The Springfield Board of Health has issued a mask-wearing advisory. People with underlying health conditions and seniors are being asked to consider masking up due to an increase in coronavirus cases.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris and I want to continue to encourage everyone to get their vaccine and booster shots. Out of an abundance of caution for our seniors and those with underlying health conditions and due to the rise in this new COVID XBB1.5 variant, we want to recommend this Non-Mandatory Mask Advisory. We are hopeful and confident that our numbers will remain steady and not spike but we want to be proactive and preventative instead of waiting to react. I want to be clear; this is not a mask mandate; we are not there – yet. It is our hope that we will continue to increase our vaccination and booster numbers and that those critical hospital numbers remain manageable. Again, I ask for everyone to please be respectful and do not ostracize those who feel more comfortable wearing a mask.”
HHS Commissioner Caulton-Harris stated, “As we continue to see a troubling trend of increasing cases, especially with this new XBB1.5 COVID variant, the City of Springfield Department of Health and Human Services and the Board of Health is issuing this non-mandatory mask advisory, especially for our seniors and those with underlying health issues. I cannot stress enough, that this virus and all of its’ subvariants are here to stay, much like the Flu, and we must all remain vigilant. This is not a sprint; this is a marathon and unless we get vaccinated, we are at risk. The Department of Health and Human Services will continue to work with all of our community partners to make sure that this life saving vaccine is readily available for everyone. There is still much work to do but together I have the full confidence that if we remain vigilant and take the appropriate actions that is needed, we will get through this stronger and healthier. Again, I ask all of our residents, young and old, get your vaccine and booster shots.”
The Springfield School District has made a similar request to students and staff.
(Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)
Photo: Getty Images