Massachusetts city requires mandatory face masks in public or be fined $300

Since the pandemic arrived in March Governor Baker and mayors throughout the state have imposed or suggested the donning of face masks in situations where 6′ of social distancing was not possible. This was more of a precaution and safety protocol and wasn’t made mandatory at all times, everywhere, just when the social distancing protocols couldn’t be followed.

Until now.

The City of Cambridge recently announced an emergency order will go into effect on Friday, October 2 mandating that a mask (or face covering) would have to be worn “..in all public places, businesses and common areas of residential buildings. Public places include sidewalks, streets, parks, plazas, bus stops, non-residential parking lots and garages, and any other outdoor area or non-residential parking facility which is open and accessible to the general public.”

It doesn’t matter if that person is 6′ feet away or 600′ feet away. If you are over the age of two you must wear a mask.

This is in response to spike in Cambridge’s positive COVID-19 tests, likely due to the return of university students to the city at the advent of fall classes.

Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale said “With people spending more time indoors, there is an increased risk of spreading COVID-19. By tightening and clarifying our face-covering requirements now, we hope to continue minimizing COVID-19 risk in Cambridge.”

Opponents of wearing face masks say it is an infringement on their civil liberties, unconstitutional and with some even calling it tyranny. They are worried that there could be a Domino Effect whereby other cities fall Cambridge’s footsteps, pushing the “tyranny” even further and stripping people of even more rights.

Proponents quote the scientific data on the effectiveness and preventative nature of masks, that it is a minor inconvenience, and that it will lower infection rates allowing everyone to safely return work and get the economy and life going again.

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Do you wear a mask or choose not to? What are your reasons either way? How would you feel if Mayor Mitchell followed Cambridge’s mandate and fined New Bedford residents for not wearing one in public? Leave us a comment below or inbox us at info@newbedfordguide.com.