Durham, NH, Mask Mandate Approved With $100 Plus Fines

In most of New Hampshire, wearing masks has not been mandatory. Businesses post signs on their front door if they prefer their customers wear a mask upon entering.

Traditionally the deal at restaurants has been they ask that you wear a mask when you are walking in and then you can take it off once you are seated at your table.

A few days ago it came out that the town of Durham was considering a mandatory mask mandate.

According to Fosters, an emergency mandate passed last night (8/2) to prevent the spread of COVID-19. So how does this mandate effect? Well, essentially everyone!

Employees of businesses, pedestrians on sidewalks are expected to wear a mask if they are unable to maintain 6 feet of physical distance.

If you are an anti-masker get ready to cough up some money!

Those who refuse to comply after being asked by local authorities will be fines $100, according to the news article, and if this happens a second time the fine goes up to $200. Subsequent instances will be fined $500.

Town Administrator Todd Selig thinks this ordinance is very positive, according to Fosters. It is to meant to teach the residents the importance of safety.  He also thinks it's important to put into place before the influx of students that will be attending UNH in the Fall.

The ruling does not apply to children under the age of 10 or to those who can provide a medical exemption, the news article stated.