$300 fine for runners not wearing mask in Boston (Somerville)

concerned track runner wrote:

Cambridge has now issues a similar order.

Many didn't care much about Somerville but the Cambridge order would have to include paths along the Charles which are heavily trafficked by runners. It will be interesting to see how well this is enforced.

+1

I lived in Sommerville for part of last year and was amazed to see police on bikes pull over pedestrians on bikes at least once a week.

There are a TON ofpeople that bike commute there.

San Diego County CA has a rule stating masks must be worn in public for anyone who comes within 6 feet of anyone not in the immediate household, or something to that effect. I plan on running without a mask, but we'll see how it goes as I overtake many slugs who have been walking for about a month now.

jimmy jack wrote:

"It also applies to sidewalks, streets, paths, and squares. And there are no exceptions for joggers and cyclists."

Easy, just say, "I'm a runner, not a jogger."

Anyone have any guesses on how long this will last?

Thinking of dropping mileage and taking a couple weeks for recovery before building back up, but if masks will be mandatory for months to come I might as well just learn how to work through it.

Cambridge Runner wrote:

Anyone have any guesses on how long this will last?

Thinking of dropping mileage and taking a couple weeks for recovery before building back up, but if masks will be mandatory for months to come I might as well just learn how to work through it.

My guess is several months. Besides runners, people seem to like wearing masks. The mask restriction is the last one that they will drop most likely. You'll see people at the beach or pool laying out tanning with masks on. I've even seen people driving with masks on - if your own car isn't safe, what is...

The question is how strictly the mask rules will be enforced. Are cops going to be patrolling trail heads and entrances to beaches/other running areas?

The biggest problem will be with the whiny whinnies who are hobby jogging with masks and get upset that you aren't wearing one. I expect seeing lots of these types out.

"Exceptions will also be made for people unable to medically tolerate a face covering."

Just claim that CO2 buildup will inflame your asthma. LOL!

Also, Somerville residents should contact the Federal attorney general for help in overturning this order in Federal court:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/04/27/coronavirus-william-barr-orders-doj-action-on-covid-19-stay-at-home-orders/3035703001/

Requiring people to wear a mask outside is beyond idiotic.

concerned track runner wrote:

Cambridge has now issues a similar order.

Many didn't care much about Somerville but the Cambridge order would have to include paths along the Charles which are heavily trafficked by runners. It will be interesting to see how well this is enforced.

guess its back to running on the boston side of the river....

real talk. wrote:

Requiring people to wear a mask outside is beyond idiotic.

Its a political maneuver to be tough on coronavirus. A politician who isn't tough enough on the virus gets his miscomings brought up in election campagin. This effects everyone from lowly mayors on up. The stupid should have to wear masks. I've had dudes try to high five me while running or like want to tell me something dumb - they ticket here, when my parking wasn't going to expire for over an hour.

CertifiedEliteMastersHobbyJogger wrote:

"Exceptions will also be made for people unable to medically tolerate a face covering."

Just claim that CO2 buildup will inflame your asthma. LOL!

Also, Somerville residents should contact the Federal attorney general for help in overturning this order in Federal court:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2020/04/27/coronavirus-william-barr-orders-doj-action-on-covid-19-stay-at-home-orders/3035703001/

lol. the idea of barr successfully litigating something...

If it's really too much of an inconvenience to wear a bandana or mask on your runs, maybe running isn't your sport. You also take days off if it's too cold? If you have to wear a hat?

Fines are a pretty reasonable response given the number of self-absorbed morons in the boston area. Peabody has fines in place up to $1000 for the same thing. THAT might be excessive

get out of somerville you softies wrote:

If it's really too much of an inconvenience to wear a bandana or mask on your runs, maybe running isn't your sport. You also take days off if it's too cold? If you have to wear a hat?

Fines are a pretty reasonable response given the number of self-absorbed morons in the boston area. Peabody has fines in place up to $1000 for the same thing. THAT might be excessive

Have you ever broken 8 in the mile? Do you know what running with something over your face is like? If you are just a hobby jogger who only does easy runs I forgive you for not understanding how reduced airflow will severely affect a run for someone trying to run fast.

jimmy jack wrote:

"It also applies to sidewalks, streets, paths, and squares. And there are no exceptions for joggers and cyclists."

"Somerville’s order — which takes effect on Wednesday, but with a one-week grace period — comes with a potential $300 fine. And unlike in Brookline, city officials say it will be enforced by Somerville police."

https://www.boston.com/news/coronavirus/2020/04/27/somerville-face-covering-mask-order-coronavirus

Why don't you just cut a hole out of the mask over your mouth? Technically, you are still wearing a mask. You could make it more of a hinged cutout that you could fold down while your running and no one is around but fold back up over your mouth when you see a cop, etc.

Typically these types of draconian decrees are issued in Communist countries. The cattle must be herded into line as we guide the way toward a bright, cloudless future.

Most famous mask in state history -

https://d9nvuahg4xykp.cloudfront.net/5935551106685522096/-822679161847977829.jpg

I didn't realize you were faster than this hobby jogger. Either that or you're soft.https://www.letsrun.com/photos/2011/nychalf/images/Rupp_GalenSt-NYChalf11.JPG

Kvothe wrote:

Have you ever broken 8 in the mile? Do you know what running with something over your face is like? If you are just a hobby jogger who only does easy runs I forgive you for not understanding how reduced airflow will severely affect a run for someone trying to run fast.

Stupidity of the government.

For physically very fit people, this virus is just a bad flu.

To be physically very fit, people need to go out and run. Making it harder for people to go out and run is counter productive.

As far as I know the bike paths are state police jurisdiction because they're DCR land. When I was in college we had a need to call the cops on another DCR property, so we called the local police since there was a station blocks away. They came, but explained they couldn't really do much except keep everyone around until a State Police officer could come. Ultimately it was a minor thing, so everyone dispersed. Maybe the MSP will hang out and write tickets to runners/bikers/walkers on the path, but I doubt it.