On Saturday, Scott Baldinger reported on Facebook: "I took advantage of the nice weather to walk up Warren Street, where there were a number of people not wearing masks, walking in groups and looking completely oblivious. So much for Hudson being a haven for the enlightened."
Yesterday, former First Ward alderman Rob Bujan sent an email to the members of the Common Council, as well as the mayor, the mayor's aide, and the First Ward supervisor, which read in part:
I am writing for the third or fourth time about masks and socially distancing in the downtown/commercial area of Hudson. Area defined as loosely: "Allen north to State & Front to Worth." I have sent in emails concerned about the fact that there are many people not wearing masks when other people are around--our sidewalks are small; I watch groups of people without masks, people jogging together, window shopping or just trying to get some fresh air and it is really concerning.
I've asked for a resolution supporting the mask [Executive Order], signs in the downtown area, urging people to be aware of their surroundings and ask people to wear masks and socially distance in a thoughtful way. . . .
I am asking that the city take the initiative to put up communication on the streets to remind people of best practice. It's only going to get more difficult as the weather gets warmer and it is going to start to boil over if the narrative isn't owned by the city.In his COVID-19 briefing yesterday, Governor Andrew Cuomo stated and reiterated a couple of times: "Local governments have the ability to enforce [wearing masks and observing social distancing], and there should be a penalty." In a later statement, Cuomo said "local governments have the responsibility to enforce."
Perhaps Hudson can be inspired by this initiative to call on its artists and graphic designers to create signs to be posted around the city urging residents and visitors to wear masks.
COPYRIGHT 2020 CAROLE OSTERINK
Bujan is absolutely correct on this one. It's been a real disappointment to see neighbors walking around Warren and adjacent streets without masks. Their actions place their neighbors lives, the lives of healthcare workers, and the economic recovery of this community at risk. It's deeply irresponsible and worthy of correction.
ReplyDeleteEnforcement of social distancing by the police, however, puts the health of our officers and even those who have committed the infractions at risk. The City needs to take the lead here to encourage everyone to step up and do their part before we ask police to chase down random citizens and send tickets flying. An effective public awareness campaign will at least minimize the recurrence of the problem.
The lines drawn now between the wearers vs. non-wearers seems to be mostly political. As summer quickly approaches and brings with it temperature spikes, the problem is only going to get worse, and if we don't get our numbers under control, our businesses, workers, and residents are going to continue to suffer.
The police have a dangerous job? Shocking. It's their job to enforce the law. They have N95 masks -- those do block 95% of the particulate/suspenion particles they encounter. They need to step up.
DeleteJohn, you're ultimately right, but the city stepping up with an awareness campaign is no-to-low-risk of transmission and ultimately might be more corrective than police action, which involves physical contact that wouldn't be necessary if people weren't such entitled asshats.
DeleteFrom what Cuomo said, isn't the rule if you are out walking or exercising in a place where you can socially distance you do not need a mask, but need to put one on if there are people around? So someone on the empty street does not need a mask, until they encounter someone. Unless the rule changed? If there are parts of the city on Warren or wherever where it is agreed masks should be worn at all times, perhaps there should be signs posted, "MASKS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES IN THIS AREA" or something to that effect. People should not be shamed out walking, mask in hand, ready to put it on if someone passes by.
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