In yet another episode of the COVID-19 Twilight Zone, the Board of Health in Beverly, Massachusetts, seems to think they have the power to fine residents [1]for walking the wrong way on a sidewalk.
I imagine there are attorneys all over the country who just salivating to go after these government officials who keep issuing rules they have no authority to issue.
Social distancing suggestions by President Trump is driving many municipalities to new heights of fear or grandiose power trips.
If you live in Beverly, Massachusetts, and you go for a walk, you will need to walk in a direction that opposes oncoming traffic at all times or face a $100 fine.
I wonder what the ticket will say. Illegal directional walking? Unauthorized use of a public sidewalk? What about dogs and blind people. Are they exempt?
Mayor Michael Cahillin sent a message to residents saying, “If you go out walking, please walk on the left side of the street facing traffic, otherwise you’ll keep walking into others, putting your health and theirs at risk. This includes on our sidewalks.”
The city is also spending taxpayer money on flashing signs and posted notices to alert residents to the new rule and will have increased police patrols to fine these sidewalk criminals.