Boston Drops Vaccine Requirement, But Keeps Masks On Kids In Public School

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (D) announced on Friday that “effective” immediately, the city had repealed its vaccine requirement mandating that certain private businesses and other indoor spaces force patrons and customers to show proof of COVID-19 for entry into the building. Despite the state of Massachusetts ramping up to drop mask mandates in public schools, however, Boston will continue to have the mask requirement in place for indoor businesses and k-12 education facilities.

“Mayor Michelle Wu and Dr. Bisola Ojikutu announced that the City’s proof of vaccination policy will be lifted effective immediately,” Boston’s city government announced Friday evening. “Our public health data show Boston has a 4.0% community positivity rate; 90.7% occupancy rate of adult ICU beds, and 7-day average of adult COVID-19 hospitalizations at 195.9 per day, falling below all three previously announced thresholds.”

Wu also added in a press release that “The public health data shows that we’re ready to take this step in our recovery.”

“This news highlights how much progress we’ve made in our fight against COVID-19 thanks to vaccines and boosters — which have always been our most effective weapon against the pandemic,” the mayor claimed.

The Associated Press reported that “The requirement to wear masks in public indoor spaces in Boston remains in place.” Those spaces include schools.

“In the coming days, the Boston Public Health Commission will be reviewing the masking order in consultation with the Board of Health, Wu said,” the AP reported.

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker (R), however, recently announced that the state would be dropping its mask mandate for schools on February 28.

“Our kids have had to put up with a lot of disruption, a lot of time alone, and has suffered a real learning loss over the past two years. There’s no debating those points, no matter where you stand,” Baker said at the time of the announcement. “From free and convenient testing to highly effective vaccines and breakthrough treatments, everyone now has the tools and the knowledge to stay safe with respect to COVID.”

After that decision, Wu announced the city of Boston would be keeping its mask mandate beyond the February 28 deadline.

“I don’t presume to know what should or could have gone into the governor’s calculation,” Wu said on February 10. “What I know is that the city of Boston is not ready to lift our mask mandate, and so ours will stay in place for the time being.”

When Wu first announced Boston’s vaccine mandate, the newly-elected mayor was met with harsh protests from city workers and Boston residents. Wu implied those protesters were driven by racism, fear, hatred, and confusion after they chanted “USA!” and sang the Star-Spangled Banner during her vaccine mandate press conference in December. Similar protests have continued on a weekly basis outside her home. On Saturday morning, a dozen moms and dads reportedly chanted outsider her home demanding she end the masking of children across the public school system.

“Unmask the kids NOW” is the current chant. 12 moms and dads peacefully protesting ❤️ this country,” Boston Catholic Radio host Lou Murray tweeted.

“Unmask the kids NOW” is the current chant. 12 moms and dads peacefully protesting 🇺🇸 ❤️ this country, NO sign of any mounted patrol joining the #WTF (Wu Tactical Force) but rumor has the @bostonpolice have a bid proposal out for new saddles. @MayorWu can you confirm? pic.twitter.com/ol3X5E07ht

— Louis L. Murray Jr (@LouisLMurrayJr1) February 19, 2022

The Daily Wire’s first original film, Shut In, has made its cinematic debut, being met with rave reviews. The Daily Wire is building an alternative to the leftist entertainment industry, one gripping movie at a time. Join us in this mission and stream Shut In today by becoming a Daily Wire member.