Mass. Cities And Towns That Now Require Face Masks, Coverings In Public

UPDATE: Gov. Charlie Baker issued a statewide order mandating that everyone over the age of 2 wear a mask or face covering in public, effective May 6, 2020. 

As the numbers of coronavirus cases and deaths continue to rise in Massachusetts, some cities and towns are mandating that face masks or other protective coverings be worn in public within their communities.

Here's what we know about the orders in various municipalities:

Anyone over 5 is required to wear a face covering inside public buildings, when using public transportation taxis and ride shares and any other enclosed facilities, according to an order effective Monday, April 27. Essential businesses that remain open are also required to post notice of the requirement, or they could be subject to $100 fines.

In Belmont, anyone visiting an essential business is required to wear a mask or face covering until further notice.

Anyone entering an essential business in Braintree is required to wear a face mask during business hours. They are also required when entering or exiting any residential or commercial building complex of more than one unit.

Effective April 17, the town of Brookline required that people wear a face mask or covering in public. With potential consequences for essential businesses that allow employees or customers to flout the rule, adding "businesses not adhering to these requirements may face fines or, in egregious cases, the Health Department may shut down a business, construction site, or other activity."

The city of Cambridge issued a temporary emergency order requiring the use of masks or face coverings that went into effect Wednesday, April 29. It is set to remain in effect until further notice. The order will not be enforced for a one-week grace period, after which violators may be fined $300.

As of Monday, April 20, all are required to wear a face covering outside of their home in Everett, according to an emergency order. Violators could be fined up to $300.

Anyone 2 or older is required to wear a face covering when entering essential businesses or "common areas of any multi-unit residential or commercial building," according to an order issued by Framingham's health board.

Lawrence Mayor Dan Rivera issued an executive order requiring the use of face coverings, effective Wednesday, April 29. Violators are subject to a fine of $300.

The mayor of Medford issued an executive order on April 10 mandating masks or face coverings when entering essential businesses.

The Melrose board of health has mandated that anyone entering a public building, pumping gas, using public transportation, taxis or ride shares and otherwise engaging in activities in enclosed facilities where others are present is required to wear a mask or face covering. The order took effect April 25 and also applies to delivery drivers and mandates that essential businesses post notice of the requirement. Violators could be ticketed and face a warning for the first offense and a fine of $50 for the second offense, $100 for the third offense, and $300 for the fourth and subsequent offenses.

The town of Needham's board of public health issued an emergency order requiring anyone over 5 to wear a face covering, effective Friday, May 1. It is set to remain in effect until June 16 or until notice is given.

The city's board of health approved an order requiring face coverings for anyone entering essential businesses, residential or commercial complexes or restaurants offering takeout. Those delivering food or other goods are also required to wear masks, with the order starting on April 15.

The Provincetown select board issued an emergency order requiring masks or face coverings when entering or working in essential businesses, effective Friday, May 1. The order also includes public outdoor spaces, such as Commercial Street between Bangs and Pleasant streets.

The Salem board of health ordered that effective April 12, anyone entering an essential business, residential or commercial complex or restaurant offering takeout is required to wear a face covering. The order also applies to those delivering food or other goods.

Somerville residents will have a one-week grace period after Wednesday, April 29 to comply with Mayor Joseph Curtatone's order requiring anyone over the age of 2 to wear a mask or other face covering in public. After that, they could face a $300 fine.

The public health board ordered that anyone entering public buildings, pumping gas, or using public transportation, taxis or ride shares is required to wear a face covering. The order went into effect April 25 and will remain until the governor's emergency order is lifted. Violators may be subject to fines and/or criminal prosecution.

Everyone over the age of 5 is required to cover their faces with a mask or other face coverings while in any public space or common areas, indoor and outdoor. This goes into effect May 1.

Everyone over the age of 5 is required to cover their nose and mouth with a mask or cloth when in any indoor or outdoor public area. People who cannot wear a mask because of underlying health reasons or another disability are encouraged to wear a face shield. The order goes into effect on May 4. Those who refuse could be fined up to $300.

Anyone entering stores or public common areas and buildings is required to wear a face covering, after the town issued an emergency order.