LYNN — As coronavirus case numbers go down, restrictions on businesses and gatherings have started lifting, but not all residents are feeling safe enough to return to normal activities.
Gov. Charlie Baker announced on Wednesday that masks would no longer be required in most outdoor locations starting Friday, along with plans for a wider reopening next month.
“I think the trends here, over the course of this, have been an incredibly powerful statement made by the people of Massachusetts,” Baker said in a press conference. “We are certainly more than past the midway point of this.”
Effective May 10, large venues such as stadiums will be allowed to operate at 25 percent, up from the current 12 percent. On May 29, subject to public health and vaccination data, gathering limits will increase to 200 people indoors and 250 outdoors, and restaurants and bars will be allowed to offer alcohol without serving food.
An online poll run by The Item on Tuesday revealed that, of 693 responses on Facebook, 44 percent planned to continue wearing a mask and 56 percent did not. On Twitter, of 66 votes, 39.4 percent would continue wearing a mask and 60.6 percent would not.
Some commenters said that they had never worn a mask outside to begin with.
“The only time I’ve worn a mask outside was at a couple of barbecues last summer where I thought it may be too crowded to maintain distance,” one commenter wrote.
Many, however, expressed concern and said that they did not feel comfortable giving up the practice yet.
“Masks also protect against (the) common cold and flu. I’ll be wearing them outside for a long time,” wrote one commenter.
“I’m probably going to wear one in certain circumstances for the rest of my life,” said another.
Some communities have enforced their own mask mandates. In Swampscott, which enacted a mask rule in September for four high-traffic outdoor areas, Health Director Jeff Vaughan said that there was no plan to remove these restrictions.
Lynn resident AJ Johnson said that he was definitely going to continue wearing a mask.
“I just feel safer with it on, even if I’m vaccinated,” Johnson said. “Even the chance I could pass it onto someone is scary.”
