GREENFIELD — The city lifted its mask mandate Friday morning effective immediately, ending another months-long run of mask-wearing.
The decision does not include schools and childcare facilities, as they are under guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
The mandate applied to all places in the city where the public is allowed to enter or interact with other people, including but not limited to restaurants, bars, indoor performance and event venues, hotels and motels, gyms, fitness clubs, salons and places of worship, as well as indoor workplaces and common areas of multi-unit buildings. It was put into place on Dec. 13, following a Board of Health vote.
“I’m delighted to be able to give people a break for spring and … to be able to see those smiling faces again,” said Board of Health Chair Nancee Bershoff.
Mayor Roxann Wedegartner announced the decision on Friday morning, citing a drop in COVID-19 cases following the surge that took place earlier in the winter. She noted the decision was made with the support of the city’s Health Department and Board of Health.
“I am satisfied by the data that we’re seeing on infection rates and vaccination rates that I can remove the mask mandate,” Wedegartner said in a statement. “I continue to hope that those who are unvaccinated and boosted will get their vaccines and boosters.”
According to the most recent data available from the state, Greenfield had 184 COVID cases reported in the two-week period between Jan. 30 and Feb. 12. In the two weeks prior, 303 cases were reported, which was down from 472 in the two-week period before that.
According to the city, the percentage of residents who are vaccinated and boosted has continued to rise. Currently, 71% of residents are vaccinated, and 41% have received a booster. Franklin County, meanwhile, is reportedly 72% vaccinated and 57% boosted.
The Board of Health “gave it careful consideration,” Bershoff said. “We looked at the Massachusetts statistics as well as the local statistics and felt this was as good a time as any to rescind the mask mandate.”
Bershoff said the board also consulted with members of the Emergency Operations Committee, who also felt it was an appropriate time to rescind the mandate.
“Nobody knows exactly the right time,” she said. “They were eager to go ahead and give our community a break from the requirement to wear a mask … We’re heading into spring and shortly, we’ll be outdoors more.”
Between vaccinations and people who have acquired natural immunity through the virus, she added, people have acquired immunity one way or another.
“I think, fingers crossed, we won’t have another surge that requires more drastic action,” Bershoff said. “Hopefully, the surge will be more like the winter flu, and not such an ominous situation. We don’t know.”
Face coverings are still required in certain sectors, under the state’s guidelines. They include healthcare facilities, public and private transportation, congregate care facilities, emergency shelter programs, and schools and childcare facilities. People who want to continue wearing masks while in public should follow their own guidance and wear masks as they see fit. More information about the state’s guidelines can be found at Mass.gov.
Reporter Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-930-4429. Twitter: @MaryEByrne