By Max Bowen-max.bowen@northstarreporter.com
Effective immediately, Plainville municipal buildings will require face coverings of all employees and visitors, regardless of vaccination status.
According to a release issued by Town Administrator Brian Noble and Health Director Deborah Revelle, the mandate was placed in effect due to the rising COVID-19 cases. As of Wednesday, Dec. 8, the Town of Plainville has 68 active cases of COVID-19 within the community. The average daily incidence rate for the Town is 49.6 per 100,000 residents.
“As part of the mandate, all community members and employees visiting or working within a municipal building must wear face coverings regardless of vaccination status,” the statement read. “Masks will be available for anyone who arrives without one.”
North Attleborough currently has no mask mandate in effect in its municipal buildings, but they are recommended for those who have not been vaccinated. The town has seen 254 COVID cases during the first two weeks of December. The town’s positivity rate stands at 8.5 percent.
“As we continue to see COVID-19 cases rise within our town and throughout the state, we would like to reiterate that we are not yet out of this pandemic and, as such, everyone should continue to practice preventative measures,” said Noble in the announcement. “We also ask those community members who choose to gather with their family and friends this holiday season to be mindful of the ongoing pandemic and the new Omicron variant.”
The Town of Mansfield has had a mask mandate in place since September for all persons over the age of 2 including visitors and employees in all municipal facilities. The town currently has 78 active COVID cases.
Information on masking, vaccines, and social distancing
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health provides the following general recommendations regarding health and safety protocols:
- Wear a face covering. All unvaccinated residents, and others at higher risk from COVID-19, are recommended to continue to wear face coverings in indoor settings and when they can’t socially distance. Masks will continue to be required for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals at all times in certain locations, including public transportation and medical facilities.
- Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Use a tissue or inner elbow, not hands.
- Keep your distance. For unvaccinated individuals, and others at higher risk from COVID-19, 6 feet or more is best.
- Avoid large gatherings. Keep gatherings outdoors, if possible. If indoors, have good airflow by opening a window or door.
- Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when sick.
