine mandate to end on May 11

BOSTON – Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey introduced on Wednesday that the state’s COVID-19 public well being emergency will finish on Might 11. The state’s vaccine requirement for Govt Department staff may also finish at the moment.

The date of the general public emergency ending aligns with the federal declaration additionally expiring on Might 11.

Healey stated she additionally plans to file laws that might prolong some flexibilities, largely round staffing for the well being care trade and EMS.

“Due to the exhausting work of our well being care suppliers and communities, we have made necessary progress within the struggle in opposition to COVID-19,” Healey stated in an announcement. “We all know that we have now the instruments to handle this virus – vaccines, masking, testing, getting remedies and staying dwelling when sick – and we have reached the purpose the place we will replace our steerage to replicate the place we are actually. I might additionally wish to acknowledge the management of Governor Baker and his administration, who saved numerous lives by placing these necessary measures in place in a time of immense disaster.”

Massachusetts State Police Affiliation president Patrick McNamara applauded Healey’s resolution. The union stated the vaccine mandate led to twenty troopers being fired or suspended with out pay.

“This has been a protracted journey for our membership. We have now been in search of the identical therapy as different Commonwealth staff and for our leaders in authorities to listen to our voice,” McNamara stated. “Right this moment, the Healey-Driscoll Administration did simply that with the announcement to rescind Govt Order 595. Our Affiliation and our Govt Board are excited to get our members again to do what they do finest, defending the Commonwealth.”