Should residents be fined for not wearing a face mask in public? Join the #ConfabNE

#ConfabNE is a conversation that publishes in 15 Gannett New England daily newspapers and numerous weeklies in five states: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Following a CDC advisory in early April, Mayor Marty Walsh was first to order Boston residents to wear face coverings when out in public places. Various cities and towns followed with similar ordinances and began issuing warnings and then fines for those not wearing masks.

On Friday, May 1, Gov. Charlie Baker issued an executive order for all residents over the age of 2 to cover their faces in public when physical distancing cannot be maintained. The order takes effect Wednesday, May 6.

“As we continue to think about the future and a return to a new normal, covering our faces when we cannot practice social distancing is easy, critically important, and an essential step that everyone can and should take to stop or slow the spread,” Baker said.

Under the order, businesses can decline entry to customers who refuse to wear a face cover and those who violate it can face a fine of up to $300.

Do you think people should be fined for not wearing face masks?

Tell us below. Responses will publish online on Thursday, May 14.