NASHUA – As Nashua tries to maintain a balance between safety and reopening the economy, city leaders are emphasizing the importance of wearing face masks. 

During Wednesday’s city press conference, Mayor Jim Donchess said he knows people across the city are suffering as a result of the economic effects that have occurred so far as a result of coronavirus pandemic. In Nashua, it is reported that more than 10,000 people, including those working in Massachusetts, have filed for unemployment benefits. 

State unemployment benefits are bolstered by a temporary supplement from the federal government.

Donchess cited small businesses, such as restaurants and retail stores, that are hurting after having to close their doors more than two months. 

“As we move forward, we are going to exercise the desire that you wear masks and that we continue the social distancing,” Donchess said. 

Donchess said that in May the number of new cases Nashua has dropped, allowing the city to gradually allow businesses to function more normally. 

There is a risk that a second outbreak could occur once colder weather arrives in the fall and into winter. 

“That’s how other coronaviruses act, and in addition, if that phenomenon occurs while the state has reopened its economy so there’s more interaction, more personal contact between people, the risk of a second outbreak certainly is there,” Donchess said. “But we don’t know and neither do the medical experts, but we want to exercise caution.” 

The Board of Aldermen approved requiring face coverings in certain public spaces. 

“This would include wearing the mask in outdoor areas where business is conducted as well as work sites and in government buildings,” Director of the Division of Public Health and Community Services Bobbie Bagley said. 

She explained that this emergency public health order was put into effect to require the wearing of masks when in situations where 6 feet or more of distancing cannot be maintained. It should also slow the spread of the disease by carriers who are asymptomatic.

People should arrive at restaurants wearing face masks even if they are dining outdoors. Masks should also be worn when entering residential or commercial buildings that have communal areas. 

Bagley said children under age 10 are not required to wear a face covering. Masks are also not recommended for children under age 2. Adults who have medical conditions that affect their breathing are exempt.

Nashua Police Capt. Craig Allard said that as of Wednesday afternoon the department had received five calls regarding the ordinance. Three of those were unfounded, but there were two instances of noncompliance.

“Our goal is not for this to be a punitive thing, but an educational piece,” Allard said. 

Violation of the ordinance could result in fines as steep at $1,000.

Adam Urquhart may be contacted at 594-1206, or at aurquhart@nashuatelegraph.com.

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