Report Someone For Not Wearing A Mask? Patch Readers Respond

ASHLAND, MA — It happened to me at Bubble Up Laundry in Ashland on Sunday morning.

In the crowded laundromat, one very special man wasn't wearing a mask. He was older with white hair, a pot-belly and a mustache. His paper mask was around his chin so his mouth and nose were exposed. I watched to see if it was a mistake. Masks sometimes slip off if you're in a hurry.

After a while, it was clear he was a mask outlaw.

"Excuse me, can you please put on your mask?" I asked as I walked by.

He immediately put the mask on. But then, as if realizing he had been tricked, pulled it down and shouted, "I don't have to!"

"Yes you do," I replied, my eyes flashing to the sign on door about the mask requirement.

It went downhill from there. He got more angry. He pointed to two small children in the corner who weren't wearing masks. If they didn't have to, neither did he, he said. There was no one around to enforce the policy, and I wasn't going to call the police, so I left.

By now, we've all seen videos on the internet of people being kicked out of public places for refusing to wear a mask amid a pandemic that, as of Tuesday, has killed more than 173,000 Americans. Every reputable medical organization in the country recommends masks, the same people who recommend you wear a seat belt and don't smoke cigarettes.

Last week, we asked Patch readers to tell us what they would do if confronted by someone disobeying the state's mask order. Many simply replied "yes" they would report it, some said they would never "rat" on someone.

Under the state mask order, local health boards are allowed to levy a $300 penalty against able-bodied people who disobey "with the assistance of state or municipal police." But of course it's not that simple. Health board members aren't roving local laundromats looking for violators, and many would consider it extreme to call 911. Social pressure, it seems, is the only true enforcement mechanism — and it doesn't always work.

Here are some responses from Patch readers about reporting mask violations:

"Why push the agenda on snitching?" —Joe, Marlborough

"No, I would not! If we are wearing masks to protect from others, why should we ask others to wear them? If masks do not protect us from others, why should we wear them at all?" — Rita, Framingham

"How do you determine if someone is supposed to be wearing a mask but for medical reasons doesn't?" —Jeanne, Worcester

"No, people are crazy. Just keep away from them if you feel unsafe. You won't be able to safely change someone's mind." —Joan, Milford

"Yes I would call someone, and I'm not sure who to start with, the police probably, then if they won't do anything, then I guess the mayor's office or someone like that, and would tell them also that the police wouldn't do anything." —Elyse, Marlborough

"Absolutely. Over 160,000 people have died in the US alone. No end in sight. If someone chooses to act irresponsibly, they should face consequences," —Jane, Framingham

"Absolutely report, people need to be held responsible for their actions because their actions may be the cause of someone else's death." —Maria, Marlborough

"Stay 6 feet away and you’ll be fine, but if they go near you, punch them in the face." —Carol, Milford

"No, I would not report anyone, last time I checked we live in a free society. Anyone who would 'tell' on their neighbor regarding masks should be reminded of how Nazi Germany and communist Russia used to be, not to mention how communist China is now. This is the United States of America, not United Socialist States of America." —Erika, Worcester

"Let's put it this way: I wish I had the authority to enforce these rules." —Tony, Worcester

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