Amy Sangiolo Says Mayor Fuller's Mask Mandate Is 'Confusing'

NEWTON, MA — Mayoral Candidate Amy Mah Sangiolo released a statement Monday arguing that Mayor Ruthanne Fuller's latest mask mandate is "confusing" and fails to protect vulnerable citizens.

The statement is in response to Fuller's recent decision to require masks for visitors and employees inside municipal buildings. The policy also requires city employees to wear masks inside public places such as restaurants and stores when on the job.

"I first called for an indoor mandate in Newton two weeks ago after seeing a 50% jump in cases in our city, said Sangiolo. "The mandate imposed by Mayor Fuller only applies to public areas of municipal buildings, ignoring the vast majority of Newton’s indoor spaces. The Mayor’s order will fail to protect immunocompromised residents, our senior citizens, and our children who are too young to receive the vaccine."

"We have learned that we must be proactive in dealing with this virus to get ahead of any potential resurgence," she continued. "For these reasons, I again call for a full indoor mask mandate immediately in all businesses as well as indoor public spaces in the City of Newton."

Sangiolo also said Fuller is "ignoring advice" from the CDC, as Newton has seen an increase in transmission rates for three consecutive weeks and averaged 65 new positive COVID-19 cases per 100,000 residents per seven days in the first two weeks of August.

The health and safety of our citizens must be made a priority by this administration and be safeguarded," said Sangiolo. "I urge the City Council and Mayor Fuller to follow the CDC’s advice and impose a more comprehensive mask mandate to protect our most vulnerable residents, ensure our kids are safe and in school, and keep our businesses open."