WORCESTER, Mass. - It's only been in effect for a few days, but it appears the city of Worcester is already seeing positive results from its reissued mask mandate.

Worcester city manager Ed Augustus says he's happy with local businesses and their compliance so far.

Augustus says widespread mask use prior to Monday's start of the mandate made the transition easier. 

His hope is the mandate will keep space available in hospitals for patients who need it.

“None of us know if we're going to need a bed tonight or tomorrow,” Augustus said. “And all of us want to make sure there's one available if it's us or somebody that we care about, and that's what this is all about."

Augustus adds preliminary numbers he's seen for Worcester this week show a decrease in both new cases and hospitalizations.