NEW Mask Resolution Adopted 8/19/2020 by Selectmen

TOWN OF WATERVILLE VALLEY, NH

RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN UPON AUGUST 19, 2020

A RESOLUTION REGARDING THE WEARING OF FACE COVERINGS UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS WITHIN THE TOWN OF WATERVILLE VALLEY

WHEREAS, COVID-19 can be spread from person to person before symptoms develop AND wearing a face covering, along with social distancing, regular handwashing, and staying home when you are sick, can help prevent the spread of COVID-19;

NOW THERFORE, the Waterville Valley Board of Selectmen adopts the following Resolution with regard to the wearing of face coverings in town.

1. Everyone 2 years old and older within the Town of Waterville Valley is expected to wear a mask when around people who are not household members, whether indoors or outdoors. Those with a medical condition, mental health condition, or disability that prevents wearing a mask, and those who are hearing impaired or communicating with individuals who are hearing impaired are exempt from this expectation.

2. A mask is defined as a covering made of cloth, fabric, or other soft or permeable material, without holes, that covers only the nose and mouth and surrounding areas of the lower face. Masks may be factory-made, or handmade and improvised from ordinary household materials. Household items such as bandanas, towels, t-shirts or any other cotton or linen fabric can be used to make a mask. If choosing to wear a cloth mask, it is recommended that they be made with at least 2 layers of fabric.

3. By way of example, masks are expected to be worn:

• When shopping at the grocery store or other retail establishment.
• When sitting close to others in outdoor areas.
• When walking around your office/place of work when others are present.
• When riding in a vehicle with someone who is not a member(s) of your household (i.e. when riding the Resort Transit System (Shuttle Bus, & Trolley), when driving in a work vehicle with other employees, etc.)
• When standing in line at the store or other event.
• At restaurants, unless seated.
• Anytime you cannot maintain proper social distancing or you are around or interact with someone with whom you do not live.

4. Masks need not be worn:

• While outdoors when able to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others.
• While exercising outdoors or when exercising indoors and able to maintain a 6-foot distance.
• When playing a sport or sporting activity.
• When at home with only members of your household.
• When in your car/vehicle.
• When actively eating or drinking, or while seated and adequately spaced from others at a food establishment (see below for more detail).
• When getting a service that requires the temporary removal of a mask, such as during a dental exam, facial, makeup application, etc.
• When the removal of the mask is necessary to confirm identity.
• When federal or state law prohibits wearing a mask or requires the removal of a mask.
• When requested by a law enforcement officer, medical provider, or emergency response personnel.
• When at your place of work, safely distanced from other people for example, in your office.

This Resolution goes into effect immediately upon its adoption and will remain in effect until October 28, 2020, unless extended, rescinded, superseded, or amended.

MASK FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

1. Do I need to wear a mask while walking on a sidewalk?

• No. While it is recommended, you do not need to wear one if you can maintain six feet of separation from others.

2. Do I need a doctor's note to prove I have a medical condition that prevents me from wearing a mask?

• No. You do not need a doctor's note or documentation proving you have a medical condition preventing you from wearing a mask. However, you may be required to provide certification to your employer.

3. Do I need to wear one in the gym?

• If you are engaged in physical activity in the gym and are distanced from others, you do not need to wear one. If you are not engaged in physical activity or are not able to remain at least 6 feet away from others, then one must be worn in a gym.

4. Do I need to wear one at a restaurant or bar?

• Masks should be worn in restaurants and bars as you wait to be seated and while you walk to your table in the dining area. Once seated, you can remove your face mask if you are safely distanced from others. The mask should be put on anytime you leave the table.

5. Do I need to wear a mask when playing golf?

• Masks should be worn while golfing anytime that social distancing is not possible to maintain.

6. There is an exemption for wearing a mask during a sporting activity. Does that include coaches, umpires or other volunteers on the field/court/etc.?

• Players engaged in the sporting activity are exempt from the mask requirement while they are physically active in the sport. This exemption does not apply to players on the sidelines/bench/dugout, coaches, or referees/umpires who are not engaged in physical activity.

7. What should I look for when buying a mask?

• Look for masks made with at least 2 layers of fabric. It should cover your nose and mouth without large gaps. The mask should have ear loops or ties so you can adjust it. For people who wear glasses, look for a mask with a bendable border at the top so you can mold the mask to fit the bridge of your nose and prevent your glasses from fogging.

8. How long can I wear a disposable mask?

• Disposable masks can be reused multiple times until they are damaged or soiled. You can clean disposable masks before reuse by spraying with an alcohol solution and allowing to dry completely before wearing again. It is important to always remove face coverings correctly and wash your hands after handling or touching a used face covering.

9. How can I wash my cloth face mask and how often should I clean it?

• Cloth face coverings should be washed at least once a day. It is important to always remove face coverings correctly and wash you hands after handling or touching a used face covering.The CDC has more information on how to wash a cloth face mask: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-wash-cloth-face-coverings.html

10. What are some tips for making a cloth face mask?

• Bandanas, scarves, hand towels, or any items made of cotton or linen can easily be used as a face covering, as many have these items at home. The CDC has more information on how to make cloth face coverings at home. Instructions are included for sewn and non-sewn masks: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-to-make-cloth-face-covering.html

11. How do you properly wear a face mask?

• Your mask should cover your face from the bridge of your nose to under your chin. It should be loose fitting but still secure enough to stay in place. Make sure you can talk with your mask on and that it doesn’t irritate you, so you are not tempted to touch it or pull it out of place, which could put you at risk from touching your face or limit its effectiveness.

12. What is the science behind the effectiveness of mask wearing?

• The recommendation from the CDC to wear a cloth face covering during the COVID-19 pandemic is based on what we know about the role respiratory droplets play in the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, paired with emerging evidence from clinical and laboratory studies that shows cloth face coverings reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth.

13. How do masks prevent the spread of COVID-19?

• According to the CDC, cloth face coverings are recommended as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the cloth face covering coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice. This is called source control. COVID-19 spreads mainly among people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), so the use of cloth face coverings is particularly important in settings where people are close to each other or where social distancing is difficult to maintain.

14. Why are masks being encouraged now when they weren’t before?

• COVID-19 is a new virus and we learn new things about it every day. As we learn more about the virus, we now have more evidence to suggest that face masks could slow the spread of the virus. With the increase in population from around the country due to UNH students, we felt it was necessary at this time. We will continue to adapt our recommendations as we discover more about the novel Coronavirus.

15. Can I wear a face shield instead of a mask?

• The CDC does not recommend use of face shields for normal everyday activities or as a substitute for cloth face coverings.

16. Do I have to wear a face mask in my own home?

• A face mask is not necessary when in your own home and only with members of your household. If you are hosting a gathering with people from other households, everyone should wear a face mask in order to protect each other from possible exposure to the virus. If you live in a multi-family unit, such as an apartment building, wear a face mask in communal spaces, such as the laundry room and shared hallways.

17. Can wearing a mask make me sick?

• Masks may be uncomfortable or difficult to get used to, but there is no sufficient evidence suggesting that wearing a mask can make a healthy individual sick. Both surgical and cloth masks are porous, allowing for normal breathing. According to the CDC, it is unlikely that wearing a mask will cause a buildup of CO2.

18. If I wear a mask do I still have to social distance?

• Yes, social distancing should always be practiced and masks are not a substitute for social distancing. Masks act as an additional layer of protection in slowing the spread of the virus.

19. I am a business owner/manager. How do I notify customers of this Resolution?

• It is recommended that businesses place signs on entrances to notify customers/visitors of the mask requirement.