We know that vaccines are safe and remain very effective in preventing hospitalization and
death. A significant portion of the 52.8 percent of people who were vaccinated were vaccinated
more than six months ago, and immunity wanes. Children were only recently approved in the
past couple of months. Getting a booster or completing the vaccine series for most children is
not something that can reasonably be accomplished before the holidays.
Much has been written about the effectiveness of masks, and our understanding of their role in
preventing serious illness in the wearer and in reducing spread in the community in general. The
CDC has updated their assessment of mask effectiveness as recently as December 6". Masks are
unequivocally an important tool in fighting the spread of Covid-19. In fact, in one of the most
controlled settings known, an outbreak of Covid-19 in the contained environment of an aircraft
carrier, wearing a face covering was associated with a 70% reduction in the risk of infection with
Covid-19. Masks have also been proven to be safe. Details can be found on the CDC website.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/20 19-ncov/science/science-briefs/masking-sc ience-sars-
cov2. html
We recognize the trend in the uptick in cases during the holidays last year. We saw an increase
in cases during this past Thanksgiving holiday on top of the already increasing number of cases
due to the high transmissibility of the Delta variant. With the onset of the December holiday and
recreational activities, individuals will engage in more indoor activities that will increase
crowding in indoor public settings for gatherings, traveling, shopping and other venues. We
want to increase the protection of everyone during and after those activities. This
recommendation is made based on the substantial and high transmissions that are occurring in
the community setting.
Thus, the Board of Health urges the Board of Alderman to implement a mask mandate and to do
so without delay given the impending Holidays.
Now therefore, the City of Nashua ordains that the following Emergency Public Health Order
adopted by the Nashua Board of Health is hereby approved:
1. Employees of all businesses shall wear a face covering over their mouth and nose when
interacting with the public and whenever they are within six feet of a co-worker or a
customer.
2. Members of the public entering any business, including without limitation any outdoor
area where business of any sort is conducted, work site, or government building must
wear a face covering over their nose and mouth.
3. Members of the public entering a restaurant for the purpose of picking up food for take-
out or any other purpose must wear a face covering over their mouth and nose. Members
of the public dining ata restaurant may remove face covering when actively eating and
drinking.
4. Residents, visitors, and members of the public entering or present at a residential or
commercial building complex of greater than two (2) units must wear a face covering
over their nose and mouth while in common areas and communal spaces.
ORDINANCE O-21-083
