Date: 9/15/2021
The recent implementation of mandatory mask policy by the Longmeadow Board of Health was an issue with an employee of the Big Y Supermarket approaching a customer who obviously was not aware of the policy going into effect and was not wearing a mask. (Reminder letter, Aug. 26)
There was no robo calls (we get many) or mailings to town residents but only a directive for establishments to post notices on their entrances by the order the Longmeadow Board of Health. Out-of-town residents and workers were obviously not aware of the policy and stores were just posting the mask policy as they opened for business as I found out that morning upon entering one.
The Board of Health notice specifically stated for no one to take it upon themselves to approach people in violation of this order or as an intent for residents to act as an enforcement authority. This obviously was not the case in the situation at the Big Y Longmeadow employee.
The reality is there has been no consistency in the mask question. Dr. Anthony Fauci, America’s top infectious disease expert, has been inconsistent when it comes to mask-wearing ,including stating that vaccinated Americans don't need to wear masks. He then flip flops saying wear a mask maybe two if the virus grows so that the masks could contain it. Can Fauci point to any studies that masks made a significant difference in containing the coronavirus?
We deserve real answers to the mask question.
Fran Bogdanowicz
Longmeadow
