The Hanover Board of Health voted to allow the Police Department to act as agents for the Board to enforce the state’s face-covering order.
Chair Gabrielle Mahoney says as agents, they can conduct outreach, enforcement, and mitigation activities the Board normally performs.
“I’ve actually seen a lot of people wearing masks in Hanover,” said Mahoney. “I’m hopeful that everyone will continue to follow the Governor’s order.”
Police Chief Walter Sweeney agreed there has been strong compliance in the community. The authorization is if a Board of Health agent is unable to respond to a circumstance.
“Obviously education would be the first step, offering of a mask if one were available and someone did not have a mask,” said Sweeney. “The very last thing we would think about would be enforcement. That would be consistent with not only the wishes of the local Board of Health, but the direction of the Governor.”
The face-covering order is for public places or where physical distancing is not possible. It remains in effect until it’s rescinded or the state of emergency ends.
