Face Coverings Now Required

COVID-19 Emergency Order – Wearing Face Coverings in Town Owned Buildings, Public Spaces and Businesses Open to the Public within the Town of Warren

WHEREAS, Consistent with Governor Scott’s Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order related to social distancing as well as the health care measures recommended by the Vermont Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Selectboard desires to enact and encourage measures that promote the public health safety and welfare of its citizens and visitors to further the goal of slowing the spread of COVID-19, and

WHEREAS, the Vermont Department of Health “recommends that all Vermonters wear cloth face coverings when outside the home to help slow the spread of COVID-19, and

WHEREAS, Governor Scott issued Addendum 14 to his Executive Order on May 15, 2020, which includes in paragraph 3, the following authorization for municipalities: “The legislative body of each municipality may enact more strict local requirements regarding mask use than those set forth herein”, and

WHEREAS, Section 16 of the Vermont Emergency Management statute, 20 VSA § 16, authorizes the towns of the State to make orders, rules and regulations that may be necessary for emergency management purposes so long as they are not inconsistent with any orders, rules or regulations promulgated by the governor or any state agency.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Selectboard issues the following COVID-19 Emergency Order:

1. Requirement to Wear Face Coverings.  Starting July 1, 2020, any member of the public entering a business located in the Town of Warren that will be open to the public or a Town- owned building must wear a face covering over their mouth and nose that is consistent with the Vermont Department of Health’s guidance on face coverings.
2. Any public space, including Town owned properties and parks, where recommended social distancing guidelines cannot be achieved also require a face mask.
3. Exceptions.  The Vermont Department of Health advises that face coverings should never be worn by children under the age of two, anyone who has trouble breathing or anyone unable to remove a mask without assistance.
4. Posting Requirement. Each covered establishment must post signage at the entrance and at other appropriate locations stating that members of the public are required to wear face coverings by order of the Warren Selectboard.

Approved by the Warren Selectboard and Dated at Warren, Vermont this 30th day of June, 2020.