In May 2020, Governor Charles Baker issued an order that required wearing masks “in public places.”

The National Football League issued a mask mandate. Recently the NFL fined each coach who violated the mandate $100,000, and any team that violated it $250,000. Dr. Anthony Fauci repeatedly implored the public to wear masks. Recently he predicted that 90-100,000 lives could be spared if 95% of Americans wore masks.

Local restaurants and stores ask customers to wear masks. Those hosting local events require attendees wear masks, and on election day, polling places require masks.

Wearing a mask seems a clear requirement. And yet, there are complicating factors. Even the Governor’s order adds a caveat, “where social distancing is not possible.” It appears that creates a choice — wear a mask or stand 6 feet away. Some feel to wear a mask or not to wear a mask is a political statement.

Therefore, some are genuinely confused about best practices. Perhaps it would be helpful if the town issued an unambiguous order — “wear a mask in public” and posted it. Perhaps the town could require all town employees to wear masks in public.

Such a clear simple order may be helpful as we navigate conflicting information during Covid.