By Pennie Sanders
Please wear a mask when approaching others in Morristown. Everyone should have the right to do what they want to do in their own space, but it is very nightmarish to try and go anywhere in Morristown, because of people not wearing masks when approaching.
I had many bad experiences at Burnham Park Pool with staff not wearing masks. I did speak to two managers at the pool but they never got staff to wear masks, especially young staff crowding together, no masks and not social distancing from patrons.
And then COVID-19 came to the pool on Aug. 22. I had hoped that we would get through the summer without the staff, patrons and all our families having this exposure, but it was not to be.
We have tried to take the kids to the Green, and decided it was too risky because about 50 percent of people did not wear masks when approaching.
A friend and I decided to try outdoor dining at the Famished Frog, and so many passersby on the pavement walked by within two feet of our table without masks. My friend and I left ASAP and this experiment will not be repeated.
Like I say, people should do whatever they like in their own groups but when in a public place coming close to families all wearing masks and/or diners, the correct thing to do is clear the way (i.e. stand back at least 10 feet) or put on a mask.
I don’t know if there are any community suggestions on how to improve this situation. Give out masks on the Green with info about how to use the masks? Put up signs? More public education?
It seems like such a minimal inconvenience to put on a mask when around other people. Take it off when you’ve all passed each other. Even at the gas station the attendants are not wearing masks in Morristown.
Pennie Sanders lives in Morristown.
The opinions above are the author’s, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication.
Nobody really knows how the chances of catching or communicating covid are affected by being six feet away or by wearing a mask. It is all conjecture based on somewhat educated guesses. However, it is the best we have for the time being. So wear a mask!
How many cases of Covid have been traced to people walking around town without masks or maskless pedestrians walking by an outdoor dining table? Seems like it would be news-worthy if happening.
“since you don’t care about yourself or anyone else…what do you care about? Obviously only yourself”
huh? Which one is it Mary?
And If you can get this illness by walking around town near nobody, nearly everybody in the world would have it. Where is your outrage over the protestors walking around in giant mobs on top of each other? Why don’t you go down South St and scream at every person at the tables eating with no mask since you know better about their safety then they do. Better yet, why don’t you leave everyone else alone, and quarantine up in your own house if your that concerned about catching the virus?
@ Fred – ugh ok. whatever you say.
I’m so disappointed by the lack of respect from people who don’t wear masks in Morristown. We’ve leaved here for 45 years and and I still can’t believe how the younger adults behave.
Non-mask wearers …since you don’t care about yourself or anyone else…what do you care about?
Obviously only yourself😥
It’s a tough situation. We all can put the mask on when not able to physically distance. However, these points should be considered:
1. The vaccine is coming out soon, which should greatly reduce risk. Masks were never meant to be a permanent solution.
2. Like the speed limit on the highway, there will never be 100% compliance
3. For your preference, a seating area away from the sidewalk like what’s at Godfather’s would be much more appropriate for your comfort.
People don’t wear masks because of the jerk in the White House
@ M. Glassman LOLOLOL
Maybe they should start with enforcing social distancing and mask wearing on the rioters in every major city. The police wont even stop them from taking over city streets and beating “dissenters” in the street, but they should use their resources to enforce mask wearing ? Makes perfect sense! Also, gotta love how you are likely anti-gun too but like others with guns to enforce your own convoluted opinions! Isn’t that great?
@ Joe thanks for some common sense.
Pretty clear that wearing masks saves lives and unless you are diligent to always be 13 feet away from others you risk spreading the virus. While unlikely the issue is this spreads exponentially so even a small chance of transmission great increases total case load, which is still the point. It’s not just keeping you or your loved ones from being sick but to help keep the community caseload down. Seems like a small thing to do to slow down the virus which unfortunately America is doing a poor job managing (although NJ is doing well it seems). Shocking considering what previous generations of Americans were willing to do….
Everyone needs to be a part of the SOLUTION, not a part of the PROBLEM. BE A LEADER! JUST “DO IT!” It’s SO EASY to wear a face covering. If we ALL do it, OTHERS will see it as “the norm” and do it, as well, and we’ll ALL be safer and healthier. LET’S SHOW MORRISTOWN/MORRIS TOWNSHIP TO BE THE COMMUNITY WE ARE!
You have to take care of yourself in a manner that doesn’t rely on others. What i mean by this, is that if you will only feel comfortable if you are eating at the Frog on the sidewalk, outside… with all passerby’s wearing a mask…. then stay home. It may sound harsh, but you can only control what you can control. Why put yourself in a position to be mad at others for “not following the rules”. It is difficult times, but that doesn’t mean everyone follows every rule to perfection.
Protect yourself and stay safe.
I’m with Jeff. Fear and ignorance “does” control people. What also controls people is the off chance that someone will get in your face. CDC says covid is killed in the ultra violet rays of the sun. CDC says if people are 6 feet away, the chance of getting their germs is low to zero. I put my mask on when I go into stores. I take it off when I am outdoors. Clear? If anyone gets in my face, be aware that I will strike back. If anyone gets into my outdoor dinner area, I will strike back. It would be smart for the self righteous to lose their aggression. You could unleash it in others.
I couldn’t agree more with you!!
The world has gone crazy! People are only worried about themselves… I suppose respect, consideration & decency is some thing of the past…what a-shame!!
So much fear and ignorance. People are SO easy to control. This is proof.
Hide under the bed! Find your safe space!
I always get a kick out of seeing people wearing a mask, outside, with no one close by. I really laugh when I see people riding a bike or running while wearing a mask. The best: Folks driving and wearing a mask! 🙂
I put on a mask when entering a store. When I leave, it comes off. End of story.
I am sorry to report that Republicans generally do not wear masks to please President Trump and anger Democrats. They will tell you the mask infringes on their freedom. I say it infringes on the freedom of people who do not want to contract Covid.
The chances of you getting Covid-19 from passing someone outside on the street are very very slim even if both of you have no masks on. They are even less if you have a mask on and the other person doesn’t. If you’re that paranoid about it then you should just stay indoors. Others have a right to be outdoors without a mask and free from recriminations from those with irrational fears.
Thank you Penny! I frequently walk in town and I am shocked at the amount of people who are not wearing masks. Just have one available so when you are approaching people you can put it up. Once you are socially distanced from anyone pull it down or take it off. It’s the best way we have right now of defeating COVID and we all need to work together to do it.
I agree with Penny. It is a very small inconvenience to as of people and could save both your life and someone else’s. I’m forced to avoid all spaces with crowds because so many people prioritize their convenience over other’s people’s health and well-being.
On the other side, thank you to everyone who does wear a mask. I think very highly of you all and commend your community-mindedness.
Yes I agree the use of masks needs to be utilized.
Some of reasons people do not use them out in public could be the weariness of the pandemic and a lack of a deeper understanding of the spread. Some masks are difficult to breath in as well.
As we move on through this we need to be patient with others but at the same time obtain the ability to show and teach others how to cope more successfully.
Social isolation with suicidal behavior Is on the rise. That is a bigger concern so it seems.
Maybe we need to articulate to others that they need to get the mask on, but also extend a warmth and caring that so many need?
I hope we can do this. Please . Now is a time for security and safety ,but also for caring and concern. Too many feel lonely and left out. We can all make a positive difference. Let’s do it.
I agree wholeheartedly!
People won’t wear masks unless there’s a penalty mandated, and enforced by the town. It’s Psych 101.