HOLYOKE — The city’s Board of Health has ordered a mask mandate in all public indoor locations that began Wednesday.
The decision, voted on Monday, comes as coronavirus cases remain high across Hampden County. In Holyoke, 260 people had COVID-19 in the two-week period ending Sept. 28 — the most recent data available on the city’s COVID-19 dashboard. The number of cases was similar to the previous two-week period. Two people died of the disease during the two-week period ending Sept. 28, and the city experienced a 3.8% test positivity rate.
The mask order will remain in effect until Dec. 1, and those not in compliance could face a fine of as much as $300 per day.
The mandate covers any indoor spaces the public are allowed to enter, from private businesses including restaurants and gyms to workplaces, the common areas of multi-unit residences and retail stores. Masks will also be required at outdoor public events where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Exemptions to the rule include those under the age of 2, employees in shared office spaces where social distancing can be maintained, performers who are singing or playing instruments and can stay at least 10 feet from the public, and anyone swimming or “participating in water-based activities.”
“Nothing in this order is intended to encourage residents to act as an enforcement authority for the City of Holyoke,” the order says. “Residents should not take it upon themselves to approach people in violation of this order. Residents are urged to focus solely on their personal compliance with this order.”
Holyoke’s decision to implement a mandate comes weeks after neighboring communities including Springfield, Easthampton and Northampton implemented similar mandates.
Sean Gonsalves, the city’s director of health, could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
As of Sept. 28, Hampden County remained the county with the lowest percentage of people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with 54% of residents fully immunized, compared to 60% in Hampshire County, 63% in Franklin County and 65% in Berkshire County.
Dusty Christensen can be reached at dchristensen@gazettenet.com.