GREENFIELD — Mayor Roxann Wedegartner and Health Director Valerie Bird are issuing a joint advisory for Greenfield residents to wear face coverings when in public conducting essential business and when social distancing is unable to be maintained.
This advisory follows guidance issued earlier this month from both the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), according to a press release from the mayor’s office.
However, Wedegartner and the Greenfield Health Department encourage residents to stay home whenever possible. They advise that, when leaving home to conduct essential business, wearing a face covering is recommended, but that it should not be substituted for the continued practice of social distancing (keeping at least 6 feet between yourself and others).
“Wearing a procedural mask, cloth mask, bandana or scarf can provide a measure of protection while you are out in public and if you need to leave home to visit the supermarket, pharmacy or while conducting essential business within the city of Greenfield,” Wedegartner noted.
The CDC has provided instructions on how to use cloth face coverings to help protect yourself and slow the transmission of COVID-19, the release states. Cloth face coverings should: fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face; be secured with ties or ear loops; include multiple layers of fabric; allow for breathing without restriction; and be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.
Greenfield residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the city’s COVID-19 resource and information line at 413-775-6411, which is staffed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.