Wakefield Requires Masks, Face Coverings In Businesses

WAKEFIELD, MA — The Board of Health last week approved an order requiring facial coverings in certain public places. The order went into effect April 25 and will remain active until the public health emergency is lifted.

Everyone over the age of five must wear a form of suitable covering over their nose and mouth (homemade cloth mask, scarf, bandana, handkerchief, three-ply paper mask) whenever:

• Entering into the inside of any building open to the public
• Using public transportation, taxis, or ride shares
• Pumping gasoline or otherwise using outdoor self-service facilities
• Engaging in activity within a confined or enclosed facility where other members of the public or other workers are present or have access

In addition, delivery drivers must wear a face covering and gloves. Any person or worker who declines or refuses to wear a facial covering as required by the order shall be deemed in violation and may be subject to civil fines and/or criminal prosecution.

The order does not apply to those who are engaged in outdoor physical activity, riding in a car, alone in a separate single space or indoors with their own shelter group such as family or household members.

The Board of Health continues to advise having a face covering available at all times. This video from U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams shows how to create a covering from household fabric.

If you have any questions about this order, connect with the Health Department at (781) 246-6375. You can read the details of the order here.