Town Implements Mandatory Mask Zones

In a public meeting on Tuesday, September 8, the Board of Health voted unanimously to institute Mandatory Mask Zones in 4 locations throughout Swampscott. These zones were selected due to their tendency to attract large numbers of pedestrians. The order will go into effect on Sunday, September 13 at 12:00am.

The Mandatory Mask Zones are:

  • Humphrey Street: From Shelton Road to the Lynn Line
  • Puritan Road: From the beginning of Puritan Road (near the Fish House) to Puritan Lane
  • The regions surrounding the MBTA Train Station
  • The Vinnin Square Shopping District: Along Paradise Road from the Salem Line to 330 Paradise Road. This zone also includes all shopping and food areas and entries from Essex Street

As outlined in the Town’s new emergency order, masks are not required for children under the age of 2 years old or persons for whom a mask would cause impairment due to an existing health condition. Masks will also not be required for people seated outdoors at a restaurant or who are inside a private vehicle. Signage will be erected to remind pedestrians of the order.

“The most powerful thing we can do to help protect the citizens of Swampscott is to wear a mask.” said Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald. “In these key areas, where we want to see the public enjoy our waterfront, our commercial districts, and our transportation resources, we are requiring people to wear masks to ensure that we can sustain a safe and healthy environment.”

Board of Health Chair Marianne Hartmann supported the initiative at the Board of Health meeting. “We have targeted these key areas to ensure that mask-wearing is observed at all times, but also don’t want people to lose sight of the fact that masks are still required throughout Town in any case where you cannot maintain a social distancing of 6-feet. Please don’t leave your house without your mask. You’re not just protecting yourself, you’re protecting others.”