Massachusetts town provides mask wearing do’s and dont’s

The Town of Whitman is providing a list of do’s and dont’s for wearing face masks in public to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

For wearing a face mask, you should:

-Use it to completely cover their nose and mouth
-Read the directions provided on use of the mask, if available
-Put the mask on properly and adjust it as necessary throughout the day
-Wash their hands and face after removing the mask and before touching their face
-Keep masks clean. Fabric face coverings should be cleaned after each use and should be machine washable and dryer safe
-Keep it away from running machinery or equipment that could entangle the mask
-Keep it on their person when not using it
-Request a new one if it becomes damaged or in any way unsanitary

You should not:

-Let the mask obstruct their vision
-Wear it if it causes any difficulty in their ability to breathe
-Wear it if it causes safety glasses or reading glasses to fog up and impair vision
-Let it hang down around their neck
-Lay it on a surface where it may contaminate the surface or lay it on a surface that may already be contaminated
-Wear it where it may come in contact with running machinery or create a hazard while performing their work
-Use it if it is damaged in any way

The Baker-Polito Administration has ordered all residents over the age of two to use a face covering or mask in public places where maintaining proper social distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are not possible. This statewide order goes into effect on May 6th and supersedes previously issued guidance relative to mask use.

This order applies to all workers and customers of businesses and other organizations that are currently open to the public and permitted to operate as COVID-19 Essential Businesses, such as grocery stores, pharmacies and other retail stores. Residents are also required to wear a mask or face covering at all times when using any means of transportation service or public mass transit.

A face covering may include anything that covers your nose and mouth, including a mask, scarf or bandana. Health care masks should not be used and should be preserved for health care workers and first responders. Cloth masks should not be worn by young children under the age of two, persons with difficulty breathing, or those who are unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.