The state of Massachusetts has lifted the mandatory mask requirement while playing baseball.

After discussing the new rule changes with the Wakefield Health Department, Wakefield Little League will be lifting the requirement for players to wear a mask while actively playing or practicing outdoors.

The mask guidelines have changed but the quarantine process has not.

The WHD has recommended that players and coaches still wear masks while in bench and dugout areas.

Players and coaches in a dugout, without masks, would constitute close contact. Anyone with close contact with a confirmed case must quarantine. Wearing a mask while in bench or dugout areas will avoid close contact. This simple measure will prevent a whole team from having to quarantine if a positive case on the team comes up.

WLL does not want to quarantine entire teams for days. Our intention with the adjustment to the state rule is to make sure players stay on the field and in school for the remainder of the season and school year.

Of course, we encourage anyone that wants to continue to wear a mask at all times to do so.

• Players are no longer required to wear a mask while practicing, while outside a bench or dugout area, while playing a defensive position, while at bat, or while running the bases.

• Coaches are no longer required to wear a mask while outside a bench or dugout area and avoiding close contact..

• Spectators are no longer required to wear a mask but are encouraged to avoid close contact.

•  Players and coaches are required to wear a mask while in a bench or dugout area.