FARMINGTON — Selectmen at the Feb. 22 meeting may wait until after the annual town meeting to revisit the town’s masking requirement.
In January the board voted that masks must be worn in all municipal buildings and locations.
“I’ve been asked by a couple of employees about lifting the mask mandate in public buildings,” Selectman Chair Matthew Smith said. He took an informal survey of the municipal building employees. “They weren’t entirely opposed but would like to wait another month, make sure there are no more spikes,” he noted.
There should be an end date, Selectman Joshua Bell said. He asked if there was a plan, what the criteria was for making a decision. Bell was the only selectman to vote against the mask requirement.
“My recommendation is not lift it at this time, revisit it after the April Town Meeting,” Town Manager Christian Waller said. “It’s the responsibility of the town to provide a safe environment for workers.”
Infection rates are going down, he noted.
Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention Director Dr. Nirav Shah said Wednesday, Feb. 16, that the state is considering changing its recommendation for universal masking to an optional one if the number of COVID-19 cases continues to decline.
If the CDC does change its recommendation, Farmington would revisit its mask requirements.
During a special meeting Thursday, Feb. 24, selectmen postponed the town meeting until May 9.
Town meeting will be held in the gym at Mt. Blue High School. Masks are still required there.
“Because of spacing we considered it prudent (to change town meeting location),” Waller said.
Selectman Stephan Bunker said he was willing to listen, suggested keeping the masking requirement in place at this point.
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