GREENFIELD — Saturday marked the end of the majority of mask mandates and capacity limits in Massachusetts as COVID-19 cases in the state dip to their lowest point since last summer.
Masks are no longed required by the state in indoor or outdoor settings, and businesses are allowed to operate at full capacity. Masks are still required on public transportation and in health care settings.
People interviewed on the streets of Greenfield said lifting the mask mandate was a positive action, but caution is still required as society returns to festivals, sporting events and live music performances.
Aengus Maloney, a 21-year-old Greenfield resident, said the lifting of mandates is a positive change, and people can make their own decisions if they need to wear a mask going forward.
“People can still wear them if they still need them, if they’re unvaccinated,” he said.
Maloney said he looks forward to enjoying usual summer activities and that mask mandates had to go “at a certain point” because there will always be people who will not get vaccinated for one reason or another.
Northfield resident Victoria McGarril, 29, said the removal of restrictions was nice, but abrupt.
“I think it’s pretty good,” McGarril said. “It’s kind of strange we spent so much time under the restrictions and now they’re gone.”
McGarril said she looks forward to seeing live music again but said she will keep her mask with her just in case.
“It seems every business has their own rules,” she noted. “It’s also about respecting other people and keeping everyone safe.”
Greenfield resident Jim Grant, 68, and Mike Mcintosh, a 62-year-old from Millers Falls, both said they thought it was a good idea to lift the restrictions, but they, too, were cautious.
“It’s going to be a while until everyone is not wearing a mask,” Mcintosh said. “It took us time to have a habit of wearing a mask and it’s going to take time to take masks off.”
Grant said he can’t wait to start listening to live music again as he pointed to Mcintosh, who performs at open mics in restaurants and bars.
Scott Seward, 53, owner of John Doe Jr. Used Records and Books, said he isn’t sure what to think about the restrictions being lifted. The Greenfield resident said he was thinking about not wearing a mask to his Main Street store on Saturday, but ultimately decided to wear one.
“Little by little people will stop wearing masks,” he said. “I’m more worried about non-vaccinated people.”
Seward said he is excited to be able to travel anywhere “and not worry about it.”
William Dobias, a 37-year-old Greenfield resident, said he’ll probably still wear his mask in stores, but that lifting the restrictions is a good change overall.
“I think we need to get back to normal and get the economy back,” Dobias said, “but we still have to be careful and cautious.”
Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.