Some Swampscott Residents Vent About Pedestrian Arrows

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Public works crews from Swampscott started painting arrowson Humphrey Street sidewalks to encourage social distance — a move some residents called prudent and others called wasteful.

Last month, officials in Swampscott and other towns started encouraging pedestrians to walk with traffic to their right to maintain safe social distances as part of the massive effor to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Picturesque Humphrey Drive is a favorite for Swampscott walkers as it connect to Lynn Shore Drive.

"No offense to DPW, but is this necessary?" one resident posted on a Facebook group for Swampscott residents. The post drew a mix of comments, ranging from those who suggested it was another form of government control to those who attacked the original poster.

"(I) guess you're just one of the idiots that put us all at risk," one respondent said. "(Y)ou probably think the earth is flat and the moon landing was fake."

Don't miss updates about precautions in your area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

The debate has been fueled by Dianna Ploss, the conservative talk radio hosts who has been encouraging listeners to protest in front of Gov. Charlie Baker's Swampscott home every Thursday until the state's economy is fully reopened.

More Coronavirus Coverage On Massachusetts Patch:

• Record Unemployment Hits Some MA Communities Harder Than Others
• MA Small Business Hit Harder Than Most By Coronavirus Shutdown
• CVS Opens Coronavirus Testing Sites In 10 MA Towns
• Coronavirus Case Counts For Every Massachusetts Town (Updated May 13)

Dave Copeland writes for Patch and can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).