If you want to work, play or shop in some of the major areas in Swampscott, you’d better “mask up.”
As of midnight Sunday morning, masks became mandatory in the four locations in the town that attract the most foot traffic. The Board of Health voted unanimously last Tuesday to require anyone going within the four areas to wear a mask to protect themselves, and others, from catching the COVID-19 virus.
The board felt that areas it chose to make these areas “mandatory mask zones” due to their tendency to attract large numbers of pedestrians.
The areas are:
— Humphrey Street, from Shelton Road to the Lynn Line — an area that encompasses Phillips Park, Blocksidge Field and the entire waterfront from Fisherman’s Beach to the Lynn line;
— Puritan Road, rom the beginning of the street (near the Fish House) to Puritan Lane, which includes Whales Beach;
— the regions surrounding the MBTA Train Station;
— the Vinnin Square shopping district, which goes along Paradise Road from the Salem Line to 330 Paradise. This zone also includes all shopping and food areas and entries from Essex Street
As outlined in the town’s new emergency order, masks are not required for children under the age of 2, or on persons for whom a mask would cause impairment due to an existing health condition.
Masks will also not be required for people seated outdoors at a restaurant or who are inside a private vehicle.
Signage will be erected to remind pedestrians of the order.
“The most powerful thing we can do to help protect the citizens of Swampscott is to wear a mask.” said Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald. “In these key areas, where we want to see the public enjoy our waterfront, our commercial districts, and our transportation resources, we are requiring people to wear masks to ensure that we can sustain a safe and healthy environment.”
Board of Health Chair Marianne Hartmann supported the initiative at last Tuesday’s meeting.
“We have targeted these key areas to ensure that mask-wearing is observed at all times, but also don’t want people to lose sight of the fact that masks are still required throughout town in any case where you cannot maintain a social distancing of six feet. Please don’t leave your house without your mask. You’re not just protecting yourself, you’re protecting others.”
