In early November 2020, Governor Charlie Baker set a curfew for all cities and towns in Massachusetts, which lasts from 10pm – 5am every day. Many other states also set curfews. However, as of November 10th, Governor Baker set it for Massachusetts. This has made many people upset. Not only does it affect businesses, but also the staff, the owners of these businesses, and the people that frequent these businesses (customers). Many believe that this curfew is imperative to bring COVID cases to a decline, while others think it is unjust and believe that we should be able to live in the moment and not be restricted to our homes after hours.

People who believe we should stay home and keep following COVID-19 protocols are thinking about safety first. They wonder if it is really worth going out after hours to frequent social gatherings like parties (which are still prohibited), local bars, or grocery stores even though people had all day to do so. This will result in more contact with people and a greater chance of spreading COVID-19 to family members and friends. There is not much you need to do in the middle of the night, so why is this curfew not necessary? The government is thinking about the future and how we will be able to return to our normal lives (pre-COVID), and you should too.

Those who think the curfew is unjust believe that during the day, people are still going to be around each other spreading the virus. These individuals believe that the curfew violates their freedom. Also, the possibility of getting fined $500 is absurd to them. With the time wasted, many opportunities are taken away.  In certain circumstances, curfews cause more people to end up without a home. Holyoke already has a high poverty rate and this curfew is just making it higher. How will businesses fare? How is this curfew going to play out for them? Do they have to go into hiding? This is unfair to them, which is why I think this curfew gets in the way of many everyday things and problems.

Overall, even though this curfew affects everyone, it will be important to put an end to the virus. Those against this curfew understand that we need to get past this era of COVID. There should be more resources available to the homeless, such as open areas that they should be able to use without getting fined or arrested. I hope you stay inside, continue to follow COVID protocols and stay safe.