As the Recorder reported in its Dec. 22 issue, there is a new peak for the county’s COVID case rate. On Dec. 13, the City of Greenfield has reinstated a city-wide indoor mask mandate. As Mayor Wedegartner emphasized, we are heading into the holidays and more indoor gatherings, bearing the risk of further contamination.

Under this background, it is alarming to see maskless customers roaming in some of the larger retail stores in town. I noticed these violations of the mask mandate during a visit to the large membership store near the Big Y plaza. The same occurred at the farm supply store in the same neighborhood.

Both stores had signage that clearly stated that face coverings are required. Yet, customers were allowed to enter the premises maskless without intervention.

I agree that employees should not be policing the premises for violations, but a friendly reminder should be acceptable, maybe even offering a face mask.

The point is, the pandemic will not end anytime soon if we don’t stand together. That not only includes regular citizens but also store owners and managers.

Masking is within everybody’s control to help end the pandemic.

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