Town of Brookline to Require Those Exempt From Mask Requirement to Wear Face Shields

BROOKLINE — Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett announces that the Brookline Department of Public Health will enact a modified version of its existing face covering order next month. 

Beginning on Sept. 10, those who are medically excluded from wearing a face mask or covering will be required to wear a plastic face shield in lieu of a cloth face covering over their nose and mouth. Currently, there is no alternative in place for those who are medically exempt from wearing a face covering.

“We are pleased with the level of cooperation with the existing face covering requirement,” Dr. Jett said. “However, it is important to reinforce the need for a protective layer that limits the possibility of spreading the coronavirus — as a cloth face covering does — while ensuring people with medical limitations are protecting those around them from COVID-19 without jeopardizing their own wellness.”

The Town of Brookline first enacted a face covering requirement in March, which was later followed by a statewide order requiring the same. The state order remains in effect and requires that:

• All establishment staff must wear protective face covering, gloves and eye protection during all service in the establishment
• All establishments are required to install temporary Plexiglas type barriers at customer service counter areas. If employees stay behind Plexiglas at all times eye wear isn’t required
• All entry doors must be posted – advising customers that face covering and social Distancing (six foot separation) must be maintained.
• Establishments must increase employee illness surveillance by continuing to ask if staff have been exposed to COVID-19, ensuring employees don’t come to work while ill and taking a daily temperature reading of employees at the start of each work shift. Daily surveillance must be recorded by staff to ensure employee compliance regarding COVID-19 guidelines.

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