Shrewsbury Reminds Of Local Mask Advisory With Viruses Circulating

SHREWSBURY, MA — The Shrewsbury Board of Health this week reminded residents about the town's mask advisory — non-mandatory advice meant to guard against further spread of three viruses circulating widely: flu, coronavirus and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The health board began advising residents to mask up in June during a spike in COVID-19 cases. But with winter weather now here, the two other dangerous seasonal viruses have joined the mix.

"This is purely optional and not a mandate. Wearing a mask is a personal preference. The advisory is to remind residents to remain vigilant when attending large events, when indoors, and for those who are immunocompromised. It is still strongly recommended that residents wear masks and that eligible residents be up-to-date on vaccines and boosters. Businesses can institute their own mandate if they so choose and enforce it for both customers and employees," the board said in an update Monday.

Flu is circulating at "very high" levels in Massachusetts right now, with only about 37 percent of residents vaccinated against the virus. RSV levels are still very high; the virus is especially dangerous for children, and hospitals in the state have been overwhelmed by cases in recent months.

Coronavirus is also still circulating widely. Data collected from wastewater in the Worcester area show that COVID-19 levels have been rising over the last three weeks.