Opinions On Mask Enforcement Mixed In Hartford, Tolland Counties.

HARTFORD/TOLLAND COUNTIES, CT — Opinions on the imposition of fines for failing to wear coronavirus masks vary throughout Hartford and Tolland counties, a Patch survey shows.

Gov. Ned Lamont last week not only announced the fines but said enforcement would be local.

The fines are:

• $100 for violating the state's mask order.
• $500 for organizing a private event that exceeds 25 people indoors/100 outdoors.
• $250 for attending an event that exceeds the capacity limits.

Businesses will be responsible for their employees and individuals will be responsible for their own actions, Lamont said.

Patch posed a question to readers, "Gov. Lamont said it's up to local towns to enforce fines for not wearing a mask in public when social distancing isn't possible. Do you believe (the town) should enforce fines for people violating the mask order?"

Here's a sampling of the responses on Patch sites in the region:

Vernon

• "Absolutely no! His excellency cannot create law unilaterally, the legislature and constitution are required. More people are shot and killed every weekend in Chicago than die in Connecticut each week, and 94% of the US COVID-19 deaths had one or more comorbidity causes (died with COVID-19 not from it). There is no valid state of emergency currently in Connecticut! Stay six feet away from others, and mind your own business about whether they wear unproven masks. Police have better things to do such as watch for their own sanctuary city/state safety from liberal rioters."
• "Yes they should be enforced. We're in the middle of a public health crisis. Especially when it comes to large gatherings. Those are proving to be superspreaders. People are dying. There is no excuse for not wearing a mask unless you have doc note for med reason, and then you probably shouldn't be out much anyway. I am grateful Lamont is doing such a good job protecting the citizens of CT."

Enfield

• "Live free or die? YOUR choice but its my life you could be affecting!"
• "Of course not, unless you are unable to think for yourself. This virus is no real threat people, it is purely political. With a .1 percent of death (most likely lower, considerably lower) and only a couple of percentage points of complications that might require a hospital visit, we need to wear masks? Really? I truly wish more people were free thinkers and actually researched topics themselves rather than doing what they are told from a single source, especially by a Governor with the IQ of a spinach salad. I am a medical professional and have major lung issues, as does my wife, and we only experienced a loss of smell when we had COVID. The compromised smell still lingers a bit but that is it. And all of the people that we know who have contracted COVID, even the most compromised, only one required a hospital visit. She is doing well BTW."

Tolland

• "Depends....who gets the money from the fine?"
• "I would say it should be if the offender is especially belligerent. However, it is important to note Tolland does not have a local police force and contracts with the state police through Troop C, which is located in Tolland. I assume the state police we contract will enforce it by state guidelines unless otherwise asked by Town Hall."

Ellington/Somers

• "Absolutely! I am sick of the insane selfishness of people who refuse to wear masks. Is it against your rights as a human to go out in public with clothes on? Why not walk around naked? You do it because it is common sense, the right thing to do and the law. Wearing a mask is the exact the same principle. The sooner people wise up and mask up, the sooner we can get rid of this virus. Dont be a COVIDIOT!"

South Windsor

• "Let people be free. If they feel that much vulnerability then let those stay home and online shop. The motto for my children has been even before 2020 when comes to others in stores etc. Stay your distance and mind your own business."
• "Yes. If knowing you are protecting yourself, your family and OTHERS isn’t enough reason for you to wear a mask in public, then maybe a fine will work. Our rate of infection is fairly low. Let’s keep it that way. No one needs to die from this. Let’s protect each other."

Windsor Locks/East Windsor

• "Only when inside a public building but definitely not when we are outside. We need the fresh air!!"

West Hartford

• "Yes. If knowing you are protecting yourself, your family and OTHERS isn’t enough reason for you to wear a mask in public, then maybe a fine will work. Our rate of infection is fairly low. Let’s keep it that way. No one needs to die from this. Let's protect each other."
• "Absolutely. The only people that don't wear masks are either the straight up ignorant, or selfish & reckless. Wearing a mask is not a political statement, it's a statement of being respectful of others and helping to stop the spread of the virus. The fines should be doubled for anybody that refuses to wear one."

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Patch editor Tim Jensen contributed to this story.