Brookline Requires Face Masks, Covering Amid Coronavirus Crisis

BROOKLINE, MA — Wednesday as the number of people who tested positive for the new coronavirus rose to 148 and four people have died of it Brookline, the town made official an earlier suggestion.

"Effective Friday, April 17, anyone out in public in Brookline is required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth, and residents are reminded that they should only be leaving home to purchase essentials or to get to essential jobs," according to a statement from town officials.

This is makes Monday's advisory to residents to wear face coverings a requirement.

The move follows neighboring Boston's example as the commonwealth remains under a stay-at-home advisory, meaning residents are advised to leave home only if absolutely necessary. Brookline's Health Director Dr. Swani Jett said even grocery trips should be maximized so people are not going often, instead, buying enough to last for weeks at a time whenever possible.

Face coverings don't have to be masks, said officials, and can be made out of household fabrics and materials, and should ideally have multiple layers.

"This is a public health measure that I believe will be effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19," Dr. Jett said. "A face covering can be made out of any number of items or materials that residents can find right in their homes, such as a bandanna or scarf, so the transition to wearing face coverings should be seamless."

Tips for Cloth face coverings:

• Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• Be secured with ties and or ear loops
• Include multiple layers of fabric
• Allow for breathing without restriction
• Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change in shape

Fore more information about how to properly wear face coverings, click here.

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