September 17, 2021
The City of Worcester Issued an Emergency Mask Mandate, which will require masks inside all private businesses effective Monday, September 20, 2021. All individuals aged five years and older shall wear masks in all indoor private common spaces in the workplace and indoor private spaces open to the public, including but not limited to:
- businesses,
- clubs,
- place of assembly or other place that is open to members of the public,
- retail establishments,
- restaurants,
- bars,
- performance venues,
- social clubs,
- houses of worship,
- personal care and fitness establishments
- and event spaces, except when an individual is alone in a workspace or alone in a room at a workplace with a closed door or socially distanced from other individuals.
The revised order raises the age from 2 to 5 years old.
Face coverings may be removed indoors when an individual is actively eating or drinking,
and when an individual is receiving personal services at a barbershop or hair salon.
Also today, Medical Director Dr. Michael P. Hirsh issued two Emergency Orders.
One order requires employers to report positive COVID-19 cases in their workplace to the Board of Health.
The second order, effective Monday, September 20, 2021 requires face coverings to be worn in all indoor private common spaces, including supermarkets, restaurants and other businesses. Dr. Hirsh’s orders will go before the Board of Health on September 27, 2021 for ratification, and the public will have the opportunity to weigh in at that time.
To learn more about how this Emergency Mask Mandate may impact your business, contact our Labor & Employment Team, or our Business & Corporate Law Teams.
To view the most updated policy information from the City of Worcester, click here.