ORANGE — Owners, employees and customers of essential businesses in Orange have until Wednesday to come into compliance with a new order to wear face masks to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
The Orange Board of Health, in cooperation with Town Administrator Gabriele Voelker, Police Chief James Sullivan and Emergency Management Director James Young, issued an order Friday that all essential businesses must provide face coverings to employees and ensure everyone over 2 years old entering one of these businesses dons one as well.
The order, issued by Orange Health Agent Matthew Fortier, details the logic that went into the decision. Fortier states people have been observed failing to adhere to the 6 feet of social distancing guideline ordered by Gov. Charlie Baker, and there is strong evidence that COVID-19 is being spread by people who don’t display symptoms. Meanwhile, there are not enough test kits available to effectively contain the virus within this demographic.
“Thank you for your continued support in protecting our community,” Fortier said in the order, which goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday.
The state’s list of services deemed essential can be found at: bit.ly/2xJOwvw.
Orange Board of Health member Jane Peirce said this order was issued with the public’s best interest in mind.
“This is predicted to be among the really bad weeks (of COVID-19),” she said. “There’s talk of a surge.”
Peirce said no one will be arrested for failing to wear a mask, but she hopes Fortier’s order will embolden employers to require employees and customers to take better precautions.
“We’re not trying to seize authority,” she said. “We’re not trying to be bossy, but this is really important.”
Fortier’s order also urges people to maintain social distancing, limit travel and wash their hands frequently.
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 262.