Residents and visitors in the city of Lynn are ordered to stay off the streets beginning Sunday night or face up to $1,000 in fines, in an effort to slow the spread of the Coronavirus.
Mayor Thomas McGee told people to stay inside between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., except for those actively receiving or providing essential services. McGee also prohibited gatherings of any size that are not related to COVID-19 essential services.
Everyone entering an essential business also is required to wear a facemask of some sort.
“As the outbreak of COVID-19 through person to person transmission continues to significantly affect the way of life and health of our community here in Lynn, we must take additional steps to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the spread to protect the health and welfare of all us," McGee said in a statement announcing his series of executive orders.
Essential businesses must be cleaned and sanitzed regularly, and they are limited in the number of customers to 40 percent capacity. Employees must wear masks and gloves while interacting with the public. And restaurants and bars must provide call-ahead curbside pickup, drive-thru service, or delivery service.
"By taking these measures now, we get closer and closer to a time where we can all be together again," McGee said.
McGee also issued an order prohibiting landlords and home owners from evicting tenants for the duration of the public health crisis.
The orders are not voluntary. Failure to comply with the provisions of the executive orders could result in the suspension or revocation of city licenses and permits, according to the mayor's statement, and fines up to $1,000.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh issued a similar, but voluntary, order on April 5.
