Wayland Select Board backs mandatory mask order for essential businesses

WAYLAND -- April 24, 2020, Wayland Select Board votes 5-0 to convert its mask advisory into an order at essential businesses. Selectman Doug Levine, citing similar orders in Framingham, Medford, Brookline and seven other communities, moved that the board support a mandate covering grocery stores, pharmacies and takeout restaurants for both staff and customers. Town Counsel Jason Adams pointed to Chapter 111, Section 31 and 310 CMR 11.05 as the strongest legal footing, language Peabody and Beverly have leaned on. Town Administrator Louise Miller flagged enforcement gaps, noting Stop & Shop and Donelan's managers told Levine they would not police compliance. Miller also reported Wayland's confirmed COVID-19 caseload roughly doubled in a week to 48, driven by assisted-living testing, and that recreation programming is canceled through July 5. The order itself still requires action by the Board of Health, which discussed but did not vote on the matter Friday morning.