Governor Baker Urges Second Home Owners to Stay Away from Islands
The Steamship Authority on Sunday released statistics showing a modest increase in out-of-state vehicles coming to the Vineyard in the first half of March, as Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker urged residents with second homes on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard to stay home.
The Steamship Authority on Sunday released statistics showing a modest increase in out-of-state vehicles coming to the Vineyard in the first half of March, as Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker urged residents with second homes on Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard to stay home.
The preliminary figures for March 1 through March 15 show that 102 more vehicles with a New York or New Jersey address in their vehicle profile arrived on the Island than during the same period in 2019. There was a net increase of 264 more vehicles with a Massachusetts address and 21 fewer vehicles from New England states other than Massachusetts compared with last year.
The figures were released by boat line communications director Sean Driscoll Sunday afternoon, following persistent concern that the Islands have become a magnet for out-of-staters seeking refuge from the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking to reporters in Boston, Governor Baker addressed the issue of second-home owners opting to come to both Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard. Both Island hospitals have urged people to stay away, saying the health care system is ill-equipped to deal with a large influx of people in the off-season.
“We would prefer they not do that and that they stay on the mainland and don’t create additional issues for both of those Islands at a point in time when they don’t have the level of service capacity in place they typically would have in the summer,” Governor Baker told reporters, according to Boston news station NECN.
The statement came as Nantucket announced its first confirmed case of Covid-19. So far, only one case has been confirmed on the Vineyard, a 50-year-old Vineyard Haven homeowner. Nantucket Cottage hospital said Sunday the patient was quarantined at home, but gave no other details. A stay at home/shelter in place order has been issued for all of Nantucket, to take effect at 5 p.m. Monday and run for two weeks, through April 6.
Statewide, cases of the coronavirus continued to climb. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported 646 cases on Sunday, up 121 from the day before. Four more people in Massachusetts have died from the pandemic, bringing the toll to five.
On Saturday, West Tisbury and Chilmark became the first town Island towns to adopt emergency construction bans, out of concern for public health and safety. On Sunday, the Aquinnah Board of Health announced a more modest restraint on construction.
Adopted by a unanimous vote of the two town boards of selectmen and health at meetings Saturday, the emergency orders are nearly identical and effectively ban all construction activity beginning Monday and running until April 6.
Effective Monday at 9 a.m., the towns will begin the process of halting all regular activity at construction sites and all work authorized by building permits.
Construction sites must be secured and any work wrapped up by 5 p.m. Wednesday, according to the emergency orders. Only skeleton crews will be allowed after that. Emergency work will be allowed on a case-by-case basis.
The Aquinnah board of health, by contrast, said that construction sites employing five or fewer workers could proceed with no restrictions provided reasonable precautions are taken to guard against transmission of disease. Any site employing more than five workers must submit a written mitigation plan to the board of health. The policy was approved unanimously by the three members of the board of health, James Glavin, Sarah Saltonstall and Gerald Green.
The Chilmark and West Tisbury votes followed a series of meetings over the hectic past two days among town officials during the rapidly escalating emergency around the pandemic. In both towns there was broad discussion about the scope of the ban, including whether it should include landscape workers, painters and other non-permitted work. In the end it was decided that most large landscape projects are on work sites and would be shut down anyway under the construction ban.
“I’m sure the document is not perfect . . . but it shows that the town is trying to stop social interaction,” West Tisbury selectman Kent Healy said at that town's meeting, the second of the day on Saturday. “And that is the primary goal.”
Stemming disease transmission is the reason for the ban.
Signed by the selectmen and board of health members, the full emergency order is posted on the town website.
At a meeting Friday, West Tisbury health agent Omar Johnson called the decision fraught but vital.
“We are all united in this effort,” Mr. Johnson said.
Chilmark selectmen and board of health members, who also had been debating the issue for days, also took action Saturday to enact a ban in their town.
Excavating contractor John Keene pushed for including landscapers, said he had already begun layoffs at his company and suppported the ban despite the ramifications. “It is just time to stop and I say that knowing that I just shot myself in the foot,” Mr. Keene said.
Longtime Chilmark real estate broker Deborah Hancock concurred.
