Fall River Board of Health issues mask advisory as virus cases increase

The City of Fall River has modified it’s mask wearing policy.

In an advisory issued by the Fall River Board of Health, the group is warning of 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.”

The advisory goes on to say that 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 Monday, transmission of the virus is high in Bristol County and the City of Fall River has experienced an increase in cases locally in the past weeks which led to the advisory.

The Board of Health is now strongly advising all persons in the City of Fall River, regardless
of vaccination status to wear a mask in all public indoor areas.

“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.”

The face coverings requirement does not apply to children under the age of 2, where a person is unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical or disabling condition, where a face covering would impede communication by or with a person who has a hearing impairment or other disability, and while eating or drinking.

The BOH also issued a reminder of the current rules regarding masks.

Existing Mask Requirements:

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