When was the last time you left the house without a mask? As COVID-19 spread around the world last February, we have been required to wear masks everywhere we went. Since then, it has been a part of our routine to grab a mask or two before we leave the house to keep ourselves and others safe in a time like this. I’m sure every time you wore one in public the question of “how long will we need to wear these?” has popped in your mind. Fortunately, we might see a complete ending to our masks in the future.

Gov. Charlie Baker announced new guidance about the state’s reopening plans and masks after the CDC changed its guidance last week. People who are fully vaccinated no longer need to wear masks in most settings inside and outside which will be allowed on May 29th. Non-vaccinated individuals must continue to wear face masks and to social distance. Fully vaccinated individuals don’t need to wear a face-covering or social distance indoors or outdoors except for in certain situations.

However, masks will still be required for all individuals on public transportation, which have included taxis, Commuter Rail, buses, etc. Healthcare facilities and providers will also be required to wear masks at all times. As for schools, face coverings will also remain required indoors for staff and students.

Dr. Shira Doron, of Tufts Medical Center, said unvaccinated people, which accounts for 41 percent of the state’s residents, are still at risk. “In this case, the science says that if you are vaccinated, it is safe for you to do everything you used to do before the pandemic and you pose little to no risk to others, but the logistics aren’t quite so simple. We can’t tell by looking at someone if they are vaccinated or not,” she said.

As long as we can protect ourselves and others around us, I can see things going back to normal in no time. We all want to get out of this pandemic, as it has been a difficult time for us all. Thankfully today, there are over 975 locations for Massachusetts residents to access vaccines without delay.