EASTHAMPTON – The Board of Health is set to vote Wednesday on an order that would mandate people wear masks or cloth face coverings at all times in publicly accessible outdoor areas of the city.
“We still have a lot of people who don’t wear masks when they’re out in public on sidewalks,” said Board of Health Chair Maggie Hebert.
The BOH was supposed to vote on the order Monday, but the meeting was called off because a Zoom bombing disrupted it.
The proposed order would mandate face coverings on Union Street, Main Street, Cottage Street, the Mill District, the Manhan Rail Trail, and city-owned parks and property, among other areas. Additionally, those walking on sidewalks in other parts of the city would have to carry a mask or face-covering in the event that they can’t social distance.
People with certain health conditions would be immune from the requirement, and face coverings for children between the ages of 2 and 5 would be worn at the discretion of parents or guardians. Face coverings should not be worn by children under the age of 2. People would also be able to take off their masks when being served at a restaurant or when sitting down and eating.
“We will be putting signage up,” Hebert said. “Hopefully by the end of the week.”
Even when masked, people are still being asked to social distance six feet or more from those not in their household. Fines associated with the proposed order would be $50 for a first offense, $150 for a second offense and $300 for third and subsequent offenses.
Those who do not have a mask can call the health department at 413-529-1400 or email health@easthamptonma.gov and request one. A part-time health agent also will be going out into the downtown several times a week to hand out masks to those who do not have them if the order is approved.
“Our intention is to educate,” said Bri Eichstaedt, the city’s health agent.
The BOH’s Wednesday meeting is set to start a 5:15 p.m.
Bera Dunau can be reached at bdunau@gazettenet.com.