Following close on the heels of Edgartown, the Oak Bluffs board of health voted to adopt a mandatory mask rule for a wide swath of the downtown area Thursday.
Following close on the heels of Edgartown, the Oak Bluffs board of health voted Thursday to adopt a mandatory mask rule for a wide swath of the downtown area.
The emergency order takes effect Friday morning at 8:30. Mandatory mask areas will include the downtown area, the harbor district and Niantic Park.
“This is basically us saying you need to wear a mask and be smart. We’ll help you, we’ll educate you and give you a mask. I think we just have to remind people that we’re just like the rest of the world, we’re just as vulnerable to the virus and its spread,” board of health member Tom Zinno said.
Violators will be subject to an initial verbal warning, followed by $50, $100, $200 and $300 fines.
“It’s not a punitive thing, it’s an educational thing,” board of health chairman William White said.
Enforcement will be carried out by the town health agent and off-duty police officers who carry the title of community service officers.
“I think it’s a work in progress, we’re not going to get 100 per cent compliance, no community can,” health agent Meegan Lancaster said.
Discussion began at a meeting Tuesday morning, when Mr. White said he had received calls and emails asking the board to enact a mandatory mask order after Edgartown enacted a similar order last week.
“I think it’s important for the public to be aware that the board, based on public health and perception, vote on making masks mandatory,” Mr. White said.
Mr. Zinno agreed. “When you look at it nationally, everyone has been moving toward mandatory masks,” he said. “The virus is expanding and we have so many people coming from all these different places. In order to keep us safe and keep them safe, it’s a simple solution.”
Health agent Meegan Lancaster concurred, but she said because a vote on the mask order was not originally on the board’s agenda, they would need to post a new meeting to formally enact the order.
A new meeting was posted for Thursday, when the emergency order was adopted.
The board of health also plans to add more signs throughout the downtown area.
Comments
A mandate without enforcement
Nicole Oak BluffsA mandate without enforcement is useless. People will still have the mask around their neck, noses exposed or not wear one at all. I'm looking forward to hearing what the plan for enforcement will be and if enforcement actually happens.
Yay!
Jane halsted Oak bluffsYay!
Good move ob,safety first
Doc West TisburyGood move ob,safety first
And what are you waiting for?
Michael OBAnd what are you waiting for?
Great news! Now to enforce
Judy OBGreat news! Now to enforce the traffic cops who are segueing around could nicely ask people to mask up!
We have a mandatory mask rule
Dave C EdgartownWe have a mandatory mask rule in downtown Edgartown. I stood on Main St yesterday for about 20 minutes watching people and at least 20% of the people had no mask or were using it as a chin guard. I only knew of the rule because of a text from town. There are no signs and no one is informing people in town about the rule. We need signs (how hard is that to do?) and police and traffic enforcement folks giving reminders. I think most people are unaware of the rule.
Why not make announcements on
Nancy OBWhy not make announcements on All incoming ferry’s and flights?
Large signs in Oak Bluffs
Alicia Oak BluffsLarge signs in Oak Bluffs center and waterfront areas saying: "Mandatory Masks in Downtown and Waterfront Areas;Fines Enforced!" will help compliance.
The only way this could
Islander OBThe only way this could realistically be enforced is with the deployment of national guard troops. I don’t think the town is ready for that and I am nearly certain they would not be sent. Cries for enforcement fail to recognize the scale of the problem relative to local law enforcement and regulator staffing. This is a national problem and blaming underfunded undermanned departments for what amounts to stopping a massive right wing political protest is small minded. I do hope they can make some improvements and it does provide an additional tool for law enforcement if and when things inevitably escalate.
Sorry but this is a foolish
Clark EdgartownSorry but this is a foolish comment. If people are not wearing masks, it is not due to some "right wing political protest." People are individuals and making their own risk/reward decisions on hot summer days and are sometimes careless about safety, though they should know better. But, if I were a policeman, I would be reluctant to enforce the rules in this politically charged environment. I wouldn't want to be accused of racism, targeting anyone or police brutality. I wouldn't want to be sued and lose my job. In contrast to the mask story that you comment on, police reluctancy to enforce the rules is driven by a well organized political movement - police have been targeted by organized political groups like BLM who argue for defunding police forces nationally. It's gotten so bad that many of our best policemen are quitting. Look at NYC where retirements are running multiples ahead of normal levels. Many of our "leaders" sadly support political movements which preach disrespecting our police - the same police who routinely risk their lives to protect us. It is beyond sad that we allow this to happen while at the same time complain that our police are not enforcing the laws. What would you do if you were a policeman?
We will see how enforcement
Jenny Oak BluffsWe will see how enforcement goes. Maybe county commissioner Christine Todd will give us a update?
I agree completely about the
AM 02539I agree completely about the need for legitimate enforcement and have seen the same, very disappointing, lack of any signage or oversight in Edgartown. Why only go halfway? It sounds great, but no teeth = a waste.
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