Durham Issues Order Requesting All To Wear Masks When Outside

Yesterday, the Town of Durham issued an order requesting everyone wear a mask when outside to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, according to a story from Foster's.  The town says it's consistent with recommendations from the NH Department of Health and Human Services.

There are instances, however, that the Town says you don't have to wear a mask, according to the report.

• At home
• Going for a run/bike ride if there are not too many people around

The report does not say the word, REQUIRE or MANDATORY, it says they are "requesting" everyone to wear a mask.  The Town also notes that children age 2 and younger, people who have trouble breathing or anyone UNCONSCIOUS - and unable to remove the mask without assistance should never wear masks.

Nashua, however, my hometown, according to a story from the Concord Monitor, is not just requesting that people wear a mask, they are REQUIRING it, facing fines of up to $1,000.  In Nashua, the Police Department has received calls from people reporting others who are NOT complying with the law.

Regarding the people calling the Police Station - I would not be one of those people.  How do you know what circumstances the person is experiencing?  How would you know if they have trouble breathing with the mask on?  Or, maybe they have a psychological aversion to the mask.  If I felt that someone not wearing a mask was a threat to me or my family, I think I would move away from them and leave the Police out of it, but that's just me.