Board of Health Mask Mandate Extension

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS TOWN OF HADLEY

BOARD OF HEALTH
WHEREAS, the Delta variants are now accounting for approximately 99.8% of positive cases in Massachusetts up from 85% two months ago (source https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#variant- proportions) and cases are in Hadley; and

WHEREAS, these variants are almost twice as contagious as previous variants; and

WHEREAS, we know that masks slow or prevent transmission of all COVID-19 variants so far;

and

WHEREAS, as we see cases rise in surrounding counties and communities during this season of summer travel and gatherings, we are committed to preventing transmission, keeping our numbers as low as possible, and protecting our most vulnerable from severe illness with a new mask mandate; and

WHEREAS, according to the CDC, “Given what we know about the Delta variant, vaccine effectiveness, and current vaccine coverage, layered prevention strategies, such as wearing

masks, are needed to reduce the transmission of this variant.”

NOW, THEREFORE, commencing on October 24, 2021 at 12:01 a.m., the following Policies and Procedures MUST be implemented at all times in all public indoor spaces in the Town of Hadley

SECTION 1 AUTHORITY: This order is promulgated under the authority granted to the Board of Health under Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 111, Section 31.

SECTION 2 DEFINITIONS:Public Indoor Spaces - The term “public indoor spaces” shall include all workplaces in the Town of Hadley into which members of the public are invited or otherwise allowed to enter a building or structure to interact with any persons in order to transact any public or private business. Includes but not limited to; workplaces, restaurants, bars, indoor performance and event venues, hotels and motels, gyms, fitness clubs, salons, places of worship

SECTION 3 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES: Except as specified in Section 4, masks are required in all indoor public places as well as private places open to the public, regardless of vaccination status for those five (5) years of age or older.
No vented masks are allowed.

Employees of public indoor spaces in the Town of Hadley must wear masks or other face coverings at all times while on the premises of the business.

Customers of public indoor spaces in the Town of Hadley must wear masks or other face coverings at all times while on the premises of the business.

Fitness venues: masks are required at all times including during strenuous activity
All mask or face coverings worn in accordance with this Order shall conform to the following:

Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face and cover the nose and mouth completely; and Be secured with ties or ear loops; and Include multiple layers of fabric; and Allow for breathing without restriction; and Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape; and May be removed for eating, drinking; where allowed; and
Disposable surgical/procedural masks are permitted

SECTION 4 EXEMPTIONS: Nothing in this order is intended to encourage residents to act as an enforcement authority for the Town of Hadley. Residents should not take it upon themselves to approach people in violation of this order. Residents are urged to focus solely on their personal compliance with this order.

Nothing in this order shall be construed to require a mask to be worn by children under age five (5) or children who frequently compromise mask integrity with frequent manipulations or removals, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance or anyone who cannot wear a mask for other underlying health and safety reasons.

Office spaces that are open to the public but are an enclosed space with a barrier between the public and employees, may be exempt from wearing a mask or face covering when not interacting with the public, the barrier is closed, and only one person occupies the enclosed space.

Music performers who are singing and/or playing brass or wind instruments are not required to wear face coverings but must adhere to social distancing of at least 10 feet from any member of the public when performing indoors.

While seated in a restaurant or theatre, masks are required unless consuming food or drink

SECTION 5 ENFORCEMENT: The person or entity in control of a public indoor space shall have the obligation to enforce the requirements of the mask mandate set forth in these policies and procedures.

SECTION 6 EFFECTIVE:This order is in effect at 12:01 a.m. October 24, 2021 for a period of thirty (30) days at which time the Board of Health will either continue, modify or rescind this order.

BOARD OF HEALTH MEMBERS

Susan Mosler, M.D., Chair                                                                                            
Greg Mish                                                                                                                    
Margaret Mastrangelo, F.N.P.