CAMBRIDGE — Starting on Wednesday, if you’re in a public area in Cambridge, you must wear a face covering.
The city on Monday issued an emergency order requiring that face coverings be worn in all public places, businesses and common areas of residential buildings.
Everyone over age 5 must wear one, with exceptions outlined in guidelines by federal or state health departments, according to the city. Violations may be punishable by a $300 fine.
"While we are grateful to those in Cambridge who have been heeding our previous mask advisory and taking this issue seriously, we are concerned about the number of residents who continue to shop, walk, run and bike throughout the city without proper face coverings,” said Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui in a statement. "We must all do our part in flattening the curve and make sure we are preventing the further spread of COVID-19. This mandate emphasizes the importance of wearing a face covering, not as an option, but as a requirement in our effort to combat this pandemic together.”
Facial coverings must be worn in public places including sidewalks, streets, parks, plazas, bus stops, non-residential parking lots and garages and “any other outdoor area or non-residential parking facility” that is accessible to the general public, according to the city.
Masks must be worn by anyone working in or visiting an essential business, such as a grocery store or pharmacy.
Masks also must be worn before entering a common area of any residential building with two or more units, including lobbies, hallways, elevators, stairwells, laundry rooms, garages or parking lots, walkways or yards and other outdoor and indoor common areas.
More information, videos, and frequently asked questions about face coverings can be found here.
Related:
- Somerville issues mandatory order requiring face coverings in public
- Flying JetBlue? You’ll have to wear a mask while traveling starting May 4
- In some cities and towns, either wear a mask in public or risk being fined
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RESOURCES:
- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information
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