EASTHAMPTON — Residents are being urged to wear face coverings starting Wednesday when they go out and are unable to social distance.
The new directive approved by the Board of Health this week calls on residents to wear face coverings when visiting essential businesses, when strolling outdoors in confined areas or when interacting with one another.
“If you can wear one, and you have access to one, please wear one,” said Bri Eichstaedt, the city’s health agent.
The changes come about almost two weeks after the city ordered workers at essential businesses in Easthampton to wear face coverings.
While it was discussed, health officials decided not to mandate face masks for the general public because of concerns about how difficult it would be to enforce such a rule and because of equity issues.
“We don’t want somebody who needs food to be turned away from a grocery store,” Eichstaedt said.
Maggie Hebert, chair of the city’s Board of Health, said that as a nurse she had concerns about making face coverings mandatory because some people have medical issues with wearing them. She also noted that wearing a face covering can help protect others.
“We went back and forth about making it mandatory versus strongly recommending,” Hebert said.
The city warns that a face covering is not a substitute for social distancing 6 feet or more.
Eichstaedt said that a face covering can include something like a bandana or a scarf, if one doesn’t have a mask. Those who would like a cloth mask can email Eichstaedt at beichstaedt@easthamptonma.gov. The health agent has been delivering the masks personally.
Eichstaedt also said that donations of masks are still needed, and that they can be dropped off at the public safety complex at 32 Payson Ave.
Bera Dunau can be reached at bdunau@gazettenet.com.