ADVISORY REGARDING FACE COVERINGS AND CLOTH MASKS

ADVISORY REGARDING FACE COVERINGS AND CLOTH MASKS
APRIL 28, 2020

Hello Harwich residents, this is Health Director Meggan Eldredge with information about the use of face coverings during this coronavirus pandemic. On April 21st, the Board of Health discussed the use of face coverings in public. It was the consensus of the Board that face coverings help prevent the spread of COVID-19 from person to person when other social distancing measures are not possible.

The Board of Health is advising all residents and visitors to wear a face covering while in our stores and when within 6’ of other people. When people breathe, sneeze, and cough, small droplets of fluid are expelled that may contain coronavirus. People who show no symptoms of illness may still be able to spread COVID-19. A face covering may help prevent you from spreading COVID-19 to other people.

Wearing a face covering while in stores protects the hard working employees who provide essential services to us. Help keep them safe by using a mask, bandanna, scarf or other cloth face covering when shopping.

It was also decided that a regulation requiring all people to wear a face covering while in public would be highly unenforceable by staff and that placing this responsibility on the police department is not reasonable at this time.

As the weather gets warmer, we will undoubtedly see more people outside, walking the beaches and exploring the conservation areas. It is not harmful to be outside without a mask on if you are able to practice social distancing because it is extremely unlikely to inhale another person’s respiratory droplets from more than 6 feet away.

Be respectful of others and have a mask ready to put over your mouth and nose when passing by other people. Not everyone will abide by this recommendation, so we must take responsibility for our own actions by staying 6’ away from others.

In addition to wearing a cloth mask and social distancing you should continue to practice proven methods to protect yourself.

• Stay home if you are sick and avoiding close contact with others.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand gel with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and counter tops) with household cleaning spray or wipes.

Thank you for listening and stay safe everyone.