*Update #23* (7 p.m., 4/16/20) Town of Brookline Provides Additional Guidance on Face Coverings

BROOKLINE — The Brookline Select Board, Town Administrator Mel Kleckner, and Director of Health and Human Services Dr. Swannie Jett wish to provide members of the community with an important update on the COVID-19 situation. 

Cases

There are currently 172 positive cases of coronavirus that have been identified among Brookline residents, and four of those people have died after becoming ill.

Face Coverings to be Required in Public

The Town of Brookline reminds residents that masks are required by those out in public, beginning tomorrow, with the exception of children and infants under age 2. 

“This is an education tool, first and foremost, and it’s important for residents to remember that they should not be leaving home unless they absolutely must and that they should be covering their face,” Dr. Jett said. “The only foolproof prevention strategy is staying home and practicing social distancing, but covering your face is a valuable step to take to ensure you and those you come into contact with are protected as much as possible.”

The Brookline Police and Fire Departments ask residents not to call 911 about face covering related matters. Anyone with concerns should call the Brookline Department of Public health at 617-730-2300.

Effective Friday, April 17, anyone out in public in Brookline is required to wear a face covering over their nose and mouth, and residents are reminded that they should only be leaving home to purchase essentials or to get to essential jobs. 

While there are enforcement options available under the auspices of the Brookline Department of Public Health, the primary objective of the order is to reinforce the importance of residents staying home, and covering their faces should they need to go out.

Face coverings can be made out of household fabrics and materials, and should ideally have multiple layers, with a filter such as a coffee filter included between the layers. 

Cloth face coverings should:

• Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
• Be secured with ties and/or ear loops
• Include multiple layers of fabric
• Allow for breathing without restriction
• Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change in shape

For more information about how to properly wear face coverings, click here. 

Stay Safe At Home

The entire Commonwealth remains under a stay-at-home advisory, and residents are advised to leave home only if absolutely necessary. Essential trips should also be minimized by buying enough of what you need to last for weeks at a time whenever possible. 

Got Masks?

Got Masks Brookline is a local collaborative effort helping to connect those in need of face coverings with those who have the capability to make them. To request a mask, or if you’re able to contribute by making masks for those in need, visit gotmasksbrookline.org.

Additionally, the Public Library of Brookline has made instructions available for how to create your own mask at home. Click here for more information.

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