Westport issues mandatory face covering order for workers, public

If you are working or entering Westport, it will soon be mandatory to cover your face or risk being fined.

Friday the Westport Board of Health voted to implement an Emergency Public Health Order requiring the use of simple cloth face coverings to reduce risk of the spread of COVID-19 when entering or working in public facilities such as grocery stores, pharmacies, convenience stores, etc. This also includes restaurants when picking up take-out and common areas of residential or commercial complexes with multiple units. Employees of all Essential Businesses, as defined by Governor’s Executive Order are also directed to wear a face covering when interacting with the public or within six feet of a co-worker.

According to the Westport Board of Health, the purpose is to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus and protect your own health and the health of others. The BOH stated in a press release that it has been documented that transmission of the virus can easily occur before someone is symptomatic and also many people unknowingly carry the virus without ever becoming ill. The virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity—for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing—even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms.

Guidance on proper use of face coverings and how to make your own is available from the Centers for Disease Control: Make your own face covering.

The order will be implemented by the Board of Health. Those who don’t comply will first receive a warning. A second offense will incur a $100 fine. A third and any subsequent offenses will result in a $250 fine.

The Order takes effect Monday, April 20th and will remain in place until further notice. For more information, contact the Board of Health at 508-636-1015.