City Issues Temporary Emergency Order Prohibiting the use of Reusable Bags at Retail Establishments 

In an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, Mayor Donna Holaday and The Newburyport Health Department issued a temporary emergency order that prohibits customers at essential retail establishments from using reusable bags after purchasing products. Staff will not be permitted to bag products in customers reusable bags and customers are prohibited from bringing reusable bags into the establishment. 

The City of Newburyport supports all efforts to recycle; however, reusable bags that have not been disinfected could potentially spread the COVID-19 virus to the staff and customers at these essential retail establishments. Essential retail establishments include grocery stores, Pharmacies, gas stations and convenience stores.