BOSTON — The mask debate is beginning to heat back up in Massachusetts. Over the weekend, the CDC recommended indoor masking in our state because of the higher COVID-19 numbers.
A group of Billerica residents rallied outside the town hall, saying masking-wearing should be a personal choice.
“We are just trying to voice parental choice,” one woman said.
Their group, called Billerica Against Mandates, says the school district should not mandate masks in schools. Christina Aurillo helped organize the rally.
“We are not against masks, we just think that it should be a choice by the parents,” Aurillo said.
Billerica’s public building mask mandate went into effect Monday. Residents are split on whether it is needed.
“I don’t have an opinion other than I don’t want to wear one anymore,” said one resident.
“I think it is fine. Got to protect our constituents,” a woman said.
Related: Gov. Baker ‘not considering’ new mask guidance
Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker talked about revisiting a statewide mask mandate after touring a Peabody School and made it clear there are no plans to change anything right now.
“I’m not considering changing the mask guidance at this time,” Baker said.
The governor said vaccinations are the pathway out of this pandemic, period.
The CDC announced over the weekend that Massachusetts COVID-19 numbers now warrant more indoor masking. The governor said vaccinations are working and individual cities and towns can make their own decisions based on their particular situations.
“If you look what is playing out in other states, where state government has taken away the authority to make to make their own decision, that is not the right way to play this game,” Gov. Baker said.
In Billerica, the school district plans to do a final vote on masking in schools on Aug. 24. Billerica Against Mandates plans to continue protesting up until that date.
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