Some people have wondered about this.
Others have not thought about it at all.
“06880” reader India van Voorhees writes:
“Do you know if there’s any enforcement of the mask mandate here in Westport, and if there are any fines for noncompliance?”
(Masks are currently mandated indoors — including town facilities and schools — though there are certain exemptions.)
“It seems that, except for supermarkets and drugstores, a lot of businesses aren’t paying attention to the rule.
Masks are once again mandated indoors in Westport. (“Mask Quilt” by Amy Schneider)
“For example, one of the regular employees at Organic Market never wears a mask, and the boss often wears his under his nose. I love that place, and the people there, but I won’t go in again until the mask mandate is rescinded or COVID is under control.
“Same with the Exxon gas station at 1510 Post Road East. The employees were not wearing masks the last — and I mean last — time I went inside.
“And it’s the same with Hook’d on the Sound. People are in line without masks and employees are behind the counter without masks- even though there’s a sign that says masks are required.
“Employees were wearing masks last time I went down to Joey’s by the Shore, at Elvira’s.”
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
“Is our only option to avoid those places? Or can something be done?”
It’s a great question. Enforcement of the mask mandate — nationally, throughout the pandemic — has been difficult. The town website page on the subject makes no mentions of consequences, though a link to Governor Lamont’s executive order indicates a fine of $100, and empowers “local health directors, district health directors, and their designees; state and municipal police officers and peace officers” to enforce it. Fines go to the state’s General Fund.
“06880” readers: What do you think?
Should Westport enforce the mask mandate more vigorously? If so, should there be dedicated patrols, or a reliance on citizen complaints? Or is this one of those squishier rules, like picking up dog poop or rolling through stop signs?
Click “Comments” below. And if you’ve had a personal experience involving someone without a mask indoors, please let us know too.