“I think it is awfully important that we do this,” she said. “I think it is going to hurt an awful lot of people, but it is going to hurt an awful lot more people if we don't.”
Selectman Warren Doty, who had been reluctant to support the ban out of fear for the economic repercussions, joined the vote of support in the end.
“Here we go, we're going to destroy our economy and move into a recession,” Mr. Doty said. “But what the heck, let's go.”
Enforcement of the orders will fall under a combination of the boards of health, the town building inspectors and police, town counsel Ron Rappaport said.
There has been one confirmed case of Covid-19 on the Vineyard.
The Tisbury board of health confirmed the case in a press release Friday.
Health agent Maura Valley said the patient, a 50-year-old male, is a Tisbury homeowner who is under quarantine at home and appears to be recovering. Ms. Valley said in a follow-up email that the circumstances of the virus’s transmission were unknown.
“The patient’s family and close contacts have been identified and are in self-quarantine and taking all recommended precautions,” the statement said.
Due to privacy concerns, no other identifying information will be released, the statement said.
Hours after the first confirmed case was reported on the Vineyard Friday, the screws began to tighten on the Islandwide shutdown. Using the Steamship Authority website, the Vineyard and Nantucket hospitals issued a joint statement strongly advising people — on both sides of Vineyard Sound — to stay at home and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
“If you come to the Island — you will only strain our limited resources, putting your life and others at risk," the statement says in part.
Signed by Denise Schepici, president and CEO of the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, and Gary Shaw, president and CEO of the Nantucket Cottage Hospital, the statement went up on the SSA website early Friday evening.
Also Friday, the SSA announced that it would eliminate trips in response to a drop in ridership over the past two days. Schedule reductions will begin Sunday.
The hospital said it has no patients hospitalized with Covid-19.
The hospital also said it currently has adequate stock of protective masks, suits, gloves and testing equipment, but that they do not have unlimited bandwidth for virus testing or supplies.
“We have appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) but as other hospitals are experiencing, our supplies are limited,” a spokesman said.
The hospital also noted that coronavirus testing does not require documentation of immigration status.
Around the Vineyard Saturday, an emerging new way of life was apparent. On quiet streets in downtown Edgartown walkers were out enjoying the abundnant sunshine, albeit in small groups of three or less. At Ghost Island Farm in West Tisbury, where a new outdoor ordering and pickup system had begun, cars lined up and people bought fresh greens, frozen summer tomatoes, Island meat and other provisions. Elsewhere home gardeners were outdoors puttering, and indoors sharing posts on Facebook with fellow gardeners about seed and flower swaps.
Susie Middleton and Will Sennott contributed reporting.
Comments
I’m so proud of the people of
Gail Howe Oak Bluffs and Palm BeachI’m so proud of the people of MV. I hope to come to my MV home at the end of May by plane. I hope to be allowed onto the Island. I will volunteer to help others I hope thru my church snd welcome the opportunity. It’s the people that make MV so special. I’m anxious to get home and join you all.
Gail, we are eager to have
Dave WTGail, we are eager to have you back and healthy. Stay safe and we will see you soon!
Until the state of Florida
Juleann West TisburyUntil the state of Florida joins the rest of the nation in practicing social distancing then please be careful what you bring north with you (especially via plane). I'm not wanting to sound "mean", but people just aren't taking this seriously enough. If Massachusetts is still under a state of emergency in May then it's quite likely that non-essential travel from Florida to MV will be restricted. This pandemic is predicted to continue in waves throughout the year and any letting up of current restrictions will likely release new outbreaks.
you do sound mean!
mark e timer londonyou do sound mean!
Likewise, those of us living
Doreen Vineyard HavenLikewise, those of us living in Florida for the season are watching all the vacationers and spring breakers invade us from affected areas in the north. So lets have some understanding that this is a national problem and no area should be singled out. Also our city is totally shut down except for non-essential activity and most are practicing social distancing.
To Doreen, Vineyard Haven --
Juleann West TisburyTo Doreen, Vineyard Haven -- Honestly, poor Gail was just missing MV and wanting to be here and my response was not meant to be personal towards her or the state of Florida. However, people seem to not understand that limitations on freedom of travel applies to Them and will likely need to be in place for a longer period of time than anticipated.
