BOSTON, MA (CBS) – Governor Charlie Baker is expected to make some adjustments to the state’s mask mandate this week. Companies, especially restaurants, are waiting to see how this will affect them and their service.
“At the end of the day we will follow what the governor says,” said Bar Mezzana owner and chef Colin Lynch.
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So far in Massachusetts people have to wear masks indoors, but that could change this week.
The Centers for Disease Control announced that it is now safe for fully vaccinated Americans to remove the face mask with exceptions outdoors and indoors such as at an airport or in a healthcare facility.
“When it comes to the honor system, people need to be honest with themselves,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky. “You are protected when you are vaccinated. You are not if you are not vaccinated. “
How can companies enforce a rule that doesn’t apply to everyone?
It puts restaurant owners like Lynch in a difficult position.
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“We’re not going to go around asking people if they’re vaccinated, so I hope people are just being honest,” Lynch said.
He currently has four chefs in the kitchen who, like many restaurants across the state, are understaffed. While he welcomes fewer restrictions and more customers, Lynch worries if his employees can keep up.
“We try to hire as much as possible. We deal with the logistics of how our books will look for guests. I am definitely nervous, but I am excited. “
There is a lot of preparation involved with changes. Lynch added that he hopes the state will give companies clear guidelines and time to implement them – because it’s not as easy as messing around at a few tables.
“No, not at all. As with any business, it takes a lot of planning,” Lynch told WBZ-TV. “If you increase capacity by 50%, it will cost a lot to do.”
As we wait for Governor Baker to update the mask mandate, health officials hope this will encourage more people to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated.
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“In other words, you are becoming a dead end for the virus,” said Dr. Anthony Fauci, Chief Medical Advisor to President Biden. “And if there are many dead ends, the virus is not going anywhere.”
