Holliston Board Of Health Votes To Reinstate Mask Mandate

HOLLISTON, MA — After a lengthy discussion, including input from the public, the Board of Health voted on Tuesday to reinstitute a mask mandate.

The board adopted an indoor mask order for visitors to and workers in municipal buildings, effective 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, September 7. The order will remain in effect until at least October 1.

As of Aug. 31, there has been 878 COVID-19 cases in Holliston. There are 16 current active cases down from 34 active cases two weeks ago, according to Health Agent Scott Moles.

The town is currently in the "yellow" for average daily incident rates, he said.

Fire Chief Michael Cassidy said, "The state and our numbers are trending down."

Cassidy added that he doesn't expect a large uptick of cases with school being back in session especially since Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Commissioner Jeffrey Riley instituted a statewide mask mandate for all public schools in the Commonwealth.

Despite all the good news, the Board of Health still decided to reinstate a mask mandate in part in response to public comments.

James Keast of Holliston said he finds the inconsistent use of masks in town confusing.

Board of Health Chairman Thomas Ellis said, "It's important to reinstate a sensible mask mandate because masks do reduce transmission and there is still a percentage of the population not vaccinated especially those under 12 years old."

Ellis said he has also witnessed breakthrough cases, those who have been vaccinated, become ill with the Delta variant.

Additionally, as the virus mutates, Ellis said, "We will continually be at risk."

"If there is no rule people in charge can point to, this could be a point of friction that would be unnecessary," said Joshua Mann, board of health vice chairman.

Cassidy spoke against a mask mandate.

"The numbers are trending downward, so I don't see a pressing need for a mask mandate," he said.

"We don't live in a bubble," Ellis said, saying how many people commute to other towns on a regular basis.

The Board will continue to monitor public health metrics, which could result in the order being extended or rescinded, or broadened to an indoor mask order for all public spaces.

Emergency Order of the Holliston Board of Health
1. Masking Indoors
a. All members of the public ages 5 and up, shall wear a mask over their mouth and nose
except as stated in Section 2 (Exceptions) below, whenever entering into the inside of any municipal building or office. This includes and is not limited to Town Hall, Holliston Public Library, 1750 Washington Street, Police Department, Fire Department, and Department of Public Works.
b. Municipal employees shall wear a mask when engaging with the public indoors.
c. All unvaccinated employees shall wear a mask while inside all municipal buildings or offices.
2. Exceptions
The mask requirement shall not apply in the following circumstances:
a. Where a person is unable to wear a mask covering due to a medical or disabling condition;
b. Where a mask would impede communication by or with a person who has a hearing or
speech impairment or other disability;
c. While eating or drinking during designated lunch or snack periods.
d. This shall not apply to Anthony’s on the Green restaurant or the Pinecrest Golf Club facility.