Will there be a time that
Margot Goodwin MakonikeyWill there be a time that Cronig’s and Stop and Shop will offer shopping and delivery service? It seems
As though food shoppers at this time present the greatest risk factor for spreading and catching the virus,
So deliveries could really help stem the flow of contagion. Anyone who needed it could be delivered to pro bono.
Perhaps some out of work people in the community with pickup trucks could be hired by the markets to make deliveries.
Thoughts anyone?
MV Community Services is
Jane Norton ChilmarkMV Community Services is organizing volunteers to do this. Go here to request services or sign up to volunteer. https://www.mvcommunityservices.org/care-for-community/
Grocery stores in Michigan
On MV in obGrocery stores in Michigan will take orders online and call your when they're ready to pick up. You prepay and they put it in your trunk. Tipping is expected but it's a great service for elderly especially.
The island isn't "on lockdown
Susanna J. Sturgis West TisburyThe island isn't "on lockdown." Do you even know what that means? It's what happens in schools when there's a live shooter and in prisons during unsettled periods. Lockdown may come -- something close seems to be going into effect in California -- especially if enough people refuse to take this seriously, but it's not here yet. What we've got now is closer to "shelter in place."
And please spare a thought for those who have no secure place to shelter, and for those who may be trapped in their homes with abusive partners. Keep an eye out for your neighbors, especially those at risk.
GOD BLESS EVERYONE AT MARTHA
GODSPAL MVGOD BLESS EVERYONE AT MARTHA'S VINEYARD HOSPITAL ALONG WITH THEIR FAMILIES.WE SHALL OVERCOME.HOW BLESSED WE ALL ARE TO HAVE THE MV HOSPITAL..
Please, everyone, let us quit
Lorraine EdgartownPlease, everyone, let us quit sniping about this village or that town, or my house, or your house, this is a GLOBAL problem. Everyone pitch in and stop the wrangling, please. Just my opinion.
Well said Lorraine, very well
MV Average Joe MVWell said Lorraine, very well said.
Shut down the ferries to non
Right Whale Hooter BuoyShut down the ferries to non essential travel now, EMS, healthcare workers, essential deliveries only. Everyone shelter in place for two weeks. Implement testing, isolate, contain, treat those with symptoms. Maintain safe haven, no one comes on island without a negative test result. Island managers let’s step up and take charge of this situation. Take it to the virus and fizzle it out, if it can’t spread it’s done. We are standup people on this island we can make this happen.
Makes sense. Next 2-3 weeks
Wolly Gays headsMakes sense. Next 2-3 weeks are imperative. Let’s do this.
"Implement Testing"- what are
Al Reis Edgartown"Implement Testing"- what are you smoking? Might as well say "and pass health care reform" while you're at it. Testing has been a complete flop for the last 6 weeks when it could have mattered. Good ole' government at its finest.
I am an Island native that
James TexasI am an Island native that lives in Texas now. I summer on the Island every year. Hoping to get home this year but won't travel till all is clear. Texas is Houston is doing a very good job about following the guidelines set forth and testing is ramping up.
My concern is why hasn't the SSA limited travel to goods/supplies, workers, and full time island residents.
That's all that need to be utilizing the SSA. I have a summer home there but I'm not traveling there because I think is less congested and safer. STAY PUT PEOPLE!!! SSA get you stuff together and stop thinking about the bottom line. Think about the people that support you and that you are supposed to be supporting.
I have been looking to invest
Jacob Jupiter FLI have been looking to invest in a business on MV. A business that would pay Islanders living wages, health care benefits and provide training. The real estate agent I was working with sent me an e-mail telling me to "stay home". I think I will.
Now is not the time, even for
Jane Norton ChilmarkNow is not the time, even for such a well-intentioned investment. This will pass, and the sooner we all stay put where we are, the faster things will get better.
