Milford Orders Face Coverings, $100 Fines Possible

MILFORD, MA — A Milford Board of Health order requiring almost all town residents to cover their faces is now in effect. The order comes with the possibility of fines for some who disobey, according to officials.

The order applies to any town resident over age 5 who enters a public space like a restaurant, grocery store, or buildings where multiple people live. The order also applies to workers at stores and restaurants — and businesses that disobey could be fined $100, according to the Board of Health. Businesses are also being told for make gloves plentiful to workers who are handling food.

Many local towns, including Framingham and Worcester, have instituted similar orders. The face coverings may help cut down on the spread of coronavirus from people who are infected but who aren't showing symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Face coverings can be anything that fits comfortably across the mouth and nose — a bandanna or homemade cloth mask included. Health officials are urging local residents to seek homemade options due to a shortage of medical-grade supplies.

Some towns are being more strict about face coverings. Somerville will fine residents $300 for not complying, and Brookline is ordering face coverings even for people who are outdoors.

As of the state's last update on April 22, Milford had 114 confirmed coronavirus cases.