Gov. Baker signs order requiring everyone in Mass. to wear a face-covering in public

BOSTON- Gov. Charlie Baker on Friday issued an order requiring everyone in Massachusetts to wear face-coverings while in public.

This includes people enjoying the outdoors, business employees who are still reporting to work, or people on public transportation who are unable to socially distance themselves from others.

“Covering our faces when we cannot practice social distancing is an easy, critically important, and essential step that everyone can and should take to stop or slow the spread [of COVID-19],” Baker said.

Violators of the order can face a fine of up to $300.

The order goes into effect on May 6.

The state saw 154 newly reported deaths on Friday, and 2,106 more cases of COVID-19, according to data from the Department of Public Health.

There have been 3,716 confirmed deaths from the virus in the state to date.

©WLNE-TV/ABC 6 2020