HOLYOKE — Acting Mayor Terence Murphy has implemented a mask mandate for city employees and those visiting city buildings.
The order comes as Hampden County continues to see high levels of transmission of the coronavirus. In data released Thursday by the state Department of Public Health, Hampden County had a 14-day average daily incidence rate of 33.9 — second highest in Massachusetts behind Dukes and Nantucket counties. Hampden County continues to have the lowest rate of COVID-19 vaccinations in the state.
“The numbers keep going in the wrong direction citywide,” Murphy said in a phone interview Friday. “I’ve got employees that have expressed concern, and rightfully so … We just have to make sure it’s a priority that we keep ourselves safe.”
The mask mandate begins on Sept. 7 and runs through Oct. 1, requiring anyone in city buildings to wear a mask. Murphy said that city health officials will review the policy on Sept. 28 to determine whether to continue requiring masks.
The city’s COVID-19 reporting shows the number of cases steadily increasing since July. During the 14-day period between Aug. 18 and Aug. 31, the city had 167 cases — an increase of 48 cases over the previous 14-day period — and a 3.6% test positivity rate.
“I want to strongly encourage every business to consider having a mask mandate for their employees,” Murphy said, urging customers to wear masks indoors as well.
Murphy also encouraged city residents to get vaccinated to reduce transmission of the virus, as well as severe health outcomes.
Dusty Christensen can be reached at dchristensen@gazettenet.com.