May 5, 2021
BROOKLINE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) Last week, Governor Charlie Baker eased mask restrictions outdoors statewide, but the town of Brookline said not so fast.
On Wednesday, Brookline will consider revisiting their decision to uphold its outdoor mask mandate during an emergency meeting.
Town Officials decided not to lift its order, despite the governor s decision. “Out of an abundance of caution and in our residents’ best interests, the Town of Brookline will not follow suit with the state’s decision to lift the outdoor mask mandate today,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett, last week.
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The state s new guidance went into effect on Friday and under these guidelines, masks are only required outside in public when social distancing isn t possible, and other times based on sector-specific guidance.
AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu
This isn’t science, Jonathan Last notes correctly. It’s the blue-state version of the COVID culture war.
With a dash of pandemic-era neuroticism about safety and security thrown in.
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, a moderate Republican, lifted the state’s outdoor mask mandate last week in accordance with the CDC’s new guidance. Whether you’re vaccinated or not, the agency said, it’s fine to take off your mask outside so long as you keep your distance from strangers. Baker signed off on that, at which point local leaders in Brookline said: No thanks. “Out of an abundance of caution and in our residents’ best interests, the Town of Brookline will not follow suit with the state’s decision to lift the outdoor mask mandate today,” the town’s top health official said. “Our face covering requirement has served as a protective layer that limits the possibility of spreading COVID-19 and we are reluctant to relax it at this time without fur
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Each year the town holds annual elections on the first Tuesday in May. This year s election will be held May 4. (Patch Graphic)
BROOKLINE, MA Each year the town holds annual elections on the first Tuesday in May. This year s election will be held May 4.
There are several contested races to watch, including a two-way race for Town Moderator. Five people are vying to fill two open seats on the Select Board, and there s also a two-way race for an open seat on the School Committee. All but three of Brookline s 16 precincts have races for Town Meeting members. There are also two ballot questions this year.
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“We are trying to convene as quickly as possible, with the understanding that there are people in town who are anxious to, when they are fully vaccinated, be able to not wear masks when they’re outside,” Maher said.
The Salem Board of Health also decided to keep its universal outdoor masking requirement. The board will convene on May 11 to discuss potential changes to the order.
Nolte: Mass. Town Keeps Outdoor Mask Mandate Despite CDC Ruling
3 May 2021
Following the demented example of His Fraudulency Joe Biden, the Massachusetts town of Brookline is keeping its outdoor mask mandate in place despite new CDC guidelines.
Biden is fully vaccinated and still wears that stupid mask while outdoors even though the CDC has ruled the fully vaccinated can shed the covering, unless they’re in a crowded group.
At least for now, Brookline is forcing all of its residents to do the same:
Brookline town manager Mel Kleckner and health commissioner Dr. Swannie Jett said Friday the town would delay compliance with Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker’s order to relax usage of face coverings outdoors.