August 11, 2021 Announcement: COVID-19 Update and New Mask Requirement for Wayland Town Buildings

 
Town Seal
 
Louise Miller
Town Administrator
Tel (508)358-3620
 
For Immediate Release
 
Date: August 11, 2021
 
Re:       COVID 19 Update and New Mask Requirement for Wayland Town Buildings

Following updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on July 27 and a Face Covering and Mask Advisory from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued on July 30, the Town of Wayland will now require the wearing of masks of all visitors to municipal buildings effective immediately.  Staff will also be required to wear masks when interacting with the public. Please be aware the School Department may issue different guidelines with respect to health and safety protocols in school buidlings

To reduce the risk of infection of the Delta variant and potentially spreading it to others (especially vulnerable individuals) guidance recommends, regardless of vaccination status, masks should be worn when indoors (excluding your home) if risk factors for COVID-19 are present.  Risk can be reduced by wearing masks especially in counties where there is “substantial” or “high” coronavirus transmission risk.  As of Sunday, August 8, 2021, the CDC has labeled Middlesex County at a “substantial” risk for coronavirus transmission.  At the State level, all but 1 County (Hampshire) is either labeled substantial or high. It also advises unvaccinated individuals to wear masks indoors at all times (excluding your home). You can view the COVID-19 Integrated County View Map here.

Within the Town, cases have been on the rise with 17 new cases reported during the week of August 2-6 and, 9+ cases reported over the weekend.  With this recent uptick and the rise of the delta variant, the Wayland Health Director reminds everyone to stay vigilant, continue to follow safe practices to ensure prevention, and urges all who are eligible to get the vaccine if not already done so.  If you need a vaccination please check the state website for a current location listing:    https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccination-locations.

If things improve and case numbers are on the decline then the Town will reconsider its mask requirement in Wayland Town Buildings.

Thank you all for your continued efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

Risk factors for COVID-19:  If you have a weakened immune system, or if you are at increased risk for severe disease because of your age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease, or is unvaccinated (including children less than 12 years of age).  Your primary care provider can advise you whether you are at increased risk and information from the CDC on conditions that may put you at increased risk can be found here; https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html.

For individuals who are not fully vaccinated, the CDC advises the following:

  • Wear a face covering or mask that covers your nose and mouth
  • Stay 6 feet apart from others who don’t live with you.
  • Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.  Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Get tested if you have been exposed to or have symptoms associated with COVID-19.

When you wear a face covering or cloth mask, it should:

  • Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face,
  • Be secured with ties or ear loops,
  • Include multiple layers of fabric,
  • Allow for breathing without restriction, and
  • Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.