Anger Expressed At Proposed Mask Regulation During Massachusetts Public Hearing

Some members of the Massachusetts public expressed their displeasure on Friday about a proposed state regulation that would formalize the mask order Governor Charlie Baker issued in early May.

The emergency regulation is before the Massachusetts Public Health Council.

The public had the opportunity to weigh in via an online video conference. The vast majority who spoke were opposed, including Tiffany Bevis.

“I have a right to breathe freely and I have a right to not be harassed because I am not wearing one because I am trying to make someone else feel safer, okay?" she said. "If you feel that scared to leave your house because you’re afraid of this thing, maybe you’re not ready to leave the house."

Bevis and others questioned whether face coverings were truly effective in slowing the spread of the coronavirus. Scientific studies have repeatedly found significant evidence that masks can lower the risk of infection. 

While Baker's executive order requires any person over the age of two to wear a face covering, the new regulation would require them for those over five. Mask-wearing by children between two and five years old would be at the discrection of parents.