On April 27, the City of Cambridge issued an emergency order mandating the use of face coverings in public. Those refusing to comply could face a fine to the tune of $300.

“While we are grateful to those in Cambridge who have been heeding our previous mask advisory and taking this issue seriously, we are concerned about the number of residents who continue to shop, walk, run and bike throughout the city without proper face coverings,” said Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and City Manager Louis DePasquale.

“We must all do our part in flattening the curve and make sure we are preventing the further spread of COVID-19. This mandate emphasizes the importance of wearing a face covering, not as an option, but as a requirement in our effort to combat this pandemic together.”

In terms of fines for non-compliance, Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone said that “the police are committed to compassionate policing,” noting that they would first educate violators and issue warnings. However, the mayor said that “persons who willfully refuse to comply may be subject to a $300 fine.”

According to both orders, there will be a one-week grace period to allow time for compliance.

You can read the details on Cambridge’s order here. You can read more about Somerville’s order here.