Published October 7, 2020
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — A significant setback.
That was the message local officials sent to the community last week after the Massachusetts COVID-19 Command Center designated 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 occurred the same week the School Department began its hybrid learning plan.
Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director Glenn Davis informed the Villager the town had 14 positive cases in 14 days. He noted during an Oct. 1 press conference the town has had 148 cumulative cases of the novel coronavirus at 106 addresses since the start of the pandemic. He said 14 residents have died from COVID-19.
Town Administrator Rob Dolan said during the Oct. 1 press conference the new spike of COVID-19 cases is alarming.
“This is a significant setback that Lynnfield has once again been placed in that ‘red’ status,” said Dolan. “We want to be clear to people that the request is not to stay indoors. It needs to be acknowledged though that we have a problem in Lynnfield regarding COVID positive cases. We must stop and work together to revert back to ‘yellow’ and ‘green’ like similar communities on North Shore.”
Selectman Dick Dalton noted in a statement read at the board’s Sept. 29 meeting that the 11 new positive cases 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. We worked our way from red to yellow through education and following guidelines. Almost all communities like Lynnfield on the North Shore are either green or yellow. Red communities tend to be cities with high populations in a small area. This new surge is not due to at-risk elders and other populations, a medical facility, a business or even a youth sports team. In most cases, it is our own actions, as citizens, that need to be examined and changed if we are going to curtail this surge and stand with the majority of communities whose numbers are decreasing weekly.”
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.”
Davis agreed.
“Sunrise Assisted Living has not had a positive case in over three months,” said Davis. “We have not been able to trace any cases to any senior housing projects in town, including Center Village, Essex Village, Colonial Village and Ross Drive. This is happening in neighborhoods among our residents with gatherings and get-togethers where they are not following all of the precautions.”
Chief David Breen said during the Oct. 1 press conference that Lynnfield Police recently responded to a large gathering at a home.
“We noticed some had masks on, but many did not,” said Breen. “The goal here is to keep our schools open. This type of behavior is very risky because it could cause an outbreak. We want to urge people to be responsible and be very diligent in wearing masks and protecting yourself and your families.”
Selectmen Chairman Chris Barrett concurred with Breen’s viewpoint.
“It is common sense to wear a mask,” said Barrett during the Oct. 1 press conference. “We need to commit ourselves to following the clear guidelines. We were on the right track, but that progress has been lost. We need to work together to solve this community challenge.”
Davis also noted that a number of kids have been hanging out in large groups at MarketStreet Lynnfield. Similar to other gatherings in town, Davis said some teenagers are wearing masks and others are not.
“MarketStreet’s security team has approached these groups and provides masks if they are not wearing them,” said Davis.
Davis said the outdoor mall has hired police details for the purpose of “addressing the gatherings of kids on The Green.”
“Those details will be up there seven days a week from 2 p.m.-8 p.m.,” said Davis.
Davis also said MarketStreet has implemented a curfew for children under the age of 18.
“Anyone under the age of 18 will not be allowed on the premises after 8 p.m. without being accompanied by a parent or guardian,” said Davis.
Barrett noted that if the town is “red” for three consecutive weeks, he said all four schools will have to go back to remote learning.
Dalton noted in a Facebook post that Swampscott and Topsfield are “gray” communities. He said Beverly, Peabody, Reading and Wakefield are classified as “green.” He noted that Melrose, North Reading, Salem, Saugus and Stoneham are “yellow.” He said the only reason Middleton is classified as “red” is because of the House of Correction.
“We can do better,” Dalton stated. “We must do better.”
Barrett echoed Dalton’s sentiment.
“I like to be very competitive as a Pioneer,” said Barrett. “North Reading is ‘yellow. Wakefield, a community that has more challenges than we do and has a bigger population, is green. Swampscott is gray. It can be done.”
Dolan said the town will be posting signs throughout the community reminding residents about the safety protocols established by the CDC and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. He also said message boards outlining the rules will be posted at Lynnfield High School, on Main Street near Lynnfield Middle School and near the South Fire Station.
“It’s a consistent reminder to wear a mask, to wash your hands, to keep distance and don’t share food, drinks or utensils,” said Dolan. “If you feel sick, stay home and if you feel symptoms, call your primary care physician and get tested.”
Davis acknowledged Lynnfieldians and people from around the country have “COVID fatigue.”
“People are sick and tired about hearing us talk about COVID and isolating at home,” said Davis. “We need to do the right things.”