I am struck by so many of
Henry VineyardI am struck by so many of these comments reflecting arrogance, personal desires, and strange lack of intelligence. The most important information from this article is the 25 beds at the MV Hospital. For the thousands of islanders who reside here and do not have a second home on the mainland, these 25 beds are all we have. Those who wish to assert their "rights of residency" here, from their homes in Palm Beach, Boston, or wherever, should be aware they will be walking into a trap if they think they will receive medical care as quickly as on the mainland. So, please go to the Steamship website and read the letter of caution from the MV Hospital and please stay home. Yes, do not come here.
This is such a short sighted
Katie VineyardThis is such a short sighted comment. All of them are. I am a part time resident...have for over 3 decades. I live in NYC the other part of the year. I am here because it is my home. Let me tell you...nobody is coming here for the hospital. That’s a DOWNSIDE / in the con column when weighing options. We are also here because we are taking serious the shelter at home recommendations and it’s a lot easier to do that safely and comfortably in the city. We want to flatten the curve. I am offended by the full time residents who think this is THEIR island only. It isn’t. I pay my mortgage just like you, ALL year round. I pay my taxes for the full year. And lord knows I hope to never need a hospital bed. And I’m doing my part. I leave the house once a week to grocery shop and go straight home. I don’t stockpile supplies. Just what we need. We are supporting the farms, too. We walk our dogs and haven’t seen anybody. Please, nobody is “invading” the island. That is one step away from the Xenophobic rhetoric used my our presidents administration. We need to band together and encourage everybody to do the right thing but getting territorial over and island that isn’t yours to get territorial about is disgusting behavior.
I’m sorry I don’t mean to be
Right Whale Hooter BuoyI’m sorry I don’t mean to be abrupt here but let’s stick with the facts. There were 1803 new cases of Covid-19 in New York City yesterday bringing the total cases in NYC to 6211. N.Y. State total is 7102. The Gov of NY has identified containment zones and a shelter in place along with closing all restaurants, businesses etc etc. You traveled from a containment zone in an epicenter of infection to another location 300 miles away. Do you think that was the right thing to do ? It is people traveling that spread the virus. Shut down the ferries now, Ems, healthcare, deliveries only, stay home, stop the spread !
Our hospital is small with
William EdgOur hospital is small with extreme limits on beds (25), respirators (2) and other such things I am told are needed for both Flu and Covid-19. I ask, would you feel guilty (as an actual out of town person that owns a home on MV) if you were to get sick first, and an island person who got sick after you would die because the hospital with such limited resources could not take care of a local? Just saying. Answer that. Maybe you don't care because you were saved. All I know is - I would care because of what you did.
I think Jacob from Jupiter
Mark NYCI think Jacob from Jupiter was responding to the contempt of local residents towards "outsiders". This is evident with or without COVID 19 - just louder now. In other words, how healthy of a place is the Vineyard for investment now, or ever? Capital is portable. The "stay home" from his bro
The lack of health care is
MVRA VHThe lack of health care is the thing that should keep people away and the recommendation of many global health specialists to stay at home and not travel should be followed. To go straight to the "them vs us" argument is to show, yet again, that some islanders are always happy to take the $ of the "outsiders" and then show no understanding of what our economy is based on. People from off island support this island and we should not forget that. I do not mean that everyone should come and overwhelm us right now; I actually believe that the hospital can't even handle what is coming at them from islanders alone. They will make their best effort but the numbers of people that need care might make it challenging. I am sure that this of you that live here year round have not all be in isolation since his crisis began so be careful. The virus is everywhere. At this point of crisis we should all just be thinking of each other and being compassionate. That includes islanders and mainlanders.
Prepared Italian meals
Henry Wallace Oak BluffsPrepared Italian meals delivered directly to your door through Jim’s package store will be made available to you Wednesday March 25. Deliveries through Jim’s also aim to provide islanders with any and all of their quarantine needs. Give Henry a call @5082469535 or visit @stellasalumeria to view our menu and to place an order.
