ROCHESTER — The Rochester Board of Health delayed an approved mask mandate in town buildings, after the board realized a public hearing had to be held on the matter.

A mask requirement was initially approved at an Aug. 18 Rochester Board of Health meeting, but the decision was delayed Aug. 19 — the day the measure was set to take effect.

At the Aug. 18 meeting, there was much debate on whether the word “requirement” was too harsh.

Board member Glenn Lawrence argued in favor of a recommendation over a requirement of masks inside town buildings when social distancing could not be maintained.

“I don’t want to take a right away from people and that’s what I feel like we’re doing,” Lawrence said.

Though the board eventually voted 2-1 to approve the requirement, Health Director Karen Walega said on Aug. 19 that the board would reconvene to discuss the measure at 4 p.m. on Aug. 25.