With Governor Sununu’s recent announcement to drop the state mandate for masks or face coverings, here is some additional context for what the decision means here in the Granite State.
First of all, because of the current business requirements in the State’s Universal Guidelines, the decision to drop the mask mandate is not that significant. It is an indication of changes to come as more people are vaccinated. The Universal Guidelines still require mask use in retail settings and in employee-to-customer circumstances as well as workplace settings where employees cannot maintain a six-foot distance from one another.
The second step in the gradual easing of business restrictions is slated for May 7 when all of the business sector and Universal Guidelines will be replaced with or become voluntary guidance.
As a business owner, you now have the decision on whether to require masks at your workplace to the extent the current guidelines permit and if your business does not operate in one of the cities or towns that did not enact a mask ordinance last year. More than a dozen municipalities in NH have adopted a face covering ordinance including the cities of Concord, Keene, Lebanon, Nashua, Portsmouth as well as towns from north to south; Franconia, Plymouth, Hanover, Enfield, Plainfield, Durham, Newmarket, and Exeter. A few communities, including Manchester, have adopted an unenforced resolution regarding face coverings. For more information and guidance from the state, click here.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the NFIB in New Hampshire team by clicking here.
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