With Swampscott’s mandatory mask zones in place for almost a month now, citizens were generally supportive of the zones, which were created on Sept. 13, and include areas on Humphrey Street, Puritan Road, Vinnin Square and Essex Street.
Missey Donohoe of Marblehead said that she completely agreed with the mask zone and with mask precautions in general while expressing her concern with some people’s anti-mask sentiments.
“It shows that this country is so divided when some people are attacked or shamed for wearing masks,” she said.
Kyriaki Belostock, a Swampscott resident who lives near the Vinnin Square mask zone, appreciated the change.
“Everyone wears a mask here now,” she said. “It’s good.”
The pro-mask sentiment was not universal, however.
“I think it (stinks),” said one resident who requested not to be identified. “I don’t want to be told what to do.”
He went on to clarify that he was not a Donald Trump supporter, and was not against masks in general.
“I’ll wear a mask if there’s people around,” he said. “But it should be up to the individual.”
In the zones, masks are not required for children under two years old, people with health conditions, and people seated at an outdoor restaurant.
Jim and Betty Harrison, visitors from Burlington where a similar policy exists, were also strongly supportive of the zones.
“It’s crazy not to wear a mask,” said Betty. “It’s a small inconvenience for the safety of others.”
“It’s just got to become a habit,” Jim added.
