Towns Mull Guidelines Aimed at Allowing Limited Construction to Resume; Hospital Objects
Three Island towns were presented with a plan Tuesday to take steps to get some construction workers back on the job, but there were mixed reviews, and all paused after hearing strong objection from Martha’s Vineyard Hospital president and chief executive officer Denise Schepici.
Three Island towns were presented with a plan Tuesday to take steps to get some construction workers back on the job, but there were mixed reviews, and all paused after hearing strong objection from Martha’s Vineyard Hospital president and chief executive officer Denise Schepici.
Since the coronavirus outbreak began, five of the six Island towns have adopted strict construction bans that block nearly all building and landscape work on construction sites. The bans initially ran to April 7 and were extended last week to April 21.
Recently town health officials have been working on a set of draft guidelines to allow some limited work to resume. Among other things, there has been pressure from tradesmen who have been sidelined by the construction ban.
But in an email sent to West Tisbury town administrator Jen Rand Tuesday afternoon, Ms. Schepici requested a meeting with town officials and warned against any easing of construction restrictions on the Island.
“I am so incredibly concerned about the desire to lift the construction ban and I’d appreciate being heard as I think we are making a dire mistake even if only for two-person jobs,” Ms. Schepici wrote. “It’s like opening Pandora’s box.”
The guidelines were reviewed at separate meetings of the Chilmark, Tisbury and Oak Bluffs selectmen Tuesday. Phase one of a larger “get back to work” plan outlines rules for construction sites with social distancing, hygiene and safety protocols, as well as rules that will allow for one and two-man crews to return to job sites.
At the Tisbury meeting, town health agent Maura Valley said she was comfortable allowing phase one to begin April 22, but she agreed that Ms. Schepici should be heard.
“Maybe we can allay her concerns by talking with her about how we plan on implementing and enforcing this phase one rollout,” Ms. Valley said.
In Oak Bluffs the majority of the selectmen said they had problems with the guidelines as written, and they agreed that it was too soon to allow people to return to job sites.
“On the whole I don’t think I can vote for this. There’s too much in here that doesn’t seem appropriate,” said selectman Gail Barmakian, who also raised concerns about enforcement.
Board chairman Brian Packish agreed.
“We’ve been running the police chief ragged going job site to job site . . . It’s disheartening because this is trying to help folks and save lives,” he said. “I would vote to develop some talking points and guidelines around going back shortly after the 21st, but I wouldn’t be willing to support the guidelines as presented.”
Selectman Greg Coogan added his concerns.
“Two things bother me, one is Islandwide — it would certainly be smart to all be on the same page,” Mr. Coogan said. “Two, I certainly lean, as much as I know there’s a lot of pressure, on to not think about the 21st because I think it’s too premature. So it’s a little too quick for my liking.”
At their meeting, Chilmark selectmen voted to back the guidelines but decided to reconvene Thursday and take up the matter again.
“I have a hard time . . . [voting] against the wishes of the medical authority that is going to treat me if I get this thing,” selectman James Malkin said. “The hospital thinks that the opening is premature.”
Will Sennott, Aaron Wilson and Louisa Hufstader contributed reporting.
Comments
I completely agree with Ms.
MeghanI completely agree with Ms. Schepici that lifting the construction ban is premature. Thus far, I think the MV community has been doing a good job of limiting the spread of Covid-19. I hope the selectman can see the valid point that the Martha's Vineyard Hospital & medical professionals are making. Like many industries, construction crews may be struggling to make ends meet and keep tasks moving. However, the members of this industry, like others, play a vital role in limiting the spread and keeping members of our community healthy. I hope independent contractors and construction businesses can see that. In my opinion, the only exception to this ban would be allowing 1 person, with clear guidelines, access to a job site to continue tasks.
Why the big rush to put
ZephyrWhy the big rush to put construction workers in harms way, while also jeopardizing the rest of us? Seriously, why does construction demand special treatment over say retail stores or other non-essential businesses? Listen to the health professionals who know what they are talking about.
