Mandatory Mask Zone

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When COVID-19 was initially declared a global pandemic, there were many precautionary measures put in place to contain the virus. People began covering their nose and mouth at all times with face shields and masks to prevent the spread. The idea was that when someone needed to leave their house for groceries or work, they would wear a mask. It became a normal thing to cover your nose and mouth by wearing a mask. It became one of the things you couldn’t leave your house without. Before you always had to remember your phone, wallet, and keys, but now your mask was just as important. Stores and restaurants had big signs on their windows and doors reminding you to keep your face covered. Often it was required before you could enter. There was a greater chance of the virus spread when in enclosed buildings with little space and inadequate airflow. The rule of masks was much more relaxed when outside. There was less of a risk due to the open space for proper social distancing and open air. When summer rolled around and COVID-19 was still as big of a threat as it ever was, people looked for places to go outside to enjoy the summer weather. A hot spot, as it usually is in the summer, was the waterfront area of my hometown, Plymouth, MA. Positive COVID cases were still rising, so the measures to limit the spread of the virus had to be increased. Town officials made the entire waterfront a “mandatory mask zone,” even when outside. Signs were placed on nearly every street sign to remind people to cover their face.

David Kindy

2020-11-09