Arlington Brings Back Mask Mandate In Town Buildings

ARLINGTON, MA — The town is once again requiring masks in municipal buildings until the rate of COVID-19 cases in Arlington and Middlesex County decreases, officials said Monday.

Health officials also "strongly" encourage the public to wear masks in all indoor settings. This advisory applies to people ages 2 and over, except where an individual is unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition or disability.

Officials said a business may decline entry to customers who refuse to wear a mask for non-medical reasons.

Additional indoor safety recommendations include:

- Customers and staff should wear masks in retail establishments at all times.

- Customers and staff should wear masks in food services establishments and indoor performance venues, and only remove masks while eating or drinking when seated at a table or bar.

- Guests should be masked on indoor dance floors at event facilities.

- Persons within houses of worship should wear masks.

- Fitness Center and Health Club workers, customers, and visitors should wear face coverings during indoor fitness activity, including strenuous activity.

- Customers and workers in Personal Services establishments, including but not limited to barber shops, hair, and nail salons, should wear face coverings.

- Masks remain mandatory for all riders on public and private transportation systems (including ride-shares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities, and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings.

- All entry doors of businesses open to the public should post signs advising customers that face masks must be maintained inside the establishment.

- Establishment staff should supervise and enforce this advisory

Please contact the Arlington Health Department at (781) 316-3170 with questions.