The comment and understanding of the ordinance is INCoRRECT. Local statutes indicate in public places-specifically enclosed locations where masks should be worn. State law indicates where “physical distancing is NOT possible” to wear masks.

I am actually more concerned about cycling without a helmet by those who do wear masks- when their head is impacted they risk a TBI or worse -let’s ThINK and assess risk-for ALL.

@Daniel Schutzberg I encourage you do lobby for passing a law requiring all cyclists to wear a helmet. I support such a law. Wearing a mask is required 100% of the time in public places.

I don't know why people get hung up on what is/isn't the regulation. The facts as offered, not by politicians hoping to get re-elected, but public health experts, epidemiologists, medical researchers, are that a runner's breath leaves up to 27' of aerosolized air behind him on the sidewalk. When I think about my own high risk for Covid-19, or those of older friends and kin in their 70s and 80s, I don't think twice about Gov. Baker's political calculations (that e.g. put us into lockdown 2 weeks late, causing 100s of unnecessary deaths). I think: what will help or hurt my neighbors, fellow Canterbridgeans, people on these narrow streets with me where it's almost impossible to maintain social distance?

To complicate the story or refine the complaint a bit, I see few joggers who do not have masks near to hand. Many, however, don't slip them on (or pull them up to cover nose and mouth) until they draw close to someone else. Often, in my experience, "close" is less than six feet by the time the mask is actually in place; certainly it is less than the 27; that Mary cites. But, much as I would also like to see more compliance with the spirit as well as the letter of the rules, I'm skeptical about enforcement being effective.

To illustrate, let's imagine a more specific complaint, e.g., "at precisely 4:25 every afternoon, two joggers pass the bus stop near Mass Ave and Upland on the southbound side of the street, neither wearing a mask". That should be easy to enforce and the city sends a police officer out to stand at that corner from 4:20. At 4:25, the joggers comes by, but, having seen the police officer when they were a half-block away, have pulled the masks into place. Officer comes back and reports "no violation" and that report turns into a closed complaint here. And we can't even know whether what caused the masks to be put in place was the sight of someone standing at the intersection (perhaps one of us) or the sight of the uniform. So, yes, more masks outdoors more of the time. And more enforcement when that is feasible (such as when someone is sitting a bench or wall, apparently firm in the belief that their need to smoke a cigarette exempts them from any rules or principles about actually having masks in place). But, for the joggers, unless we want to encourage police or other enforcement officers to hide out of view until someone comes up next to them and then pounce, I'm a little pessimistic about anything other than more education.

jk02140, I agree. But in my experience, one form of education is a cop stopping someone to say, "do you realize what you're doing?" And firmly suggesting another practice! Authority has the power of influence. It would be nice to see police trying to help, rather than going masked themselves, which makes vulnerable people feel helpless and scofflaws empowered. Ticketing isn't the answer, though in some cases it may be one answer. Harassment of people carelessly endangering others though, might curb some arrogance.

Mary, Mostly or entirely agree. And, for those in authority especially, I wish there were good technology for transparent, no face-hiding, masks.

The city has not written one ticket for not wearing a mask. You know why, because it can't be enforced.

And what of 'face shields'??? I actually use this when I cycle because the field of vision is better... As for masks-the issue with runners and masks, frankly is that after several miles of sweat and breathing the masks lose effectiveness and become wet. What then? I personally believe physical distancing will save us (or a vaccine). Masks are better when there is compressed distance and less movement (from a practical standpoint)... The 'mask law' (as many of our current other laws) needs some 'improving'...

Daniel, I mostly agree about the masks with vigorous activity (or even a brisk walk when it is as hot and sticky out as it was yesterday). and about face shields that wrap sufficiently around (I hope yours does) as an alternative. However, while ever harder to breathe through, a wet mask may actually be better at protecting others than a dry one. If the only issue for joggers or bicyclists was a decision about whether or not to protect themselves, I'd argue that whatever they decide to wear or not wear was up to them as long as their decisions did not turn them into a burden on the taxpayer. But, with masks or face shields, their decision to not wear one, or to skirt the law, puts others at risk and (like failure to wear helmets when cycling) can increase costs to the community.

Realistically, a cyclist who is not wearing a mask or shield, in a bike lane several feet from where I'm walking, coming toward me and passing me at reasonable speed probably poses little risk, especially if they are not coughing, panting, or sneezing. One stopped at an intersection that I'm also stopped at, maybe more so. But a jogger approaching me on a narrow sidewalk, obviously breathing heavily, and either not wearing a mask at all or starting to pull it into place when they are only a few feet away is a significant concern.