The short answer to your
Year rounder West TisburyThe short answer to your question ‘why the big rush’ is that people need to get back to work, so they can pay their bills and support their family. I think a very tribal thinking has emerged that has pushed people into two camps: those who want to keep things shutdown until a vaccine is created or the virus has essentially extinguished itself, and those who can’t afford to wait that long and need to get back to work ASAP. It’s dangerous because it’s pits one group against another. And those that advocate for a prolonged shutdown are quick to call those who want to get back to work ‘reckless’ or ‘stupid’ and it’s short-sighted and disingenuous. The whole shutdown was predicated on models that initially projected up to two million Americans could die in this pandemic. But those models were then revised down to between 120-240K, then down to 87K, the again down to 60K. And before someone argues the death toll was only lowered because of the lockdown and social distancing, remember those models were calculated factoring in these things as a best case scenario. Somewhere along the line the narrative changed from: ‘we have to flatten the curve so we don’t overwhelm our health care workers’ to ‘we have to stay locked in our homes until this virus goes away completely.’ And that’s just not feasible for a number of reasons. We can and must start to get people back to work in a safe and sustainable way. At some point we have to reopen our economy, or else there won’t be an economy to reopen.
Well said Year rounder!
Annie Bradshaw West TisburyWell said Year rounder!
I agree with you.
Marina Oak BluffsI agree with you.
Year rounder, you are wrong
Louise TisburyYear rounder, you are wrong about two points. Modeling was not based on the best case scenario but was based on projected numbers of deaths if there were mitigation measures put in place or not. You have only added to the confusion by stating that the goal has changed from flattening the curve to home isolation. The goal has always been how to save lives. The means have been by social distancing, testing, and contact tracing. This is a terrible predicament. I do not mean to minimize your anguish. Sadly we are not ready to open the barn door yet. If the towns allow one construction worker to return to work this week, will there be two next week, and then three? Who will enforce it? Without strict guidelines and fees levied for violations it can’t happen.
Is there a food bank or other
Right Whale Hooter BuoyIs there a food bank or other charitable organization set up to take donations for folks in need ? Gazette maybe an article on resources available to help our fellow islanders.
So what’s the endpoint for
Curious MVSo what’s the endpoint for allowing some resumption of economic activity? The virus is not going to disappear in 1-2 weeks (and probably not for years, though treatment and vaccines may mitigate). It will certainly be around this summer. Will public health experts, business leaders, hospital representatives, and local government officials at some point get together to plan a scaled resumption of commercial activity once PPE supplies and rapid testing capabilities (including antibody testing) are improved? I suspect many Island enterprises would not survive being shut down for most or all of the.summer.
So we haven’t had a case of
Vineyard Haven Strong Vineyard HavenSo we haven’t had a case of the virus in over a week. We have all done what was asked and the result has been great. Now we all want to return to work. In my case, All Id like to do is two man landscaping crews, which is absolutely safe. I’m struggling to hang on to my business which I have worked 15yrs to build. Now the “island powers that be” want to take that away. I can tell you we all should remember this when we have to vote for these selectman again.
The selectman assured us that we could go back to work on April 7. Then changed it to April 22. We have patiently waited but now that things have vastly improved you want more time. NO!
I think those who are making these decisions should forfeit their salaries as we have had to do. Since they are all being paid while we have to sit home and pretend we are all ok with this
Ya that’s a good idea. You’re
You’re joking right?Ya that’s a good idea. You’re exactly what the hospital described. People think it’s ok because we haven’t had any cases in 7 days. It’s still here bud. Also I’m sure that you’re the only small business owner that’s worked hard to build a business. Maybe you should collect unemployment like the rest of us, or apply for the PPP loan. Just a thought
spot on! We need to start
paul chilmarkspot on! We need to start resuming normal activities. Also, concerns that there is a 'surge' in cases on MV in the next week or so, as mentioned by the hospital director, is unfounded.
You may be correct. The
Juleann West TisburyYou may be correct. The surge is most likely to arrive on MV when large numbers of asymptomatic, untested people begin arriving from New York, New Jersey, DC, Pennsylvania, Florida etc. in June and July and we don't have the capability to quarantine individuals when they get sick.
As Paul said, it’s time to
Annie Bradshaw West TisburyAs Paul said, it’s time to get the economy back on track. The shutdown was based on faulty models. We have real data now and can work within certain guidelines. The idea of waiting is having huge financial repercussions that some might not bounce back from. Start with construction and see how it goes. I do believe workmen from off island should not be allowed to come back to work until they are tested
Thank you Paul for your
Vineyard Haven Strong Vineyard HavenThank you Paul for your sensible take. Seems like everyone who agrees with staying home for another month isn’t affected by the ban. I would love to know what is harmful about me working alone outside? This is America, NOT Russia or China! We have stayed home and watched while all of us small business owners lose everything. That is enough. I for one will be voting against the selectman who vote to extend this ban.
