The nasty emails began arriving shortly after Jim Cunha signed his newest executive order on Tuesday, April 14.

As the Barrington town manager quickly discovered, some people were not happy with his decision requiring everyone entering a government or commercial building in Barrington to wear a cloth face covering or mask.

Mr. Cunha said the emailers did not agree with his order and opposed the idea of forcing people to wear masks in public, under penalty of a $500 fine. He said the emails were not threatening.

"Just some nasty, inappropriate emails," he said. "Some people are just rude."

Mr. Cunha said the order is intended to help protect people.

"I'm glad the governor's got my back," he added.

A day after Mr. Cunha's executive order went into effect, Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo signed her own order implementing a similar rule statewide.

Mr. Cunha said some people have overreacted to his order and the penalty tied to it. He said there would be ample opportunities for people to avoid getting fined for not wearing a mask inside a local business or government building.

For starters, store management or employees could educate the individual about the rule. If they're non-compliant, the police will come and they will also tell the person about the executive order, Mr. Cunha said.

"If they refuse (to comply) then they could be cited," he said.

But even a citation does not guarantee a $500 fine. Mr. Cunha said a person who received a citation would be required to attend a municipal court session in Barrington, where their case would be heard by Judge Frank Connor. Judge Connor would then rule on whether to impose a fine or not.

Mr. Cunha said that in the five or so weeks since signing his first executive order, the police have not issued a single citation for violations. Instead they have relied heavily on verbal warnings.

Mr. Cunha reminded residents that the order to wear a face-covering or mask is limited to the interiors of government or commercial businesses in Barrington, although people are welcome to wear face-coverings while taking a walk. He said people are not required to wear a mask while exercising.

Mr. Cunha added that during the stay-at-home order it is important for people to go outside and get fresh air. (Mr. Cunha has mandated the closure of parking lots at the town beach and athletic fields.)

"There's nothing stopping you from going out for a walk," he said.

The town manager said his own exercise regimen includes an early morning trip to the gym at the Barrington Public Safety Building. He said he often takes a walk with his wife later in the day.

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