December 16, 2021 |Breaking News, City of Lynn, COVID-19, News

City of Lynn mask mandate in all public locations, in effect starting Monday, December 20th | December 16, 2021

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DEC. 20TH UPDATE: “Lynn has worked very hard to continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic by offering free vaccinations, testing, and masking in indoor public places, so we are grateful for Mayor Wu’s leadership on this issue,” said Mayor Thomas M. McGee and Mayor-Elect Jared Nicholson in a joint statement regarding Boston’s announcement to require proof of vaccination at indoor dining, fitness, and entertainment locations.

“As the pandemic continues to be prevalent, it is important that Boston is taking this step, and in the coming weeks, we hope to have an open dialogue with Lynn residents and business about what the right policy for Lynn is going forward in collaboration across the region so that our communities can continue to be safe and healthy, as well.”

Today, Mayor Thomas M. McGee and Lynn Department of Public Health Director Michele Desmarais signed an Order that will go into effect on Monday, December 20th requiring any individual, regardless of their vaccination status, who is age two or older to cover their nose and mouth with a mask or face-covering when inside any public location. This action is being taken as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to significantly affect the life and health of our community, as well as the economy; therefore, it is critical to take this additional step to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 to protect the health and welfare of the people in the City of Lynn.

“The City of Lynn has made great strides to keep our community safe by offering and encouraging free testing and vaccines, but masking indoors continues to be an incredibly important tool in the toolbox, especially during the holidays and winter season,” said Mayor Thomas M. McGee. That is why the CDC, US Surgeon General, and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, as well as other federal and state medical authorities recommend this, and in consultation with Director Desmarais and Mayor-Elect Nicholson, I feel strongly that by putting this measure in place, we can all do our small part to help drive our positive case numbers down again and keep our community healthy.”

“This pandemic continues to have a strong presence here in Lynn,” said Public Health Director Michele Desmarais. “Our positive cases in the last few months have steadily increased again, some days in triple digits, and although we have done a tremendous job with vaccinations which often tempers COVID symptoms, the virus is easily transmittable via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so wearing a mask specifically indoors in group settings will go a long way in helping to stop the spread and protect the most vulnerable among us.”

Public location is defined as any place open to the public, including, but not limited to, municipal and school buildings, grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, places of worship, funereal homes, convenience stores, fitness centers, all retail stores, hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, public transportation, taxis, livery, and other ride sharing vehicles, and any location, including event venues, and private clubs that hosts indoor events or performances. Public location also includes any facility where members of the public are permitted to enter to conduct business while such members of the public are within the facility.

Exceptions to this order include for people who are unable to wear a mask or face covering due to medical or disabling condition, where it would impede communication by or with a person who has a hearing impairment or other disability, and while actively eating or drinking, receiving dental care or other health care, or swimming.

The Order requires all businesses, healthcare facilities and any other establishments open to the public to post a notice at entry requiring those entering to wear a face-covering or mask.

The above press release was submitted to us by Mayor McGee’s office.