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WORCESTER, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio)—Worcester officials issued new emergency orders Friday, announcing that employees of the city will be under a COVID-19 vaccination requirement starting on November 1st, and a mask mandate on indoor businesses will take effect Monday.
City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. cited rising COVID numbers in his decision, saying cases have increased for ten consecutive weeks in Worcester and local hospitals are at maximum capacity.
"Let me be clear, we are in a battle. That's not hyperbole. We are in a battle with an enemy that is well equipped to inflict serious damage and already has done so," Augustus said. "You don't go into a battle with just some of your weapons—you need all your weapons. Getting vaccinated and wearing a mask remains our best defense against this enemy."
City workers will have an option to test weekly rather than get a COVID vaccine.
The indoor mask mandate applies to 'indoor private common spaces in the workplace and indoor private spaces open to the public.' Everyone five and older except those with medical exemptions will have to cover their faces in retail spaces, restaurants except when eating, houses of worship, gyms, and performance venues.
The mask order takes effect on September 20th, and the Board of Health will take it up for ratification on September 27th.
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