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The current COVID-19 community level for Suffolk county is "high," according the the CDC COVID Data Tracker. The case rate per 100,000 residents is 138.7, as of Thursday, Jan. 5. The spike may be the reason behind the University of Massachusetts Boston's decision to reinstate a mask regulation.
Masks will be required indoors beginning Monday, Jan. 9, the university said in an online message. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to monitor their health daily and are asked to stay home if they are sick.
In addition to masks, students, faculty, and staff are required to provide proof of vaccination, unless granted a medical or religious exemption.
Multiple other Massachusetts counties have a COVID-19 level of high, including Franklin, Worcester, Middlesex, Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, and Dukes counties.
The new mandate from the University of Massachusetts Boston comes weeks after Boston Public Schools requested that students, faculty, and staff wear masks when returning for the spring semester, as reported on by Daily Voice.
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