Falmouth Lifts Outdoor Mask Mandate For Downtown

FALMOUTH, MA — The Falmouth Select Board voted to lift the outdoor mask mandate in downtown Falmouth and Woods Hole, beginning Saturday.

The decision coincides with Gov. Charlie Baker lifting virtually all coronavirus restrictions on businesses and gatherings, beginning Memorial Day weekend. It also reverses the select board's decision last August to create mandatory mask zones on Main Street and Water Street.

Falmouth Health Agent Scott McGann said at Monday's select board meeting that the mandate will be replaced with a mask advisory. Select board member Samuel Patterson cautioned residents to remain vigilant in stopping the spread of the virus.

"It is important to remember we get visitors from all over the world who may not have the same access to vaccines," Patterson said. "There still will be part of our population who are susceptible to catching COVID-19, so we need to be concerned with their welfare."

Businesses don't need to require masks, beginning Saturday, but they are still allowed to mandate them.

The Select Board also considered rescinding the mask mandate in town buildings, but the board rejected the proposal after Town Manager Julian Suso suggested it might be too soon.

The board is expected to discuss the proposal again at its next meeting on Monday, June 7.