California town's coronavirus mask orders stir complaints of government overreach, 'nanny state': report
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A new coronavirus edict on wearing masks in public in a Southern California town has elicited questions and angry comments about a “nanny state.”
The controversy erupted after Seal Beach officials announced late Friday that in a further effort to contain the coronavirus, residents must wear masks “when they leave their homes or places of residence,” according to the Orange County Register.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Officials said the new rule would go into effect at 6 a.m. Saturday and that police would “monitor public areas and essential businesses,” the paper reported.
(Seal Beach Police Department)
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“Those who must go outside can help protect others by taking the necessary precautions,” City Manager Jill Ingram said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A careful reading shows the order was to apply to essential workers and those who interact with them – such as in grocery stores, drug stores, and take-out restaurants, the Register reported. Still, its wording stirred confusion.
On the Nextdoor site, some complained about “government overreach” and a “nanny state” according to the paper.
Seal Beach in Southern California. (Seal Beach Police Department)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}“They’ve now effectively made it impossible for anyone to go out and take a run,” read a post from one resident. “Don’t believe it? Try running with a mask on. This is outrageous.”
“Wearing a mask while walking in your neighborhood seems excessive,” another person said, according to the paper. “If there isn’t anyone around, I still have to wear my mask?!”
A third resident wrote, “This has crossed the line, and it’s time to start throwing tea in the harbor.”
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To address the confusion, on Saturday the Seal Beach Police Department issued a clarification on the mask order on its Facebook page, the Register reported.
In a post, the SBPD posed the question “What about when I'm doing non-essential activities like walking or exercising?” and then answered it.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}“If you’re able to do it, wear a mask, a scarf, a bandana...something to cover your mouth. If anything, it shows you're protecting yourself and everyone else,” the post said. “However, since it is not essential business, you’re not required to wear a mask.”
The department also said a mask wasn't needed to walk a dog on the green belt.
In response to the clarification, one commenter asked, “So can we throw sticks at cyclists? Never gotten an answer on any cyclists questions?”
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The answer was a simple "no."