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LYNN, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Lynn has become the latest city in Massachusetts to mandate masks or other face coverings in public, indoor spaces as cases of COVID soar in the state.
The mandate, announced on Dec. 16, goes into effect on Monday, Dec. 20. This mandate calls for everyone over the age of two, regardless of their vaccination status, to wear a mask or similar face covering that covers their nose and mouth when indoors.
This new mandate comes as Lynn reports 456 positive cases of COVID from Dec. 10 to Dec. 16.
“The City of Lynn has made great strides to keep our community safe by offering and encouraging free testing and vaccines, but masking indoors continues to be an incredibly important tool in the toolbox, especially during the holidays and winter season,” Lynn Mayor Thomas M. McGee said in a statement. "I feel strongly that by putting this measure in place, we can all do our small part to help drive our positive case numbers down again and keep our community healthy.”
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The mandate applies to all city buildings, as well as any area in which the public may gather, such as grocery stores, restaurants, fitness centers, and retail stores. Businesses in Lynn are required to post notice of this mandate at their entrances to their locations.
There are a few exceptions to the mandate, including for those who may be unable to wear a mask due to a medical condition or disability and in cases where a mask would impede on the ability to communicate for those with hearing impairment or similar disabilities.
Masks are also not required to be worn when a person is actively eating or drinking, they are receiving dental care, or are swimming.
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