Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission Bisola Ojikutu announced Tuesday the city will lift its indoor mask mandate, effective March 5.

The City’s Board of Health came to an unanimous decision to endorse Ojikutu’s recommendation to repeal current masking requirements, following COVID-19 metrics that displayed a downward trend of new cases and deaths in Boston, along with high vaccination rates. 

“Based on the data we have seen over the past weeks, we can remove some of the prevention and mitigation strategies that have been necessary to protect residents,” Ojikutu wrote in a press release. “I am optimistic about where our city is headed, and the Commission will continue to monitor our key metrics and adjust our policies accordingly.”  

Starting Saturday, Boston residents and visitors will not have to wear a face covering in several indoor public establishments, including gyms, bars and restaurants, museums and entertainment venues. 

Businesses can still choose to mandate masking when customers enter the space. 

Masking is still required in public transportation services like the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority trains and commuter rails, airports, healthcare and congregant care settings, following state and federal mask orders.

Masking is still required in Boston Public Schools.

Amid fluctuating masking and vaccine guidance, Massachusetts residents face confusion with mask mandates in Boston public and Catholic schools. In February, Gov. Charlie Baker said masks are no longer mandated in Massachusetts public schools.

According to data from the Boston Public Health Commission, or BPHC, Boston has a 2.6% community positivity rate, 87% occupancy rate of intensive care unit beds, as well as a 7-day average of adult COVID-19 hospitalizations at 122.6 per day. Each metric falls below previously-announced thresholds.

Wu and Ojikutu’s announcement to lift the mask mandate comes two weeks after Wu said proof of vaccination against COVID-19 was no longer mandatory in certain indoor spaces.

The BPHC still recommends masking for individuals who are at high risk for severe illness or their close contacts.

“Throughout the pandemic we’ve been guided by public health principles. Today’s decision is a critical step in Boston’s recovery—but our work isn’t over yet,” Wu wrote on Twitter. “Our administration will continue examining data & following the lead of public health experts to keep our communities safe, healthy & prepared.”