And for this who think it’s easy to just “collect unemployment” when you run a small business think again. I have tried to do just that since we were shut down and have not received ANY HELP. None of my employees have either. I need to pay my mortgage and feed my family. If that means breaking the law than that’s what will be done. By me and many others!
It is interesting those
MurrayIt is interesting those people who can afford not to work are the ones who are promoting a complete lock down. They clearly don't understand not everyone can continue not to work.
I agree lifting the
Rebecca Searle EdgartownI agree lifting the construction ban to soon is a bad idea she is correct.
The powers that be are our
Tom VHThe powers that be are our elected town officials which the public has voted into office. I hope that the federal government expedites
the rules for expanded unemployment so that the state can start helping a larger portion of the work force. The SBS loans may be available I am not sure of that but it is worth looking into. The local board of health will probably be the governmental entity which will make the call on us returning to and how to work. Hanging in there is sometimes all we can do but one thing that helps is being in this all together.
The longer this ban is in
Mark Lucier EdgartownThe longer this ban is in place, the harder it will be to enforce any kind of a slow, measured resumption of construction. Things need to get done, Money needs to start flowing, people need to get busy.
I’m confused to what “needs
CaptI’m confused to what “needs to get done” the job that isn’t going to be done for the summer? For the person that’s not coming?
You miss the point. Most of
RS 8 Haystack Lane EdgartownYou miss the point. Most of us don't care about their projects getting done, they care about the livelihood and future of the workers and businesses. This virus could be around for years or another could take its place. Are we going to cower inside our homes until the banks repossesses them. We need to plan a way forward with concern, not live under a cloud of paralysing fear. During WWII while bombs were dropping on London people picked up the pieces daily and moved on with living while people were dying all around them and the world was in chaos. We need to be brave but cautious and soldier on as carefully as possible. We can not turn on each other. American's are tough stuff, and by the way, Islander's aren't summer people, year round residents and/or workers, we are ALL Vineyarders who love and work to keep it a very special place.
I am glad the hospital raised
Local MVI am glad the hospital raised their voice here. I am confused, however, as to the role of the selectmen and town managers. As I understand it they have no legal authority to lift these bans. These are board of health orders. The board of health is an independently elected board with legal powers to implement and alter these bans. It is important that the selectmen and town administrators coordinate with the boards of health and support where they can and object where they feel they need to. But ultimately the weight of these decisions rests on the boards of health. This is a money vs lives debate, and both sides must get their say. Let’s just be clear on who decides.
The hospital is scared
COH EdgartownThe hospital is scared because as Boston hospitals fill up they will be the last line of defense. I understand. But here is the real world scenario. THERE ARE LOTS OF PEOPLE WHO HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO SHELTER AT HOME! LOTS OF PEOPLE TO WHOM WE OWE THANKS. LOTS OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE OBVIOUSLY BEEN CAREFUL. Let's give people credit and perhaps reward them with the trust to continue to do well in other places. I know dog grooming is not an essential service, but as tick season heats up I do not see the danger of dropping my dog off to one individual, perhaps paying by phone, and having my dog brought outside on a 6' leash back to me. I do not see the danger of landscaping crews (who are year round residents) pairing up, using precautions, staying with the same partner, doing their work. I do not see the danger of small construction crews (again, no off island workers) going back to work. Even just two man crews could be making headway. Hairdressers in salons where one regular client, one stylist, both healthy. might meet for whatever need...for small businesses there are already models in place, with up island farm markets open, groceries, fish markets, hardware stores, etc. It does not seem fair not to give some other small business owners a chance, if they so desire. Some of these kinds of services can also give people who have been staying home (8 weeks for me) a bit of a lift and a bit of hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Please think of allowing the people who are honest, responsible and caring to start taking small steps safely back to work; don't punish them for what others "might irresponsibly do." Any other small businesses have ideas to help themselves? We all need to think of creative but safe ways to persevere through the long haul. Please have some courage to really look at these rules, not just say, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." It is all broken...what we need to figure out is how to intelligently, slowly and carefully put things together again.
I agree with much of what you
Juleann West TisburyI agree with much of what you suggest, but here is the rub: with the salon example you stipulate that both people are "healthy". Including the other people who came in earlier in the day, I assume. How do we know this is true when testing of asymptomatic people can't be done? I completely agree that what you are suggesting is a safe and intelligent way to begin "opening up" again, but I'm not sure we can ignore that the virus is spread primarily by people who don't yet know they are sick. Landscaping is one thing, direct personal contact is another.
