SALEM, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The City of Salem's Board of Health has issued an emergency order regarding the use of face coverings in public spaces.
According to the city, "all persons who are not exempt ... shall wear a facial covering over their mouth and nose when in public between the hours of 8 A.M. and 1 A.M. within the boundaries of the City of Salem downtown B-5 District."
The order applies to all places open to the public, whether indoors or outdoors. That includes inside any City-owned parks and playgrounds, including but not limited to Salem Willows, Winter Island and Forest River Park.
There are exceptions to the face covering order in Salem, including those under the age of two, and those for whom a face covering would cause impairment due to an existing health condition.
The order also not apply when people are sitting/laying on the beach, swimming in the water, eating and while sitting in private vehicles.
This Salem Board of Health said the face covering order will be effective beginning Saturday, July 18, 2020 at 12:01AM and will remain in effect until notice is given, pursuant to the Board of Health’s judgement, that the Public Health Emergency no longer exists.
"Violations of this Order may be punishable by monetary municipal fines and to the extent necessary, this Order shall be enforced by Board of Health officials, Salem Police Officers and Building Inspectors," said the city.
As of Friday, Salem, Mass. had reported 644 total COVID-19 cases, 141 of which are active, 503 have recovered.
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(Photo: City of Salem)