With the national Covid State of Emergency over in April, and with Governor Maura Healy ending the Massachusetts health emergency on May 11, the state’s hospitals are beginning to end their mask requirements. Among them, Lowell General Hospital.

Tufts Medicine, which includes LGH, sent out notice to its patients that they are shifting from a mandatory to an optional masking policy. The new policy goes into effect at all Lowell General facilities beginning Friday May 12.

They also advise that free at-home Covid tests are available through May 11th. Tests will remain available after May 11th, but caution that many insurance provides may need to reimburse the purchase. Also, tests ordered by a healthcare provider will remain covered by your insurance plan. However, insurance providers may not cover COVID-19 testing required for reasons such as travel.

As for Covid vaccines, access for Medicare and Medicaid patients will remain available. You’ll need to refer to your insurance plan for co-pay information. Vaccines for patients who are part of a commercial insurance plan are expected to be covered. Co-payments will vary by insurance providers.