According to our Police Chief
Jane EdgartownAccording to our Police Chief and Town Administrator, commercial business owners in the town (e.g., Main Street) are free to work on their own buildings. I noticed someone yesterday working inside and then outside on their restaurant - power washing, shingling, etc., and the Chief/Admin said it was permissible.
It is understandable that
Henry Vineyard HavenIt is understandable that people want to return to work, but saying the selectmen are the cause of this situation is misguided and dangerous. The cause of this is a virus, not selectmen. The reason the virus has been slowed is because it hitches a "ride" with humans. Without humans moving around, the virus dies. So if our health experts have a strong opinion, this opinion is to be respected and rank at the highest level of the decision process. Because Ms Schepeci represents the views of very respected health officials,here and in Boston, her opinion should rank foremost. And give the selectmen more respect; they live here with their children and are working for everyone's benefit.
No the virus does not die
Rosie WTisNo the virus does not die without people moving around. Is this the first time anyone on this island has ever faced the possibility of being sick? Unless you’re over 75, obese, a smoker (of anything) diabetic or other auto immune, this is not likely to be a big deal for you. And it’s probably been floating around the island since before Christmas. If you’re obese or over 75 do what you always do but for crying out loud let otherwise healthy people. - who have probably already been exposed - go about their business. There will be other viruses - do you plan to isolate yourself for the rest of your life? Go ahead if you want to but leave the people who want to work - who you've seen around here for years doing work for you - alone to take care of themselves and their families.
The Vineyards approach to C
William R Cumming NY & CHILMARKThe Vineyards approach to C-19 has been myopic and will pay a great price long-term. The issue is not just building/builders, it is "outsiders" coming to MVY. Trying to ban workers now or visitors this summer will be proven to be illegal and is sad and ugly behavior. Suspending the Constitution is a grave action and these very short-term actions taken on the island like some other vacation spots will not last. C-19 is hear for at least 12 months, probably until there is a vaccine. Do you plan to ban everyone for 12 months. Good luck!
Thank you - that's the issue
david OBThank you - that's the issue no one wants to face up to: how rights are being trampled. And by the time there is a vaccine (probably no better than other flu vaccines we've had) Virus19 will have become Virus 20 or 21. viruses don't wait for us to catch up. I think some of these people think they will just stay in their houses for the rest of their lives.And be safe.
Yes, the Constitution
Juleann West TisburyYes, the Constitution protects the rights of citizens to "freedom of movement" from one state to another. However, the authority to protect that freedom lies with each State, not the federal government. Each state has the right to restrict travel in order to protect national security (Boston Marathon bombing) or public health (Covid-19). Which is why most of us are Staying Home. The Constitution has not been suspended -- your right to travel and spread disease willy-nilly has.
Juleann's point has some
William R Cumming CHILMARK & NYJuleann's point has some merits that I agree, but misses my point. When leaders try to select a groups of workers saying who is ok and saying all people who ride a boat to work for construction are banned but those that come to work as a S&S clerk, or island living construction folks are OK. Its an inconsistent legal policy not applied universally to all people and thus falls down. As you said "Authority to protect that freedom[s] lies with each StateGovernor's do have the ultimate powers" I agree 100% SO STOP DEFYING THE GOVENORS ORDERS.
A pragmatic reopening of the
Mark EdgartownA pragmatic reopening of the economy needs to happen. What’s the point of all this sacrifice if there is nothing to come back to; destruction of the economy could be more of a disaster than the virus itself.
Listen up, people. We are
Lorraine EdgartownListen up, people. We are going to have to make some hard decisions. Right now, most of this is just conversation. When the rubber meets the road, we make a decision to get back to work, or we lose the entire country. I have been on this earth a long time; I have lived through many flu epidemics, had the Asian flu, lived through the polio epidemics, was alive long before antibiotics and vaccinations, I am still here. Life is hard, sometimes it calls for hard decisions. Get a grip, stay calm and carry on. This, too, shall pass.
I am curious; what metric
Norton VHI am curious; what metric would Ms Schepici have to see that would allow her to give her blessings to opening up construction on the Vineyard?
As there is funding available
Barbara Lampson TisburyAs there is funding available to add staffing to the Boards of Health if necessary, it is time to proactively regulate our construction and landscape industries in regards to the current pandemic rather than "running the Police Chief off his feet" visiting job sites and fining scofflaw business owners. Let's move from policing negative behavior to regulating, informing and facilitating positive and lawful economic activities.
