The Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance made the following statement on Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito’s outdoor mask order after Monday marked the first day Massachusetts entered phase 3, in which residents aged 16 and older who live, work, or study in Massachusetts can get vaccinated.

“It’s time Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito lifted the outdoor mask order. Those in our most vulnerable populations who want a vaccine now have that protection and with vaccines available to everyone as of Monday, it’s time to start taking steps back to normal,” stated Paul Diego Craney, spokesperson for MassFiscal.

Earlier this morning, former Republican Governor Jane Swift Tweeted out: “We will get better adherence to public health mandates when they are based on science…” The former Republican Governor’s tweet was in agreement with some in the medical community who think it’s time to drop the outdoor mask mandate.

On April 15, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu dropped the mask order but encouraged residents to continue social distancing and wear masks if they cannot. Gov. Sununu’s actions do not limit or prevent the ability of private businesses and local cities and towns to require masks. Rather, according to Gov.  Sununu’s statement, his administration “never set arbitrary dates unsupported by the data and the science.” Gov. Sununu wants individuals to make their best “informed decisions.”

“Neighboring New Hampshire has dropped their order and is even offering vaccines to out of state residents. We need to encourage people to be rewarded for all their hard work. The vaccines are eligible to everyone, the weather is getting warmer, and now is the time for Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito to start to allow people to make their best decisions,” continued Craney.