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Masks Still Being Worn In Western Mass. Despite Lifting Of State Restrictions

Most COVID-19 restrictions in Massachusetts were rescinded by Governor Charlie Baker effective Saturday, but some people aren't taking their masks off.

Massachusetts businesses can now be at 100% capacity, and masks are no longer required in most situations.

Chris Martin of Holyoke said he's enjoying the state's reopening.

Over the weekend, he said he went to a bar.

"Just ran into strangers, and just had, like, stranger conversations," Martin said. "That's stuff I haven't experienced in nearly a year and a half, and it's great."

Martin was wearing a mask, which he called a force of habit. He spoke in Easthampton's downtown, where most other people were wearing masks, too, including Amy Pawlus.

"I look and I see if folks around me are wearing masks," Pawlus said. "And if they are, I'll keep it on, out of respect for folks around me."

In Northampton, some businesses have decided to ask customers to keep their masks on.

Marcia Gordenstein, the manager of Pinch artisan goods, said the store is encouraging, but not requiring, customers to do so.

"We weren't ready to just completely jump right in to taking masks off," Gordenstein said. "I think we're kind of waiting to see how the numbers go in Massachusetts — and throughout the country, actually — but we're pretty optimistic the vaccine's working. And we'll eventually be taking our masks off."

Down the street, George Ejja, owner of Pita Pocket restaurant, is being more strict. He put a sign up on the door that said, "No mask, no service."

"We have some employees — they are not vaccinated yet," Ejja said. "And we like to keep everyone safe 'til everyone get the vaccine."

The state Department of Public Health advises all unvaccinated residents to continue to wear masks while indoors and when they can't socially distance. 

Massachusetts still requires masks in a small number of settings, including homeless shelters and nursing homes, and while riding public transportation and taking ride shares.

Before joining New England Public Media, Alden was a producer for the CBS NEWS program 60 Minutes. In that role, he covered topics ranging from art, music and medicine to business, education and politics.
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