Mandatory Mask Mandate in Effect on December 23, 2021

Citing a dramatic rise in the number of COVID cases in Swampscott, the Board of Health voted in an emergency public meeting on December 21, 2021 to implement a mask mandate in indoor public spaces for all individuals over the age of two regardless of vaccination status. The mandate will go in effect on Thursday, December 23 at 6:00 PM and applies to indoor public spaces.

Indoor public space is defined as any place open to the public including but not limited to Town buildings, grocery stores, places of worship, restaurants, retail businesses, hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, fitness centers, and social clubs. The indoor mask mandate will remain in place until further evaluation by the Board of Health.

“There is an urgent need for residents to wear masks in indoor spaces in order to curb the rapid spread of COVID – particularly during this winter and holiday season with indoor gatherings and a higher-than-normal traffic at grocery stores and retail spaces,” said Marianne Hartmann, Board of Health Chair.

The Town of Swampscott has seen a dramatic and rapid rise in COVID cases over the last 2 months due in part to the presence of the Delta and Omicron variants as well as the increase in indoor gatherings due to the cold weather. In the last 3 weeks alone, there have been 170 reported positive cases of COVID in Swampscott. Although the Town has seen a successful vaccination rate – 95% have received 1 dose and 86% are fully vaccinated – masks are still instrumental in reducing the spread of COVID.

“As we’ve all seen, cases are spiking again, even among those who have been vaccinated,” said Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald. “While vaccinations can lower the chances that an individuals will become seriously ill or hospitalized, vaccinated individuals can still catch and transmit COVID. Masks are one of the best ways we can prevent this transmission.”

This order will not apply to persons for whom a face covering would cause impairment due to an existing health condition, or persons requiring a reasonable accommodation/modification as a result of a qualifying disability as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

For updated information about COVID cases, vaccination rates, contact tracing, and the mask mandate, visit the Health Dept. COVID-19 Page.

Read the full emergency order.

 

 

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