Fall River’s Board of Health has released an advisory strongly recommending the wearing of masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
Advisory from the Board of Health
We are currently experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases both locally and nationally. Per the CDC, the Delta variant is highly contagious, nearly twice as
contagious as previous variants. Unvaccinated people remain the most significant concern. While breakthrough infections are rare, individuals infected with the Delta variant, including fully vaccinated people with breakthrough infections, can transmit it to others.
On July 27th, 2021, the CDC released updated guidance on the need for urgently increasing COVID-19 vaccination coverage and a recommendation for everyone in areas of substantial or high transmission to wear a mask in public indoor places, even if they are fully vaccinated. As of today, August 23rd, 2021, transmission is high in Bristol County. The City of Fall River has experienced an increase in cases locally in the past weeks.
The Board of Health is strongly advising all persons in the City of Fall River, regardless of vaccination status to wear a mask in all public indoor areas.
Section 1
Except as specified in Section 2 below, all persons in the City of Fall River, are advised to wear a mask or face covering over their mouth and nose are advised at all times when indoors, regardless of vaccination status.
Section 2
The face coverings requirement in Section 1 shall not apply in the following circumstances:
1. Children under the age of 2;
2. Where a person is unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical or disabling condition;
3. Where a face covering would impede communication by or with a person who hasa hearing impairment or other disability and;
4. While eating or drinking.
Existing Mask Requirements:
In addition to the above advisory, please note the MA Department of Public Health currently requires masks in the following settings:
1. Public and private transportation;
2. Healthcare facilities;
3. Congregate care facilities;
4. Emergency shelter programs;
5. Houses of Correction, Department of Correction prisons, jails, and other correctional facilities;
6. Health Care and Day Services and Programs operated, licensed, certified, regulated, or funded by the Commonwealth, including the Executive Office of Health
and Human Services or one of its agencies;
7. Home health care workers
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