Pacific Grove and Carmel consider citations for those not wearing face covers in public
PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. (KION)
The cities of Carmel and Pacific Grove are considering a uniform policy this week to enforce citations for people who do not wear face masks while out in public.
People in the Pacific Grove area said they were in favor of citation enforcement for health and safety reasons, but said there are still some things to consider.
“When I see people in public in groups without masks on, I’m afraid for them. I’m afraid for myself but I’m afraid for them," says tourist, Heidi Simonson.
One of the concerns some people had was whether tourists who may not be aware of the rules or possible citations would follow the rules.
Others said the enforcement should apply to everyone but there should be more enforcement in specific places.
“I think as far as going into a grocery store where there’s a bunch of people, your food marts and stuff like that, you should wear a mask, obviously," says Monterey Resident Jimmy Kay.
"If you sneeze, you sneeze on fruits, whatever it is that somebody’s trying to get, they take that home.”
Some of the people observed in Pacific Grove today who were not wearing face masks were engaging in physical activities like biking, running and skateboarding.
One biker said the city should reconsider citations for those who are out exercising or taking part in physical activities.
"“It restricts intake of oxygen and I do cycle a lot so, if I were to take a road bike out and put a lot of serious miles in, I would not wear a mask," says Pacific Grove resident, Bob Kelly.
The city of Pacific Grove stated it will be posting up signs, warning people about the new rules and possible citations.
Pacific Grove City Council also stated "enforcement officers shall place an emphasis on educational efforts, and shall hold discretion to issue warning notices in lieu of citations for first-time offenders."
Carmel and Pacific Grove officials will be discussing the ordinance in virtual meetings this week.
