HADLEY — Masks or face coverings are being required for people at all times in both indoor spaces and outdoor areas in Hadley’s main commercial district along Route 9.
The Board of Health this week adopted a revised “COVID-19 Required Face Covering and Mask Area,” which went into effect at 8 a.m. Thursday, that applies to anyone 5 and over.
In addition to the commercial and industrial areas between Northampton and Amherst, and University Drive, the order applies to parks and recreation areas open to the public and all bike paths or multipurpose trails, as well as at the industrial park on North Maple Street and at the Mullins Center on the University of Massachusetts campus.
The adjustments came after the Select Board issued instructions Wednesday that the order not place a burden on police officers, firefighters or municipal inspectors.
Worrying that numerous 911 calls could be made to the dispatch center, the board voted 4-0, with member Christian Stanley abstaining, to prohibit those town employees from enforcing the mask order.
Chairman David J. Fill II said his concern is that a customer without a mask stepping out from a vehicle in a large Route 9 parking lot, even while being more than 6 feet away from anyone, would still be in violation of the order.
“The police department has enough issues to deal with in this day and age rather than being the mask police,” Fill said.
Following the meeting, Fill posted on his official Facebook page that he doesn’t want the order to be used to “hassle people who are socially distanced or even alone in a parking lot without a mask.”
Police Chief Michael Mason said an increasing workload for his officers could be problematic.
The order will be enforced by the health agent or agents designated by the health board, with the possibility of a $50 fine for a first offense, a $100 fine for a second offense and a $200 fine for third and subsequent offenses.
But the order, which is to remain in effect until rescinded or the COVID-19 state of emergency in the state is lifted, is mostly about educating people about keeping safe. In fact, the order instructs people not to harass others:
“Residents should focus on their personal compliance and not take it upon themselves to approach people who may appear not to be complying.”
The order does have exceptions, including allowing customers to remove masks while seated and eating at a restaurant, when on private residential property within the mask zone, and for those socially distanced while doing “vigorous aerobic activity,” such as running or bicycling.
One exception not specifically included is for employees of businesses who need to go outside for mask breaks. The bylaw could be further amended to ensure these breaks can be taken outdoors.
