COVID-19 is spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, and can spread before symptoms develop. Face masks that cover your mouth and nose can prevent the spread of transmission in two ways: 

1. Prevent infectious individuals from spreading their respiratory droplets.
2. Act as a barrier by preventing respiratory droplets from entering into the wearer’s nose and mouth.

Face Masks Encouraged in Nashua

In accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People, persons who are fully vaccinated are no longer required to wear a face mask indoors or outdoors where business is conducted, unless required by that business, organization, or worksite. Full vaccination occurs two weeks after the second dose in a two-dose series or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine.

In addition, the City of Nashua's Board of Health highly recommend the following:

• Persons who are not fully vaccinated should continue to wear a face mask for their own protection and that of others until they are fully vaccinated or until the appropriate health organization deems it safe to not wear a face mask. In accordance with CDC recommendations, unvaccinated persons are recommended to stay six feet apart from those they do not live with and are recommended to avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
• Persons with conditions who are taking medications that weaken their immune system should continue to take all precautions even if they are fully vaccinated as they may not be fully protected.  
• People traveling on public transportation (planes, trains, buses), in large crowds in indoor settings, and at healthcare facilities are required to continue wearing face masks in accordance with federal guidelines.
• Local businesses should establish their own policies and protocols with regard to face mask use to protect their staff and patrons. Essential businesses, at a minimum, should establish hours, processes or environments where face masks must be worn for the comfort and safety of vulnerable persons.
• Businesses are encouraged to weigh the risks of protecting the patrons and their staff. If a business requires face mask wearing, this would mean both vaccinated and unvaccinated people must comply as at present, they would not have any universally accepted way to distinguish between the two. 
• Schools should continue to require face mask use until students are vaccinated, but the final decision remains with the City's Board of Education. 

Face Masks Encouraged Sign for Businesses

Timeline

• May 22, 2020: The City of Nashua issued Ordinance O-20-018 requiring the use of face coverings in public settings where you are unable to maintain social distancing (a distance of six feet between yourself and others), effective until further notice. Exceptions include children under the age of 10 and those unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition. 
• September 22, 2020: The City of Nashua Board of Aldermen passed Ordinance O-20-029, providing supplemental regulations in addition to the requirements of Ordinance O-20-018, not to supersede them. Ordinance O-20-029 includes clarification regarding the use of face coverings for businesses, gyms, places of amusement (entertainment venues), and personal care services.
• April 16, 2021: Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and continued substantial community transmission in the Greater Nashua Region, the City of Nashua Ordinance O-20-018 and Ordinance O-20-029 will remain in effect until further notice. The City of Nashua Board of Health is in the process of developing evidence-based criteria for maintaining or removing the face covering ordinance.
• May 25, 2021: The City of Nashua Board of Aldermen voted to rescind the City’s Ordinances O-20-018 and O-20-029, requiring the use of face coverings in public settings where you are unable to maintain social distance. 
• May 27, 2021: The City of Nashua Mayor, Jim Donchess, signed Amended Ordinance O-21-065, officially rescinding Ordinances O-20-018 and O-20-029, effective at 12:01 a.m. on May 26, 2021.