Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller 'Recommends' Masks Indoors

NEWTON, MA — Mayor Ruthanne Fuller said the City of Newton recommends that everyone wear face masks when inside public spaces regardless of vaccination status.

The reminder comes after Amy Sangiolo called for the city to institute an indoor mask mandate earlier in the day, pointing to the fact that Middlesex County has seen a 100% increase in COVID-19 cases and 62% increase in hospitalizations over the last two weeks.

"For more than 18 months, I have been closely following the data and listening to the medical experts as we make decisions to help Newton be safe and healthy during this ever-changing pandemic," said Fuller. "We avoid politicizing decisions and instead keep residents informed while openly and transparently making timely and thoughtful decisions."

Fuller, along with Health and Human Services Commissioner Deborah Youngblood, updated Newton's COVID-19 recommendations last week with the mask recommendation. She noted that there is "a place for mandates" and the city will continue to consider them, specifically as Newton Public Schools prepare to open next month.

"In addition to the mask recommendation, Commissioner Youngblood and I strongly encourage
everyone in our community who is eligible to be vaccinated to get the vaccine, to stay home if not
feeling well, and to get tested if experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19," said Fuller.

"Thankfully we're in a far different situation at this moment than we were a year ago because we now have safe and effective vaccines," she continued.

Updates on Newton's COVID-19 safety guidelines can be found here.