Somerville To Require Face Masks In Public; Fines Possible

SOMERVILLE, MA — City officials have issued an order requiring that face coverings be worn at all times in public. The order applies to anyone age 2 or older when in any public indoor or outdoor space. It goes into effect Wednesday, April 29, but there will be a one-week grace period, officials said.

An acceptable face covering is clean and covers the nose and mouth. A scarf, bandana or any clean cloth will suffice, Mayor Joseph Curtatone said. Residents can find information on making face coverings under the "Prevention and Preparation" section of somervillema.gov/coronavirus.

Applicable areas include stores or the shared entrances of multi-unit homes and outdoor spaces such as sidewalks, streets, paths and squares. Joggers and cyclists must also comply with the order.

First-time violators will likely be given a warning; however, those who "willfully refuse to comply" may be a subject to a $300 fine, Curtatone said.

Exceptions will be made for persons with certain medical conditions, and Curtatone said he understands that some may struggle to comply, such as persons living with a mental illness or parents trying to keep masks on young children.

More information can be found at somervillema.gov.