Order of the Avon Board of Health – Practices to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

Practices to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19

Pursuant to the declaration of a Public Health State of Emergency on March 16, 2020, and all other authorizing statutes and regulations, acting by and through the Avon Board of Health authorized under MGL c.111, §31 we hereby order the following effective as of April 24, 2020.

1. All members of the public, ages 2 years and older, entering any essential business as defined by Governor Baker’s Covid-19 Executive Orders, including but not limited to grocery stores, pharmacies, home improvement stores, etc., must wear a cloth face covering, such as a fabric mask, scarf or bandana, over their nose and mouth.
2. Face coverings can be made from household fabrics and should ideally have multiple layers. Surgical masks or N-95 respirators may be worn but are not necessary. Surgical masks and or N-95 respirators should be left for medical professionals and first responders.
3. All members of the public, ages 2 years and older, entering a restaurant for the purpose of picking up food for take-out must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth.
4. All employees of all essential businesses shall wear a face covering over their mouth and nose when interacting with the public and within six feet of a co-worker.
5. All grocery stores, retail stores and food service establishment staff must wear a face covering. Gloves must be readily available and used as necessary to avoid touching “ready to eatfoods”. Glove use is not a substitution for frequent hand washing.
6. Any resident or member of the general public, ages 2 years and older, entering or exiting a residential or commercial building complex of greater than one (1) unit must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth while in common areas and communal spaces and must exercise social distancing in these spaces in accordance with CDC guidelines. See these guidelines at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html
7. An employee of the retailer shall be designated to ensure that members of the public, ages 2 years and older, are entering the establishment wearing a cloth face covering.
8. Per the CDC, face coverings should not be placed on young children under 2-years- old, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
9. Establishments must increase employee illness surveillance b y :
   1. Continuing to ask if staff have been exposed to COVID-19.
   2. Ensuring employees don’t come to work while sick.
   3. Recommending the employee monitor their temperature and verbally report that they are symptom free and well enough to work.

A face covering should:

• fit snugly against the side of your face
• be secured with ties or ear loops
• have multiple layers of fabric
• allow for breathing without restriction
• be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

Remember to always remove the mask directly into the laundry or trash and then immediately wash your hands and be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when removing your mask.

Instructions for how to fashion a homemade face covering with no sewing required can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html

This emergency order shall be effective beginning Friday, APRIL 24, 2020 at 6:00AM and remain in effect until notice is given, pursuant to the Board of Health’s judgement, that the Public Health Emergency no longer exists.

To the extent necessary, this Order shall be enforced by Board of Health officials, code enforcement and Avon Police Department. Local businesses not adhering to the requirements may face fines of $100 per incident

ORDERED on this 22nd day of April 2020

Kathleen Waldron,
Health Agent