I am a landscape designer and fortunate to be able to work on plans on a remote basis, but my small crew is not working even though we have full hygienic practice rules in place that we were using prior to the shutdown. Separate vehicles with full tools for each worker, masks, gloves, and disinfecting materials to be used at each location. When we re-open construction I will be onsite at each property to ensure compliance with the rules. We work on largely deserted properties, and the work is time-sensitive.
Construction can continue this way, and we need to save our island families. Otherwise many will lose their homes here and then be lost to our island community.
It seems to me that this
Chloe Edgartown and elsewhereIt seems to me that this might be the perfect time to ease some of the restrictions on construction and landscaping -- the virus hasn't taken hold of the island, and visitor numbers are as low as they will ever be. Clearly, precautions will need to be taken, but the fact is that the virus isn't going to be eradicated, probably ever, and certainly not until we have a vaccine. So is the plan to ban construction until that point? That's obviously not realistic. We as a society are going to decide at some point that a degree of risk is acceptable, and that degree of risk on the island right now is probably at its lowest point. The fact is that although services are severely limited and it is unlikely that there will be a true "summer season" like everyone is used to, seasonal residents will start coming to the island more frequently as the weather improves and they become more stir-crazy "at home," and things will start opening up and there will be visitors and people coming from off-island to work. Chance of infection will increase accordingly. Will construction still be banned then? It's hard to see how that is a workable solution, but if that's not it, we might as well start figuring out some safe (relatively speaking) ways of moving forward now, while the island is in a bit of a protected bubble.
Well said Chloe. When we
Vineyard Have. strong Vineyard HavenWell said Chloe. When we elect our selectman we do so because we need them to make the hard decisions, like this one. Painting this with a broad brush is easy! Telling EVERYONE to stay home is easy! I could do that. Coming up with a plan and easing restrictions based all of the information, that’s hard! That’s why we elect smart people to make tough decisions like this. So I say to the selectman, come up with a plan that allows for small crews to go back to work. The rest of the state has been doing that all along and the numbers are starting to drop. It seems to me that the CEO of the hospital is more concerned about the hospitals image than about the true concerns of the island. I think the part that frustrates me most of all is the broken promises by officials. First it was April 7, then April 21, now longer. If you make a plan then you must stick to it. Otherwise the officials loose credibility and people start to revolt. The scare tactics by the hospital are simply shameful!
My only income is my small
Mr N Witheld VHMy only income is my small landscape business. Fortunately my crew is qualified for state unemployment benefits, at a reduced income level, so at least they can probably pay most of their bills, I'm running out faster ...
I had instituted one vehicle per worker, no shared tools policy over a week before the shut down. I am confident we can return to work, with some extra precautions & limits, without increasing rate of virus transmission ...
It is far less likely to happen on a regulated, open air work site than the stores we all shop in that are visited daily by newly arrived summer folks, their friends, family etc. A lot of them are coming here during pandemic as most of you know, probably some readers here included ...
Since the local officials can not shut down the SSA or road system, they are doing what they can, but limiting activities of a low risk group of workers is not likely to change the infection rate appreciably compared risk caused by influx of people, many from "hot spot" areas ...
No intention here to open debate of who should be here, ...it is what it is..., and not in my purview.
Without taking sides, the
Voices be heard On IslandWithout taking sides, the most important thing is to attend (virtually) the relevant town meetings and let your voice be heard there. The Gazette is great, but make your opinions known where it can count most, in the relevant town halls and public meetings. We have to learn how to live responsibly with this virus, as it isn’t going anywhere soon, and there will be another to follow in time.
The people that are going to
David JohnThe people that are going to ignore the precautions are already out there. They’re drifting in and out of the various open stores daily. We see them every day. Nothing is going to change the way they act. We may want to rethink holding 99% of the people hostage because the 1% might do something wrong.
Workers are working now and
Old island resident EdgartownWorkers are working now and will continue to work. If the choice is paying bills and feeding your family or hiding from virus in which only 2% get Hospitalized I know the what path they will take. If you don’t allow small numbers of workers you will see mass protest and ignoring of rules.
This is just the beginning.
Common Sense TisburyThis is just the beginning. Expect Covid 20-21-23 in the years to come. Is the world to shut down each time? There would be a lot more deaths from a global depression. Practice safe distancing and protect the fragile. But stop the hysteria. This is worse than than the Salem witch trials.
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