Milford Brings Back Indoor Mask Rule As Coronavirus Cases Rise

MILFORD, MA — Milford is bringing back an indoor masking rule this week as coronavirus cases continue to rise locally and across the state.

The order, which goes into effect Monday, will apply to all municipal buildings including Town Hall, the Milford Youth Center, the library, Senior Center, police and fire departments, Milford Water Department and public works buildings.

"This action is in response to recent increases in confirmed COVID-19 cases in Milford, its surrounding communities and Worcester County as a whole," the Milford Board of Health said in a brief statement early Monday morning.

Statewide, coronavirus cases have been growing by about 5,000 or more per day, according to state health data. Milford alone has added 168 cases over the past two weeks, and the town's positive test rate was about 5.8 percent as of Dec. 8 — higher than the statewide testing rate of about 5 percent.

Milford's new mask order applies to people who are fully vaccinated, according to the town.

Mask rules vary in Massachusetts. Some towns do not have any order in place while others, like Worcester, require masks in all public places including private businesses.