Our family proudly has their
Sarah Edgartown main residenceOur family proudly has their main residence on the Vineyard and all my husband’s businesses are in Edgartown. I work at Mass Eye & Ear Hospital so we maintain a small place in Charlestown . I will share with you that according to MEE, MGH and the NIH and my amazing scientists (many epidemiologists, “40-80% of all U.S. citizens, will get Covid-19.” It is now important to recognize the great work but also the limitations of all of our hospitals, including MV Hospital. I am hopeful that we can reflect on the need to continue to invest in MV Hospital now and in the future. There is continued need for growth and investment in housing for our amazing staff and beyond. This is a scary virus, but it won’t be the last health obstacle the island faces. Flatten the curve but know that greater change must happen! Be well my island friends! And also know that all hospitals and staff in Boston are looking out for you too! I/we love MV!
There are workers out this
Terry EdgartownThere are workers out this morning in my neighborhood from all over the Vineyard. They are cleaning yards, roofing, hammering nails into new houses, building curbs. People need to work. People need their homes to be ready for the summer. But can’t we shut it down just for two weeks? One confirmed case strongly suggests there are others. We need not to expose others so that we are not exposed ourselves. This crisis demonstrates the common sense behind the Golden Rule.
Tried to get estimates on
Rich Vineyard HavenTried to get estimates on work in February and early March but couldn't because people were off-Island on Spring Break. And now we tell seasonal residents to stay home? The message to seasonal residents is we love your tax dollars, but we hate you.
Rich, we prepare for summer
This Island Girl Vineyard HavenRich, we prepare for summer residents for months. And we are also entitled to enjoy our February vacations. Just because summer residents arrive early doesn’t mean we are prepared for them. We can’t just drop everything. Year round residents do love our seasonal guests but they must understand, we are not equipped to handle the unexpected influx.
As a vendor who services the
Tony Sagamore BeachAs a vendor who services the construction, municipal, and landscape industry on Martha's Vineyard twice a week, I am hoping that all will turn for the best. I don have just customers, but over the past 9 years you have all become my friends. Whether we venture to OB by our own boat, we always look forward to seeing everyone. Remember, as ALWAYS, if you need anything mainland side, just say the word! I will continue to help whoever I can!!!
Earlier a couple islanders on
Man up MVIEarlier a couple islanders on social media were wining and crying about "I want a test, I want to be tested"!
My Reply to that is; *Man up dudes*.
The information, warnings, recommendations has been and is pasted everywhere possible what the symptoms are also stating that there is a absolute shortage of masks, gloves, `STAFF`, equipment and all other medical supplies on our little island as well as our country & the entire world! Not to mention we have out of state license plates everywhere around here now and some are bragging on social media that they are hiding out on the islands.
It is best to stay home as mentioned as much as possible and practice simple good personal hygiene.
Is it to hard to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after eating and after blowing your nose as you should have been doing regularly since you were 4 years old, suck it up a little bit and set a good example for your friends, family and yourself.
It is my understand (Not Confirmed) that a drive thu is in action at MVH and as each person drives up there is a laundry list on the nurse's check list that they must go over.
If you fall into the required sick category you will be taken care of and if not they will just tell you to go home, stay in your `safe room` with your Gameboy goodies, your I phones and Skype with your Bros, Peeps and fellow Dudes.
Lets set a good example “s--t has royally hit the fan” and this is a great time for your friends, family and the island to see what you are really made up of.
Man up Dudes.
Great letter......my feelings
Diane EdgartownGreat letter......my feelings exactly.....STAY CLEAN everyone and follow the rules
I own a home off-island in
disugusted edgI own a home off-island in one of the 'hot spots' as well as a home on mvy. MVY is the LAST PLACE on the planet someone should consider going to as a 'refuge'. Limited food supplies, very limited medical care, and possible 'isolation' if the boat stops running. Yes i do have the right to come and 'bug out' at my Island place, but that would be a foolish decision. Lots more resources off-island despite the panic here. See you in a few months. Hope this is all in the rear view mirror and a distant memory by summer.. stay safe. (ps. just paid my property taxes in advance in case the USPS takes a break)
Ditto. That's what we decided
Mike WTDitto. That's what we decided. Have been wanting to come up, then this happened. Good for a minute sheltering in place. Yes, lets get ahead of the curve and stay isolated as much possible and really clean up if you have to go out. Yes a major strain, and maybe not possible for all. But if 50% stayed isolated, that's 50% less people exposed.
