Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker issued an order on Friday, May 1, requiring the use of a face covering or mask in public places where social distancing is not possible.
The statewide order goes into effect on Wednesday, May 6.
The order applies to all workers and customers of businesses and other organizations open to the public. Residents are also required to wear a mask or face covering at all times when using any means of transportation service or public mass transit.
Children two-years-old or younger and those unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition are exempt from the order.
Violations of the terms of the order are subject to a civil fine of up to $300 per violation.
Baker’s office cited section 7, 8 and 8A of Chapter 639 of the Acts of 1950 as his legal justification of the order.
Chapter 7 begins:
“During the effective period of so much of this act as is contingent upon the declaration of a state of emergency as hereinbefore set forth, the governor, in addition to any other authority vested in him by law, shall have and may exercise any and all authority over persons and property necessary or expedient for meeting said state of emergency, which the general court in the exercise of its constitutional authority may confer upon him as supreme executive magistrate of the commonwealth and commander-in-chief of the military forces thereof…”
You can find instructions on how to make your own face mask from the CDC.
