LAWRENCE, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Although the state order for residents to cover their face in public carries a possible fine of up to $300, police in Lawrence haven't handed out a citation yet.
Instead, they have been handing out cloth face masks for free to try and encourage bare-faced locals to wear them when they are unable to socially distance during the pandemic.
According to Lawrence Police Chief Roy Vasque, the department is focusing on protecting and serving their community.
"Whatever that protect and serve looks like, in today's day and age it's the coronavirus, we're going to adapt to it and we're going to overcome it," said Chief Vasque. "It's about masks, not citations."
While part of the executive order to wear face coverings does allow for a fine, Vasques told WBZ NewsRadio LPD has not yet seen a situation where they would need to give one out.
"For the most part, the residents have been awesome," said Vasque. "Complying, actually helping each other, giving each other masks... so we don't anticipate having to give out a $300 fine, but it's there if it needs to be given."
Chief Vasque said if someone was being belligerent, refusing to put a mask on, refusing to leave a business, or putting someone else's safety at risk, a fine might be necessary.
WBZ NewsRadio's Karyn Regal reports:
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(Photo: LPD/Facebook)