NAHANT — Town Administrator Tony Barletta issued an emergency order Friday mandating that protective face coverings to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 be worn by anyone entering an essential business.
The order, beginning May 1, requires open businesses to limit capacity inside their premises to five customers at a time, and also asks stores that have not already done so to place markings throughout their building to enforce social distancing guidelines among individuals at different points of contact.
“With warmer weather on its way, we felt it was important to make this change now in order to keep everyone safe as they start to head outdoors more frequently,” said Board of Selectmen chair Richard Lombard. “Many of us are wearing a face covering when out in public already, and we appreciate everyone’s cooperation during this unprecedented time.”
As of April 28, Nahant has 30 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including five deaths.
Although Gov. Baker has issued a state-wide order starting May 6 requiring residents to wear face masks in situations where they cannot easily socially distance, enforcement has been left up to individual municipalities.
Nahant residents who refuse to comply with the new regulations may face a fine of up to $300 per the state’s recommendation, although the Nahant Police Department says it will make education a priority over punitive action. The order will remain in effect until Nahant’s state of emergency is lifted or an updated order is issued.
“Many of us want to be able to enjoy the outdoors and our local businesses with our friends and family, but the health of our residents is our number one priority,” Barletta said. “This emergency order was issued out of an abundance of caution in order to help keep everyone safe and healthy.”
A statement from Barletta reminded residents that face coverings can be made out of household materials and should ideally have multiple layers.
The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators, which Barletta said should be left for medical professionals and first responders.
Residents were told key elements to remember when wearing a face covering include:
- It should fit snugly against the side of the face.
- It should be secured with ties or ear loops.
- It should have multiple layers of fabric.
- It should allow for breathing without restriction.
- Fabric coverings should be cleaned after each use and should be machine washable and dryer-safe.
- Always remove the mask directly into the laundry or trash. Hands should be washed immediately after.
- Be careful not to touch the eyes, nose, or mouth when removing the mask.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends face coverings not be placed on children under two years old, or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
“As a coastal community, the amount of activity in our town directly correlates to the weather,” said Board of Selectmen vice chair Mark Cullinan. “That means it is more important now than ever that we continue to practice social distancing and take additional practical steps to predict the health of our residents and to reduce the spread of COVID-19.”
