WESTFORD — Several days after the Board of Health adopted an indoor mask mandate effective Oct. 1 for all residents age 2 and older regardless of vaccination status, a couple dozen residents protested the measure at the Town Common in an event Thursday billed as a “standout.”
The health board’s Sept. 22 action was effective Oct. 1 and it came just days before the state extended the school mask mandate at least until Nov. 1.
“I think that it should be a choice for parents. If they want to send their kids with a mask on that’s fine. Some kids have underlying conditions and it is a scary virus. I’m not saying that it doesn’t exist. But plenty of people have gotten the vaccine that’s supposed to work. So, let it do its job,” resident Kerrie Tonks said.
“We are a bunch of parents that do not want our children wearing masks. The recovery rate for children is very high. It’s difficult to take in the amount of oxygen that you need to breathe. Especially when you’re exerting yourself.” Kathy Lynch, a Republican state committeewoman, said.
The town has a 74% vaccination rate, according to a statement from the Board of Health and 77% with at least one dose.
The 14-day positivity rate is 2.24 % between the dates of Sept 12. to Sept. 25 and 45 new cases, according to the state Department of Public Health.
Residents’ face coverings must cover the nose and face in all indoor public spaces, houses of worship, or private spaces open to the public except where an individual is unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition or disability, according to a notice on the town website. The provision also covers schools.
Entry doors of businesses open to the public must post notice that face coverings must be worn inside. Staff must supervise and enforce this requirement. If a customer refuses to wear a face covering for nonmedical reasons, a business may decline entry to the individual. For more information click here.
The Board of Health can enforce this regulation and if necessary, do so with the assistance of the Police Department or other designees appointed by the town manager. Violations of this regulation may be punished by a civil fine of up to $300.
The mandate will be reviewed by the Board of Health at each subsequent regular meeting.
“There are a number of us that think this is abusive to children. And we want it to stop. No one should force anything on anyone’s body or in one’s body. That is a choice and it should always be a choice. We live in America and that’s the way it should be,” Lynch said
The protest included both adults and kids. In front of the Parish Center for the Arts protestors carried signs that read “Nurses Against Medical Tyranny,” “Natural Immunity = Foreever” and “Breath Free.”
Officials announced that middle and high schools with 80% of students and staff vaccinated will have the option of lifting the mandate after Oct. 15., allowing vaccinated individuals to go unmasked. This excludes children under the age of 12 since they aren’t yet eligible for the vaccine.
