Masks Becoming Optional In Barrington Town Buildings

BARRINGTON, RI — The mask mandate in Barrington town buildings will end Saturday, town officials said.

Barrington Town Manager Philip Hervey issued the new executive order Tuesday, making masks soon optional, including at local government meetings.

Hervey's action on masking in municipal buildings does not apply to Barrington Public Schools.

"When a statewide school mask mandate is no longer in effect, state law vests the School Committee with the power and duty to address the health and wellness of students and employees," Hervey said. "Neither the Town Council nor the Town Manager has the legal authority to enact a mask mandate for Barrington Public Schools or prevent the School Committee from doing so."

Also read: What Unmasking Might Look Like In Barrington Schools

The town manager's executive order does give the town the option to still require masks in certain situations.

"There are certain situations where a mask must be worn to protect the public and Town employees," Hervey said. "A program at the senior center, for example, may attract a large crowd relative to the size of the space. Rather than turn people away or cancel the program, the Town would have the option to require the wearing of masks."

Effective immediately, the executive order also allows town government meetings to be held both in-person or remote, taking advantage of flexibility granted by Gov. Dan McKee.

Hybrid meetings with both in-person and remote participation are also allowed under the governor's order, but Hervey said spaces available for hybrid meetings are limited in Barrington.

"The Town is working on upgrading technology in the Council Chamber to allow for hybrid meetings, but this option is not yet available," Hervey said.