Thank you!!! Wish everyone
Really!! ChilmarkThank you!!! Wish everyone was like you. Stay safe and well. Fingers crossed we'll see you this summer!
Thank you for being
This Island Girl Vineyard HavenThank you for being reasonable!
Thank you for being
DownislanderThank you for being reasonable. This is not about full time v. Part time residents. This is about the severely limited hospital capacity during a global pandemic. Everyone Needs to stop making this about themselves and look at the reality of the situation.
The hospital should not wait.
Chilmark resident ChilmarkThe hospital should not wait. Do what smart countries do and set up tents with beds. Also most landscapers and construction workers have no unemployment insurance. Simply require mask and hand sanitizers. Why starve people when their are precautions.
All the businesses being
Charlie Callahan So Boston/EdgartownAll the businesses being shutdown is terrible,yet none of the towns are restricting sales of booze. There are going to be more drunks on the roads now because they have nothing else to do but drink,something should be done about alcohol sales.
I believe the reasoning
Gertrude Robinson Smythe NBI believe the reasoning behind keeping liquor stores open is that the hospitals are not going to be available for people in alcohol withdrawal, which can be fatal.
When I commented earlier (and
island girl IslandWhen I commented earlier (and I hope that got approved, it hasn't been posted as yet) I neglected to mention that Conroy's Apothecary -- one of few pharmacies on the island -- was still open last I knew. Up-Island gas is closed because they started an upgrade of replacing the tanks just before the grim days arrived and now it is somewhat stalled, so no gasoline. That raises another point that angry seasonal residents (angry when we cannot welcome them with open arms) is that petroleum products here are limited by transportation (tug and fuel barge from New Bedford or beyond) or by tanker truck on a ferry "hazardous" trip. If you are heating your empty house all winter you are part of the problem that is only going to get worse! Further those folks coming to hunker down here will create waste and all our waste stream goes off-island except what gets composted. Have a thought to the enormous implications -- many of which seasonal residents do not know or appreciate -- of your moving here to shelter in place! Keep the numbers down and shelter AT HOME where you really live.
My comments yesterday didn't
island girl IslandMy comments yesterday didn't get posted for some reason (they weren't mean or inaccurate) so I will try to replicate them. For those folks from other parts of the country, especially areas with high levels of sickness: coming here only further strains the very limited resources that we currently have. Many businesses and facilities close in winter anyway but now -- at least between the Gay Head Cliffs and the Scottish Bake House to the north and the Airport and beyond to the east, there is only Alley's Store currently open with limited morning hours and even more limited selection of very basic provisions. Menemsha Texaco is on limited hours (9 to 1) daily. There are several farm stands with honesty boxes (and surveillance cameras to insure honesty), the MVSB in North Tisbury is open to drive through on week days only. The PO are open but very under staffed. The Pharmacy was open and I assume it still is. That is it. The dumps will be open on limited hours. We only have finite resources and everything has to be carried here by truck or barge & tug. It is supposed to rain and snow this coming weekend -- keep in mind that your big house heated to 70 degrees may consume a lot of the fuel which could keep many fragile elderly islanders safe in their houses may be going up the pipe. Be mindful and don't get angry because we aren't standing at the dock in VH waving a sign: "welcome to Martha's Vineyard!" We are doing the best we can with limited and very finite resources.
Island Girl, “somewhat
Patrick Up Island AutoIsland Girl, “somewhat stalled’” not sure what you mean by that.... We are currently on schedule and as of yet unaffected by any bans or delays because of the bug. Rest assured our tireless crew is working to get us back up and running ASAP. We will and will continue to be there for our community as we have for the past 50 years. Good luck to you and stay healthy.
Well, you didn't print my
IslanddogsWell, you didn't print my comment to Katie, that's ok, we all know how foolish it is to travel from NYC to the Vineyard, even if Katie won't accept this.
Closing construction? Really? One of the main livelihoods of any decent job here? Are the towns going to pay my mortgage? My car payment? Buy food for my family? It's not like these companies shutting down are going to be handing out money!
