GREENFIELD — Just a week after Mayor Roxann Wedegartner announced a “strong advisory” for residents to wear masks when they’re out in public, she said homemade masks are being provided to first responders and residents who want them.
The mayor said she did not mandate wearing masks, so people will not be fined or receive any negative consequences for not wearing one. She said, instead, she will expect people to do it to protect themselves and others.
Wedegartner said there were two reasons for the decision by her and the Greenfield Health Department for not making masks mandatory, as was decided in Northampton.
“Enforcement and access,” she said during a press conference outside the John Zon Community Center — currently being used as the Emergency Operations Center — on Thursday. “Police and health officials are working hard with daily calls and issues. They didn’t need additional enforcement responsibilities.”
Wedegartner said access is another issue because while the city has some masks to give, is about to receive an anonymous gift of another 500 and is still accepting donations, she doesn’t know whether Greenfield will be able to meet the demand.
The city is also helping to supply essential businesses with masks, so that their staff and customers can stay safe.
“The Board of Health is monitoring local retail stores,” Wedegartner added.
She said if anyone needs a mask or wants to donate any, they should call 413-775-6411. They should not just show up at the Emergency Operations Center on Pleasant Street. The center washes and packages every mask — one per person — and provides instructions.
The City Council released its own comments on the idea of making masks mandatory, saying it is committed to ensuring Greenfield’s emergency response is the best it can be and that appropriate measures are taken.
Council President Ashli Stempel and Vice President Otis Wheeler said in the release that while there have been requests for city officials to order face masks be worn in public and for the council to hold a meeting to discuss the matter, talks with Wedegartner and the command staff at the Emergency Operations Center have led the council to feel that “such an action is not justified at this time.”
Additionally, Stempel and Wheeler noted that some essential businesses require their staff and customers to wear masks.
“We strongly encourage all businesses to consider adopting such a policy at this time if they deem it necessary,” their release states.
Wedegartner said the center is also providing personal protective equipment to nursing facilities, front-line workers and first responders in Franklin County and beyond. Last week, 26 police departments and 29 fire departments picked up much-needed supplies from the center.
“We’ll continue this, as well, as long as the supplies last,” she said.
Even though city offices are closed to the public, Wedegartner said city staff are working hard, long hours and will continue to do so. She said she looks forward to the day the city can get back to normal, whatever that looks like.
“My heart goes out to all members of our city that have been impacted,” she said. “I know we’re all managing in the safest way possible.”
She said she is happy to see the city has seemed to get through the surge of COVID-19, at least in Greenfield, and the hospital, care centers and city were not overwhelmed.
Reach Anita Fritz at 413-772-9591 or afritz@recorder.com.