WORCESTER – Due to a recent surge of positive COVID-19 cases, city officials announced a city-wide mask mandate, effective Monday, September 20. The daily average of new cases in Worcester is now 78 a day, which is more than four times the daily average on August 1, 2021.

During a Friday, Sept. 17, 2021 press briefing, Worcester City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. said masks will be required in all indoor public and private common spaces – including supermarkets, restaurants, and bars; regardless of vaccination status. There is no social distancing requirement at this time. Patrons can remove their masks while eating, drinking, or receiving any personal services such as haircuts.

In addition, Augustus issued a revised order, effective Monday, Sept. 20, requiring all individuals ages 5 and up to wear a mask or face covering when visiting or conducting business in any Worcester building or attending any organized event indoors. The revised order raises the age from 2 to 5.

The City of Worcester is also requiring employers to again report any cases of COVID-19 to the City of Worcester’s Board of Health for contact tracing.

If you have any questions, contact the City of Worcester’s Division of Public Health at 508-799-8531 or at www.worcesterma.gov/public-health.

Vaccine Order

Along with the mask mandate, Augustus also announced a vaccine order effective Nov. 1, 2021 requiring all City of Worcester employees to be fully vaccinated, or to submit proof of a negative test result every week. 

Upcoming Mobile Vaccination Clinics:

  • Worcester Public Library, Main Branch, 3 Salem Square, Wed., Sept. 22, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Youth Vax Fall Series, Boys & Girls Club, 65 Boys & Girls Club Way, Friday, Sept. 24, 4-7 p.m.
  • Worcester Public Library, Main Branch, 3 Salem Square, Sat., Sept. 25, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • F.A.M. JAM! Family Arts and Music Festival, Elm Park, Sat., Sept. 25, 1-4 p.m.
  • Worcester Public Library, Main Branch, 3 Salem Square, Wed., Sept. 29, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Youth Vax Fall Series, YMCA, 766 Main St., Friday, Oct. 1, 4-7 p.m.
  • Youth Vax Fall Series, Girls Inc., 125 Providence St., Thurs., Oct. 7, 4-7 p.m.