Face Covering Declaration

 Face Covering Declaration

Hanson Board of Health

Pursuant to the declaration of a public health state of emergency on March 16, 2020, and all other authorizing statutes and regulations, acting by and through its agent authorized under MGL c. 111, §31 we,  Board of Health of the Town of Hanson, Massachusetts, hereby order the following:

All members of the public ages 2 years of age and older entering any essential business as defined by Governor Baker’s Covid-19 Executive Orders, including but not limited to grocery stores, pharmacies, home improvement stores and the like must wear a cloth face covering, such as a fabric mask, scarf or bandana, over his or her nose and mouth.  Face coverings can be made out of household fabrics and materials and should ideally have multiple layers. The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators, which should be left for medical professionals and first responders.

All members of the public ages 2 years of age and older entering a restaurant for the purpose of picking up food for take-out must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth.

All employees of all essential businesses shall wear a face covering over their mouth and nose when interacting with the public and within six feet of a co-worker. All grocery stores, retail stores and food service establishment staff must wear a face covering.

Any resident or member of the general public ages 2 years of age and older entering or exiting a residential or commercial building complex of greater than one (1) unit must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth while in common areas and communal spaces and must exercise social distancing in these spaces in accordance with CDC guidelines. See these guidelines at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronav…/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/

An employee of the retailer shall be designated to ensure that members of the public ages 2 years of age and older are entering the establishment wearing a cloth face covering.
Per the CDC, face coverings should not be placed on young children under 2-years-old, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

Key elements to remember when wearing a face covering include:

It should fit snugly against the side of your face;
It should be secured with ties or ear loops;
It should have multiple layers of fabric;
It should allow for breathing without restriction;
Fabric face coverings should be cleaned after each use and should be machine washable and dryer safe;
Always remove the mask directly into the laundry or trash and then immediately wash your hands;
Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when removing your mask.
Instructions for how to fashion a homemade face covering with no sewing required can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/…/2019-n…/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-fac....

This emergency order shall be effective beginning Monday, April 27, 2020 at 6:00AM and remain in effect until notice is given, pursuant to the Board of Health’s judgment that the Public Health Emergency no longer exists.

To the extent necessary, this Order shall be enforced by Board of Health officials, Hanson Police Officers, Code Enforcement and Building Inspectors.

ORDERED at Town Hall this 23rd day of April 2020