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As the COVID delta variant continues to cause an increase in cases across Massachusetts, more communities are reverting to warrants or mask notices, even asking those who are vaccinated to mask themselves indoors at locations public.
The move aligns with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which advises people in communities at high or substantial risk of transmitting the virus to wear face coverings when indoors in public, whether they are vaccinated or not to help stop the spread of the virus.
As of August 10, all counties in Massachusetts except Hampshire County were at high or substantial risk. The counties of Hampden, Berkshire, Dukes, Nantucket and Bristol were all considered high risk.
COVID cases in Massachusetts hit a pandemic low in late June and have increased for six weeks since. New cases continue to be dominated by unvaccinated people, with a low percentage of breakthrough cases (vaccinated people who have tested positive). Hospitalizations are also on the rise. Despite the rise, deaths from the virus remained very low.
- Related: Where to buy N95 face masks as COVID delta variant spreads, mask warrants rise
Here is a list of towns and villages that have issued opinions or warrants on masks:
Arlington: Wearing a mask is recommended in indoor public places and compulsory in all municipal buildings.
Belmont: Masks required in all indoor public spaces, including restaurants, bars, lounges, places of worship, fitness centers and other businesses.
Brookline: Masks compulsory indoors in all municipal buildings.
Brockton: Masks compulsory in all municipal buildings.
Cambridge: Masks urged “in situations where transmission is likely”.
Framingham: Masks compulsory in all municipal buildings.
Laurent: Masks compulsory in all municipal buildings.
Nantucket: Masks required in retail stores, restaurants, bars, performance halls, places of worship, event spaces and other businesses.
Northampton: After lifting COVID restrictions in May, Northampton voted on a mask requirement for anyone except ages 5 and under or those with a medical condition. The mandate comes into effect on August 11.
Provincetown: Masks required in indoor public spaces, restaurants, performance halls, bars and dance floors, fitness centers, retail and personal service stores, offices and other public facilities.
Revere: Masks compulsory in all municipal buildings.
Salem: The city will vote on August 10 on a policy requiring masks to be worn in indoor public places, including restaurants, gymnasiums, museums and government buildings. If approved, it would go into effect on August 23.
Somerville: Masks are highly recommended in indoor public places.
Swampscott: Wearing a mask is compulsory in municipal buildings regardless of the vaccination status.
Truro: Masks mandatory indoors in all commercial establishments, municipal buildings and other places of public gathering, regardless of vaccination status.
Well fleet: Masks compulsory in public buildings, recommended in indoor shops.
Worcester: Masks mandatory in all municipal buildings by employees and the public as of August 12.
Does your community have a requirement or notice for the mask that is not listed here? Let us know at [email protected].
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