Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on Tuesday defined a set of public health metrics that, when achieved, would trigger an end to the city’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement for indoor businesses. The rule, known as the “B Together” policy, will remain in place until the Boston Public Health Commission reports the city has met three conditions:Fewer than 95% of ICU beds are occupiedFewer than 200 COVID-19 hospitalizations per dayA community positivity rate below 5%, as defined by the Boston Public Health Commission’s 7-day moving average”We have continued to see trends in the right direction. The reporting that happens on a weekly basis shows that our city-wide community positive rate is a little over 7%,” Wu said during an event Tuesday morning. “Boston Public Health Commission has set three key thresholds for those metrics and as those metrics change, we are looking to adjust our policies, as well.”Wu first announced the vaccination requirement in December, and it took effect on Jan. 15. Patrons 12 and older are required to show they have received at least one vaccine dose to enter indoor dining, bars, nightclubs, gyms and entertainment venues. Proof of full vaccination will be required for adults by Feb. 15.When the three metrics are achieved, Wu said the policy will be lifted but it could be restored if the pandemic surges again in the future.Wu added Tuesday that the city is focused on closing the gap in disparities in the pediatric vaccination rate. She said the city is planning to focus on getting more children vaccinated during the February school vacation.“The mask mandate, we are not yet there in terms of pulling,” Wu said. “We had lots of conversations about other policies in place.”Outgoing Boston Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius said the mask mandate for city schools will also continue.“We are going to continue to look at (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) guidance around mask mandates, as well as the city of Boston,” Cassellius said. “Right now, we are holding with our current policies that we have at this time.”
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on Tuesday defined a set of public health metrics that, when achieved, would trigger an end to the city’s COVID-19 vaccination requirement for indoor businesses.
The rule, known as the “B Together” policy, will remain in place until the Boston Public Health Commission reports the city has met three conditions:
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- Fewer than 95% of ICU beds are occupied
- Fewer than 200 COVID-19 hospitalizations per day
- A community positivity rate below 5%, as defined by the Boston Public Health Commission’s 7-day moving average
“We have continued to see trends in the right direction. The reporting that happens on a weekly basis shows that our city-wide community positive rate is a little over 7%,” Wu said during an event Tuesday morning. “Boston Public Health Commission has set three key thresholds for those metrics and as those metrics change, we are looking to adjust our policies, as well.”
Wu first announced the vaccination requirement in December, and it took effect on Jan. 15.
Patrons 12 and older are required to show they have received at least one vaccine dose to enter indoor dining, bars, nightclubs, gyms and entertainment venues. Proof of full vaccination will be required for adults by Feb. 15.
When the three metrics are achieved, Wu said the policy will be lifted but it could be restored if the pandemic surges again in the future.
Wu added Tuesday that the city is focused on closing the gap in disparities in the pediatric vaccination rate. She said the city is planning to focus on getting more children vaccinated during the February school vacation.
“The mask mandate, we are not yet there in terms of pulling,” Wu said. “We had lots of conversations about other policies in place.”
Outgoing Boston Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius said the mask mandate for city schools will also continue.
“We are going to continue to look at (Department of Elementary and Secondary Education) guidance around mask mandates, as well as the city of Boston,” Cassellius said. “Right now, we are holding with our current policies that we have at this time.”