Durham Says Mask Mandate Here to Stay

Durham's mask mandate will remain in effect for at least another seven weeks, according to Town Administrator Todd Selig.

Selig’s announcement came as Gov. Chris Sununu announced the statewide mask mandate will come to an end on Friday, April 16. Sununu’s decision does not affect mask mandates in effect in numerous communities around the state.

“The lifting of the state-wide mandate by the Governor does not diminish the importance of wearing a face mask. The threat to public health from COVID-19 is real,” Selig said in a statement.

Selig also recommended residents continue to wear face coverings when outside of Durham.

“We strongly recommend that people continue to take steps to protect their own health, the health and safety of their family and friends, and the health of their local communities,” he said. “Wear a mask around others, get vaccinated, avoid close physical contact, monitor your health, wash hands/disinfect.”

The governor’s order comes as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in New Hampshire. The state announced 552 new cases on Thursday, for a total of 3,763 active cases. There have been 1,264 deaths from the virus in the state.

The latest state data also shows 130 people hospitalized with the virus, nearly double the number in early March when the daily virus totals dropped to around 200. As of this week, the seven day average for new cases was about 450.

Statewide, more than 316,000 people are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, some 23.3 percent of the state, and more than 608,000 people have had at least one dose, according to state data.

Separate from the mask mandate decision, Sununu also announced restrictions on businesses will end May 7.