At a special Board of Aldermen meeting Thursday night, officials approved an ordinance requiring city residents to wear face masks in public.

The measure, which passed 10-3, requires employees of all businesses to wear face coverings when interacting with the public and when they are within 6 feet of coworkers.

In addition, the ordinance calls for citizens to wear masks when entering any business, government building or work site.

Finally, face coverings must be worn when picking up food, including in drive-throughs, when entering commercial or residential buildings with more than two units and in common areas of commercial and residential buildings.

“We don’t know how long we’re going to have to keep this ordinance in effect, but right now it’s a preventive measure and it’s recommended by the health professionals,” said Alderman Richard Dowd. “If we don’t back up our Board of Health, my God, I mean why do we even have them.”

Dowd is exactly right.

Since the coronavirus pandemic started, The Telegraph has urged caution, especially in the beginning stages of the stay-at-home order.

The Board of Aldereman is spot on in passing this measure, and I hope people take it seriously.

I say this, because of an experience I had at a local eatery on Amherst Street this week – an establishment which I shall not name.

I went into the restaurant, placed my take-out order and ventured to the parking lot to wait on my food to be prepared.

While waiting, another patron entered the establishment to place an order; however, he was not wearing a mask. Seconds later, he emerged ranting and raving that they wouldn’t let him place his order without him wearing something that covered his face. He sped off, muttering and making obscene gestures.

Although I do understand that it’s inconvenient to wear a mask in public, and that they are uncomfortable and hot now that temperatures are in the 70s and 80s, it’s necessary.

For some reason, people still do not understand that taking these types of precautions save lives.

That may seem like an overdramatic statement, but what if your elderly mother, father or grandparent was exposed, became ill and died because someone refused to wear a mask while out shopping or picking up food? That certainly would put the situation into perspective.

What we must remember is that this will not last forever. As much as I personally hate to wear anything over my face – I’m a bit claustrophobic – I will do my part and keep in mind its for all our safety and well-being. Please join me in doing the same.

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