City Council resolution urges face coverings for all

posted on: 8/14/2020

The City Council at its Aug. 12 meeting unanimously adopted a resolution requesting the use of face coverings in public to help prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

"This is a resolution to strongly say, put your mask on, be safe, and socially distance," said Mayor Robert Carrier at the Aug. 12 City Council meeting. "This protects yourself, your neighbors and the entire community."

The resolution cites recommendations from several health officials and agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about the use of masks and face coverings to help prevent transmission of the virus.

"New Hampshire's numbers are OK, they are not zero," said Councilor Dennis Shanahan. "We are still seeing 20 to 30 to 40 new cases a day. We are still seeing a death every several days. This virus is not down to zero yet and we need to keep working on it."

"We didn't know as much about this virus back in March as we know now," said Councilor Lindsey Williams. "This is the science evolving and this is the policy response evolving with it. Wearing a mask is caring for the community. All of us who physically can wear a mask need to be wearing a mask. If we're going to get this under control, and if we're going to be able to have an economy while we wait for a vaccine, we've got to wear masks."

The resolution points to guidance from medical experts who strongly recommend the wearing of face coverings when in public, and particularly where a person is not able to maintain adequate distance from another person.

The resolution states that public awareness about the importance of masks is critical to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The resolution requests "in the strongest terms" that all residents and visitors in the City of Dover, "who are medically able to... wear appropriate face coverings while in public. Face coverings should cover the nose and mouth of the person wearing it."

The resolution also urges businesses to develop face covering policies and procedures, "including appropriate signage or notices, urging or requiring visitors to wear
face coverings."

The resolution was amended, following a motion by Councilor Fergus Cullen, to remain in effect until Gov. Chris Sununu's State of Emergency is lifted. To remain in effect, the State of Emergency must be renewed by the governor every 21 days. The current emergency order declaring the State of Emergency is set to expire on Sept. 1.

"There is an ongoing State of Emergency declared by the governor," said City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr. "The expectation is that will continue until this situation is under control."

The meeting can be viewed here.