And, yes, like many other city ordinances passed with the greatest of good intentions but, apparently, little thought about actual enforcement (or even counseling) , the mask one probably needs work... especially as it gets warmer and more humid thereby increasing the incentives for mask-avoidance.

If you have concerns about face coverings/social distancing, please call and report directly to the Cambridge Police Non-Emergency Line at 617-349-3300 at the time these issues are observed. Officers can be sent to the location to speak with the person(s), share educational information, and provide masks, if necessary.

Many runners today without a mask on. This is a public heal crisis and an absolute emergency which the police must vigorously enforce!

Don't worry CaptainCyclist they are healing themselves with fresh air and it is "an absolute emergency" that all people do the same.

CambridgeMARegisteredReporter, it doesn't sound like you're reading enough of the work of other reporters! The masks are mainly to protect the people around us. Because as epidemiologists and public health officials and the governor and the mayor keep telling you: *you do not know whether you have have the disease or not.* It's asymptomatic in a large proportion of people, and pre-symptomatic in a great many more.

I have reopened this issue as this is an ongoing public health emergency and there is severely insufficient enforcement of this emergency situation.

This is not a ongoing public health emergency.

This is an actual, real ongoing public health emergency of the highest levels.

CaptainCyclist, you said millions have died. You don't know what you are talking about!

I will continue to reopen this until the police are vigorously enforcing the public health laws.

Good luck with that, don't see the police "vigorously enforcing" a BS "law" with all the craziness going on. How do you want them to vigorously enforcing this "law" should they kneel on people's necks until they submit? You really should stop living in fear and worrying so much it lowers your immune system.

@CambridgeMARegisteredReporter facts>your opinion. Anyone ever tell you that you're a noob?

Noob, okay when you graduate middle school you can "maybe" sit at the adult table.

CambridgeMARegisteredReporter=n00b

Do your parents know you are still up?

CambridgeMARegisteredReporter is a n00b

Face mask don't work.

@CambridgeMARegisteredReporter except for the mountain of evidence which says they do. If they don't work then why do surgeons wear them during surgery? Geez you're such a noob.

Surgeons where them to stop "germs" from there nose and mouth and stop sprays from the patient.

"from there nose and mouth"
LOL. Learn to spell, noob.

Yes, I just made two spelling mistakes and can own that. When you make your own in same post, maybe you should not be pointing out others. Still doesn't prove face mask work.

Face mask don't work.

@CambridgeMARegisteredReporter Time for you to go back to elementary school.

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LOL. OK, noob.

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@CambridgeMARegisteredReporter You're simply a conspiracy theorist and not worth my time. I'll reopen this every time you "close" it and I'll continue to file new reports every time I see someone with a mask.

Okay

OK.

Si

Reopened.

Closed.

Opened.

Closed, this is fun.

Opened. You're a sociopath.

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CambridgeMARegisteredReporter Nah, you're just a psychopath.

Okay, closed

OK, opened.

Face mask don't work.

Facts>your opinion

My Facts>your opinion. Why not refute my comment about surgical mask?

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Wow, did someone lose their cool.

Yes I know you did.

Closed.

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Maskless Faces Matter!

Closed.

Reopened

For those of us who are interested in this topic but less so in the two of you going at it -- regardless of who is right -- could you please take your discussion elsewhere. Thanks

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Well, I thought this sort of juvenile behavior didn't occur among adults in Cambridge but I was obviously wrong. Hope city staff who have better things to do don't have to look at it. And I am doing what I should have done a few days ago and shutting off notifications on the topic. Enjoy each other.

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https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/world/2017/03/25/jfk-diary-hitler/?fbclid=IwAR0IGg64WCYk_btten5SJBqlLZNEDylmVpdqPGQ7BbXuIVV8f4Dn7ALBda0

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The face coverings order remains in effect in Cambridge any time someone is outside of their home. Residents and visitors should wear face coverings to protect themselves and those around them from possible exposure to COVID-19. While COVID-19 cases are decreasing in the region, important steps people can take to help prevent an increase in cases is to continue wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing, and washing hands frequently. If you see individuals not wearing face coverings or practicing social distancing and wish to report it, please call the Cambridge Police Non-Emergency Line at 617-349-3300. Officers can be dispatched to speak with violators, provide educational materials, hand out masks and, if necessary, take additional enforcement action. More information and updates on the City’s response to COVID-19 can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/covid19

Issue 8018133 has been marked as a duplicate of this issue.

Issue 8022378 has been marked as a duplicate of this issue.