In Plymouth, it’s been a changing landscape for downtown restaurants due to COVID-19 restrictions and dining establishments have in fact changed that landscape by setting up dining areas outside. But this raises concerns about those who do not wear masks, according to the director of the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce.
Bobbi Clark has more:
Amy Naples, who directs the Chamber of Commerce, explains:
“The restaurants have reached out to the Chamber expressing their concerns about pedestrians just walking through their al fresco dining and outdoor dining areas without masks.”
So Naples contacted the Board of Health…
“…with strong advocacy in regard to the restaurants, just the fact we know tourism is going to increase, especially with the return of the Mayflower II, and that we need to keep America’s Hometown safe and putting together a mask mandate for downtown and waterfront would be a really great idea.”
The Board of Health agreed and although the state allows a fine of up to three hundred dollars, the Board approved a fifty dollar fine for those not wearing masks, but not before Public Health Director Karen Keane, to the enthusiastic support of the Board, said she wished there was a way to reward those who do wear masks:
“I wish there was a way we could do something to say, hey, kudos to you—you have your mask on and you got caught doing something right, here’s, you know, two bucks to spend at your local restaurant.”
Anyone not a wearing mask because of health concerns is exempt from fines.
The Health Board’s recommendation will go to the Select Board for approval.
