Swampscott 'Mandatory Mask Zones' Now In Place

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — Four spots in town now require residents and visitors to be wearing a face coverings out in public at all times.

The requirements went into effect on Sunday due to the large number of foot traffic at the locations, according to town officials.

The "Mandatory Mask Zones" are:

Humphrey Street from Shelton Road to the Lynn town line.

Puritan Road from the beginning of the road — near the Fish House — to Puritan Lane.

The area surrounding the MBTA Train Station.

The Vinnin Square Shopping District along Paradise Road from the Salem town line to 330 Paradise Road. This zone includes all shopping and food areas and entries from Essex Street.

"The most powerful thing we can do to help protect the citizens of Swampscott is to wear a mask," said Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald. "In these key areas, where we want to see the public enjoy our waterfront, our commercial districts and our transportation resources, we are requiring people to wear masks to ensure that we can sustain a safe and healthy environment.”

Masks are not required for those who are eating or drinking at a restaurant, or when in a private vehicle.

Masks are not required for those under 2 years old and for those who masks would cause impairment.

The Swampscott Board of Health voted unanimously to institute the order at its meeting last week.

"We have targeted these key areas to ensure that mask-wearing is observed at all times, but also don't want people to lose sight of the fact that masks are still required throughout town in any case where you cannot maintain a social distancing of 6 feet," Swampscott Board of Health Chair Marianne Hartmann said. "Please don't leave your house without your mask. You're not just protecting yourself, you're protecting others."