Wayland Coronavirus Public Health Alert - Update May 3

Press release from the Town of Wayland:

May 4, 2020

To: All Residents
From: Town Administrator and Health Director
Date: May 1, 2020
Re: Governor’s Order: Wear Masks and Face Coverings in Public
Effective Wednesday, May 6, 2020, Governor Baker issued an Order requiring face masks or cloth face coverings at all times when inside grocery, pharmacy and other retail stores that are open to the public and permitted to operate as COVID-19 essential businesses. This order applies to all to workers and customers of these businesses and organizations.
Residents are also required to wear a mask or face covering when taking public transportation, outdoors in public areas, and in any public places where proper physical distancing is not possible, whether indoor or outdoor. People who show no symptoms of illness may still be able to spread COVID-19. A face covering may help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
A face covering is anything that covers your nose and mouth, including a mask, scarf or bandana. The Massachusetts Department of Public Heath (MDPH) recommends that the public not use respirator masks, such as the N95 masks as those should be preserved for healthcare workers and first responders.
Exceptions include children under the age of 2 years and those unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition, those with difficulty breathing or those who are unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. The state will create more guidelines for children between the ages of 2 and 5 years to help parents and guardians. We will post the guidelines when available.

This press release was produced by the Town of Wayland. The views expressed here are the author’s own.