The order has been in place for more than a year. Baker signed the measure at a Statehouse press conference as the state prepares to lift nearly all COVID-19 restrictions on Saturday. The lifting of restrictions is one more indication that the stateâs battle against the coronavirus has turned a sharp corner. âI would pretty much say itâs over,â Gov. Charlie Baker said, cautioning that the pandemic has thrown a number of curves in the past year. âI do believe itâs certainly on the run.â While the state is also lifting the face covering mandate on Saturday, there are still locations where masks will still be required, including public transportation, Baker said. The mandate is being replaced with a mask advisory that echoes recommendations from federal health officials.