An indoor mask mandate is now in effect for West Springfield.
It goes for anyone over the age of two following a vote by the Board of Health last night.
Board members heard from various business people in the city urging them to back off the mandate and leave it up to individuals whether they would wear a mask or not. The owners say that they have been through many mandates over the last several months and any more restrictions would put their livelihoods at risk. The Board said it would reexamine the issue next month guided by the latest numbers.
This new order starts immediately and officials wanted to implement the mandate before the start of the Big-E. Meanwhile, there will be a vaccination clinic at the fair for those that have not been vaccinated. The Fair kicks off Friday and goes all the way through October 3rd.
(Photo Credit: John Baibak, WHYN News)