Massachusetts town requiring those exempt from wearing face masks to wear face shields

BROOKLINE — Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett announces that the Brookline Department of Public Health will enact a modified version of its existing face covering order next month.

Beginning on Sept. 10, those who are medically excluded from wearing a face mask or covering will be required to wear a plastic face shield in lieu of a cloth face covering over their nose and mouth. Currently, there is no alternative in place for those who are medically exempt from wearing a face covering.

“We are pleased with the level of cooperation with the existing face covering requirement,” Dr. Jett said. “However, it is important to reinforce the need for a protective layer that limits the possibility of spreading the coronavirus — as a cloth face covering does — while ensuring people with medical limitations are protecting those around them from COVID-19 without jeopardizing their own wellness.”

The Town of Brookline first enacted a face covering requirement in March, which was later followed by a statewide order requiring the same. The state order remains in effect and requires that:

-All establishment staff must wear protective face covering, gloves and eye protection during all service in the establishment

-All establishments are required to install temporary Plexiglas type barriers at customer service counter areas. If employees stay behind Plexiglas at all times eye wear isn’t required

-All entry doors must be posted – advising customers that face covering and social Distancing (six foot separation) must be maintained.

Establishments must increase employee illness surveillance by continuing to ask if staff have been exposed to COVID-19, ensuring employees don’t come to work while ill and taking a daily temperature reading of employees at the start of each work shift. Daily surveillance must be recorded by staff to ensure employee compliance regarding COVID-19 guidelines.