WEST BOYLSTON – The town’s board of health announced that due to a recent surge of the Delta variant associated with COVID-19, a town wide mask mandate has been ordered, effective Wed., Sept. 15.

According to the announcement posted on the town website by the board on Sept. 13, “it is mandated that all individuals aged two years and older wear face coverings in all indoor spaces, public or private (open to the public), except where an individual is unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition or disability.”

The announcement also states that “West Boylston has experienced a surge in COVID-19 cases with the Delta variant. The Board of Health strongly recommends that you wear masks when indoors, except at home, even if you are vaccinated.”

Further, this mandate includes the following public spaces:

  • Public buildings
  • Schools (public and private)
  • All childcare facilities
  • Food service establishments – customers may only remove face coverings when seated.
  • Houses of Worship
  • Personal service establishments: barber shops, hair and nail salons – allowing for temporary removal during service.

According to the Board of Health, this mandate applies to all workers, customers, and visitors. The mandate will be reviewed by the Board of Health at each subsequent regular meeting. If no action is taken by the board to rescind it, this mandate will remain in effect indefinitely. 

Anyone feeling sick or experiencing cold-like symptoms, the Board of Health encourages people to get tested. COVID-19 tests are readily available by appointment at local pharmacies. Walk-in free testing is also available at the Mercantile Center in Worcester (https://www.umassmemorialhealthcare.org/umass-memorial-medical-center/patients-visitors/patient-resources/free-covid-19-testing).