Published October 7, 2020
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines redundant as “exceeding what is necessary or normal.”
We hate sounding like a broken record, but we are once again going to remind townspeople to follow the CDC’s and Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s safety precautions in the wake of yet another increase in COVID-19 virus cases in Lynnfield. The latest spike resulted in the Massachusetts COVID-19 Command Center designating the town as a “red” community for the third time in a month. The red designation occurred one week after the town dropped down to the “yellow” classification and took place the same week the school system’s hybrid learning model began.
Town Administrator Rob Dolan called the latest virus spike “a significant setback.”
“We must stop and work together to revert back to ‘yellow’ and ‘green’ like similar communities on North Shore,” said Dolan.
Selectman Dick Dalton noted in a statement read at the board’s Sept. 29 meeting that the 14 new positive cases that occurred over 14 days is “the biggest jump since early in the pandemic.”
“What makes this more concerning is that this surge is not being seen in other towns in our region,” said Dalton. “This is a Lynnfield problem, plain and simple.”
Dalton attributed the new spike to residents not following established safety protocols while hosting parties and gatherings.
“The parties and gatherings that do not meet the state guidelines have to stop,” said Dalton. “When we are not practicing these guidelines and a cluster develops, we are not only putting ourselves at medical risk, but so many more are affected.”
School Committee Chairman Jamie Hayman noted during a Sept. 29 meeting that all five committee members are on social media, where they have seen residents holding parties and large gatherings.
“We have to look out for the safety of our students, our faculty and our staff,” said Hayman. “I ask the community to work together to keep the schools open.”
We share local officials’ frustration. While COVID-19 fatigue is certainly real, that doesn’t change the fact that people need to act responsibly by following reasonable and sensible safety protocols that the Emergency Management Team recommended in a Code Red notification sent out last week:
• Wear a mask when outside or inside shared spaces where you can’t keep a safe distance from others.
• Wash your hands often.
• Keep gatherings small — even with family and friends, and make sure everyone wears a mask and keeps a safe distance.
• Don’t share food or drinks.
• Stay home if you feel sick.
• Follow travel quarantine guidelines.
• If you are experiencing any symptoms, get tested.
Selectmen Chairman Chris Barrett had a more blunt message for the community during an Oct. 1 press conference.
“It is common sense to wear a mask,” he said.
Dalton was also direct and to the point in a Facebook post.
“We can do better,” Dalton stated in a Facebook post. “We must do better.”
Barrett and Dalton are absolutely correct. If the town stays “red” for three consecutive weeks, the school system’s hybrid learning model and Lynnfield High’s fall sports season will be in jeopardy of coming to an abrupt end. It would be unfortunate if the town’s youth had their lives turned upside down once again simply because some people refuse to do the right thing.
Now is the time for the community to begin righting the ship before it takes on more water. Changing course is in your hands.