By Beth David, Editor
On May 1, Mass. governor Charlie Baker issued an order requiring the use of face coverings in public places where social distancing is not possible, effective 5/6.
The order applies to everyone over the age of two who is in public and cannot maintain a distance of six feet from others to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The order applies to all workers and customers of businesses and other organizations that are currently open to the public and permitted to operate as essential businesses, including grocery stores, pharmacies and other retail stores. Residents are also required to wear a mask or face covering when using any public transportation, including cabs and ridesharing services.
A face covering may include anything that covers your nose and mouth, including a mask, scarf or bandana. Health care masks should be preserved for health care workers and first responders.
Cloth masks should not be worn by young children under the age of two, persons with difficulty breathing, or those who are unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. Instructions on how to make a cloth mask are available from the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html
Fairhaven Health Agent Mary Freire-Kellogg sent a message to residents clarifying the order. She noted that the order includes outdoor spaces, including parks, the bike path and beaches if it is not possible to maintain six feet of social distance. She also noted that not complying with the regulation could result in a $300 fine. Visit, www.Fairhaven-Ma.Gov or www.mass.gov/covid19
If you have a question about whether or not you should be wearing a mask, call the Board of Health, 508-979-4023 ext. 125.
To read the governor’s order, visit https://www.mass.gov/doc/may-1-2020-masks-and-face-coverings. Visit mass.gov/ coveryourface.
On Tuesday, 5/5, Governor Baker toured Merrow Manufacturing of Fall River, an eighth generation family-owned and operated company making personal protective equipment (PPE).
According to Merrow, the partnership with the Baker Administration’s Manufacturing Emergency Response Team (M-ERT) has allowed the company to scale its diverse manufacturing operations to become the largest manufacturer of USA-sourced PPE reusable and disposable medical isolation gowns in the country.
The company will produce 650,000 gowns a week by July. They are also providing surgical caps, gaiters and pillow cases. The effort has created 41 new manufacturing jobs, employing 1200 total to build PPE across their factories. .
The governor’s “Reopening Advisory Board” is due to issue a report on May 18. Gov. Baker cautioned that the state will most likely reopen in phases, with some businesses allowed to open, and with restrictions on operation. The Stay At Home Advisory is in effect until at least 5/18, and gatherings of 10 or more are still prohibited.
Cases update
According to the state’s website, as of 4/29, Acushnet had 35 cases, Fairhaven had 92, Marion had 7, Mattapoisett had 15, New Bedford had 579. The state has a total of 70,271 confirmed cases, and 4,212 deaths; 122 people died on Tuesday, 5/5/20, from COVID-19 in Mass.
According to the state’s website, Alden Court Nursing Care had 10-30 confirmed cases; Our Lady’s Haven had more than 30; Atria Assisted Living had 10-30.
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Click here to download the entire 5/7/20 issue: 05-07-20 BreakfastBags
Click here to download the MassDEP letter about PJ Keating: SP PJ Keating Applicability Determination 04282020
