Enough of the Masks Says the MassGOP

By Kathy Lynch

The Massachusetts Republican Party unanimously passed a resolution on June 9th calling for a voluntary mask advisory in place of a mask mandate. Along with the passing of the resolution, a box of thousands of petitions was handed in to State Party leadership to be delivered to Governor Charlie Baker. Republican State Committee members and their constituents have had enough of the masks!

The Massachusetts government website¹ reads, “Effective May 29: The Commonwealth’s mask order is rescinded.” However, it then contradicts itself by saying: “Masks are still mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings.”

The website has a rather lengthy list of where masks are still required including inside K-12 public schools, collaboratives, and approved special education schools. While the school year is almost over, questions remain over whether the governor will require mask-wearing next year. Petition signers say that wearing masks should be up to each individual ­– optional, not mandated. As for minors, that decision should be up to the parents or guardians.

I’m hearing from many parents that they are fed up with masks, especially on children who may be adversely affected by wearing a mask. Masks restrict oxygen. Who can forget about the Oregon high school track athlete Maggie Williams who collapsed while running the 800-meter event with a mandated face mask?²

The resolution, passed last week, calls for the existing Commonwealth of MA mask mandate to be rescinded in its entirety and replaced with a voluntary mask advisory for all persons (vaccinated or unvaccinated), businesses, and governmental institutions. It also calls for informed consent, without harassment, coercion, or sanctions, either way they decide.

Finally, the resolution urges Massachusetts lawmakers to pass legislation that places checks and balances on gubernatorial power regarding mask-wearing or any other constitutional right during emergency situations.

Republican State Committeewoman for the First Middlesex District, Kathy Lynch may be reached at kathy.lynch@me.com.

¹ https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-mask-requirements

² https://www.gopusa.com/follow-the-science-oregon-girl-collapses-while-running-in-mask-at-track-meet/