Even With Heat Emergency In Boston, Walsh Says Masks Still Needed
ALLSTON (CBS) – Boston Mayor Marty Walsh declared a heat emergency in the city this weekend, reminding people to social distance and to cover their faces.
But that wasn't the case at the Artesani Playground and Pool in Allston Saturday.
"That line there, I would be concerned with people standing there and not wearing masks," said Bianca Cruzado, of Brighton.
The line to the pool wrapped around the fence. Dozens of people could be seen standing shoulder-to-shoulder in the blazing heat – many without a face covering.
"I'm a good distance from people, but I would still keep it around my face," said Cruzado.
As temperatures inch towards 100-degrees Sunday, Mayor Walsh is urging people to avoid large crowds and to wear a face mask. If it gets hard to breathe, the city says people should seek shade or air conditioning at one of Boston's 20 cooling centers.
If the face covering causes you to overheat, find a shaded area where you can maintain 6 feet of distance from others, and then remove the face covering so that you can breathe easily and cool down.
— Mayor Marty Walsh (@marty_walsh) July 19, 2020
The ice cream truck driver parked at the Artesani Pool told WBZ-TV that the heat wave gave his business a boost, but said he wished more people took precautions.
"I wish some more people were wearing masks, but I'm wearing masks on my end and sanitizing, so you know," said John Crewley, "I'm doing the best I can."