I love your island; have
Mike Pogue CincinnatiI love your island; have visited every summer for over 60 years. My brother and his family have lived in Edgartown for 15 years. My daughter and grand daughter lived in Oak Bluffs until a week ago when they grabbed what they could and got their butts to Ohio where we are taking this plague seriously.
Islanders, you folks need to WAKE UP! You are not going to be able to rent your place this summer. Period. So don't go fixing it up. You will have none of your foreign employees, none of your wonderful restaurants and beautiful outdoor venues opened, none of your small shops and art galleries to browse through, none of your summer influx of vacationers, no agricultural fairs, Flying Horses, Sharks baseball, or even libraries and book stores. The shut downs and shelter in place mandates we are experiencing on the mainland are inevitable on Martha's Vineyard and will be in place at least through the summer, even if a cure or vaccine are discovered quickly.
Here in Cincinnati, we are in lock down (thank God). My wife and I cancelled our May/June trip to the island to see my nephew and nieces graduate from MVHS and watch my grand daughter play softball with the Sirens. These things, along with everything else on the island, have been put on hold. The short sighted call these events postponed, but the truth is, Covid19 is on the island now and with a lot more than one case (as of March 22). It's just a matter of days and testing before you discover how prevalent this killer is on the Vineyard. There will be no graduations this year, no softball, no annual events, and no summer tourists. I don't like to be the pessimist, but there's a looming reality here that we on the mainland are experiencing right now, and 2020 will be remembered as the year without vacationers.
So this summer, go enjoy an uncrowded South Beach, watch sunsets at Menemsha (with adequate social distancing), fish, sail, and surf your waters without the crowds, and figure out how you're going to pay the mortgage without renting your place out for a year.
Prepare yourselves Islanders, we tourists are not coming, but Covid19 is. If we can all shelter in place this year, we'll have a celebratory reunion in 2021.
Finally! A solid post. I'm
Jim Santos FlFinally! A solid post. I'm with you on that. I will be back to visit MV as I always do and will continue to do so.
See you MV late fall or 2021.
Compared to where I'm at now! Sounds like your getting yourselves organized really fast.
I am a legal resident of MV
Islander TooI am a legal resident of MV but have been off-Island a lot recently on business.
I planned to return to my year-round home on the Vineyard in about two weeks, as my current domicile will soon be unavailable. But I have changed by plans. All are being advised to curtail travel both between and within their communities, to avoid becoming an unwitting vector of the virus between communities and social groupings such as families. Fortunately I have a place where I can stay. If you are already in Place X, stay in X. It simply does not make sense to think of "hunkering down" on the Vineyard, where everything will likely be in short supply, from food to fuel to incidentals to, of course, medical care and medications. Consider that the coronavirus doesn't put all other illnesses or medical situations on hold. The hospital and island economy must continue to support other important medical needs.
I have been shocked at the Toilet Paper Anxiety Syndrome. I had a couple of rolls on hand and haven't attempted to buy any more. Which is just as well, because there is none in the stores. All paper products such as napkins and paper towels are also gone. It feels a bit crazy.
All that said, the idea that legal residents have to have temperatures taken before being allowed to get on a ferry and come home also sounds bit crazy. What happens next? The person gets tested? By whom, and where? Does the person sit in his or her car in WH, or what? BTW, there are other reasons for running a temperature besides CV.
I do love you guys! The
Judith Fielder Leggett RestonI do love you guys! The stress this whole world is under is obvious in the rhetoric that is coming out (Not just on this exchange). Go out into the sunshine as much as you can and exercise as recommended. Practice social distancing and hunker down when you are not doing that for the sensible and when you are at home pull up and listen to the song Do Something Good. This isn't about who\what\where this is about people and taking care of each other
Mike is spot on. If you wish
Lorraine EdgartownMike is spot on. If you wish to truly be informed, I will recommend again: Joe Rogan interview podcast, you tube with Dr Michael Osterholm Recognized expert who is working with and has worked with every administration. He is virtually the first on call. He predicted this in his last book. This podcast is not for the lover of the sound bite, this is an hour and a half interview which also covers Lyme Disease, now and what we can expect. I wish everyone would listen to this.
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