In a quick reversal, the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce and Martha’s Vineyard Hospital retracted an open letter to seasonal homeowners after seeing backlash Tuesday.
In a quick reversal, the Martha’s Vineyard Chamber of Commerce and Martha’s Vineyard Hospital retracted an open letter to seasonal homeowners after seeing backlash Tuesday.
Chamber executive director Nancy Gardella said the letter would be taken down from the chamber website.
“The push back is awful,” Ms. Gardella said in an email to the Gazette. “The intention was good, but the tourism industry is really struggling with this, and we hate to do anything to hurt our fragile economy.
In a separate email to the Gazette, hospital president and chief executive officer Denise Schepici echoed the remarks.
“We did not expect this kind of backlash on something that was merely a piece of guidance meant with the best intentions for the health and well being of our Island community,” Ms. Schepici wrote.
In an unusual alliance, the hospital and chamber had joined forces to broadcast a message to summer homeowners returning to the Vineyard, urging them to strictly self quarantine for two weeks upon arrival and take other precautions to guard the public health.
The letter was sent to the Gazette Tuesday afternoon, signed by Ms. Gardella and Ms. Schepici.
“The really good news: Spring is here, flowers abound, your homes wait for your return, and so far, the Island has largely been spared from the catastrophic spread of Covid-19,” the letter said in part. “However, we are concerned that could change when our population increases going into the summer.” The letter continues:
“The opportunity: Martha’s Vineyard has the chance to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic as a public health success story, with our population safe and healthy. But despite our initial success, Martha’s Vineyard remains highly vulnerable to infected persons and asymptomatic carriers of the virus coming from the mainland, whether they are seasonal residents, year-round residents, workers or day-trippers, who could unintentionally cause a major surge in new cases.”
A preamble to the letter was added Tuesday clarifying that the message is not intended for short-term visitors, and runs parallel to Governor Baker's stay-at-home order which now runs to May 18.
The letter asked all arriving homeowners plan to immediately self-quarantine for 14 days.
“It is best to go directly to your destination and not stop elsewhere on the Vineyard on the way,” the letter said. “Bring all necessary food and supplies with you to enable the 14-day quarantine, including prescriptions, personal health items and personal protective equipment (PPE).”
The letter also asked summer residents to take other precautions, including wearing face masks when out in public and avoiding parties and large gatherings.
“Refrain from hosting or attending private home parties or large gatherings. Instead, order take-out food or have it delivered from local restaurants,” the letter says.
“Be diligent with hand-washing and disinfecting much-used surfaces.
“Limit trips to the grocery store.”
The letter was hinted at by Ms. Schepici during a Tuesday morning press briefing with other hospital officials, although she was not specific about the details. It was not immediately clear how the hospital and chamber had planned to disseminate the letter.
It comes at a time of heightened tensions on the Island, with the pandemic curve not yet flattening, and the arrival of summer visitors imminent. At a press briefing earlier in the day, Ms. Schepici had raised grave concerns about the risks summer crowds could bring.
After the apparent dustup, Ms. Gardella later sent out a mass email to chamber members apologizing, and suggesting that the letter was part of a coordinated effort between Nantucket and the Vineyard begun by state legislators. A nearly identical letter went out from the Nantucket Cottage Hospital and Nantucket Chamber of Commerce Monday. That letter has not been retracted and was reported in the Inquirer and Mirror newspaper.
“When we were originally approached by our state legislators to help create a regional response with our hospitals and regional chambers, it felt like the right and responsible thing to do,” Ms. Gardella wrote.
“As an organization that has prided itself as advocates for our members and our local economy, the truth is we fell short today. In thinking we could support our community in this public health crisis, we forgot that our focus is not public health.
“Our focus is you. It’s business. It’s our Island’s prosperity.”
Meanwhile, in a followup open letter Wednesday morning, Ms. Schepici sought to bring some clarity to the matter.
“I wanted to clear up any confusion . . . I had agreed to sign on to the letter because I believed in the message, which was one focused on the safety of our community with a summer season headed our way,” she wrote in part.
“My message is simple — I believe strongly, and I know I speak for our hospital team, that the health and well-being of our community is our priority and always will be.
She also wrote:
“What happened yesterday with the chamber’s letter is completely understandable — the intent was to offer guidance under the governor’s current executive order which suggests any travelers to Martha’s Vineyard need to self-quarantine for 14 days.
That is the governor’s order until May 18. We do not know what the governor will propose after that, but one thing we can bet on — it will not be business as usual on May 19.”
Comments
This is a little extreme. If
Akos Szilvasi CambridgeThis is a little extreme. If all people wear masks in public the transmission of the virus is minimal (1.5%). If the two weeks quarantaine is in effect not many will/can go to the island.
Good if you can’t self
Jesse West TisburyGood if you can’t self Quarantine for two weeks then stay away plain and simple let’s not care about others let’s just care about yourself
Jesse, I’m not sure how
John Boston, MassJesse, I’m not sure how people can be told that they are not allowed to go to their houses, many of which could be generational in their families, all because you don’t want them there possibly because they won’t self quarantine as requested. Some might argue that’s a violation of their 4th Amendment rights. I know of friends and acquaintances on the island that have gone out without masks or gloves during this troubling time. Those people realize that every time they go out with proper protection the 14 day clock resets I hope. I am not saying that the summer residents that own homes shouldn’t self quarantine, I’m just saying that to be anti them is unwise as they buy true food in the stores, the trinkets in the gift shops, and swell the restaurant owners and their tipped staff members for the year. You and I can only hope that those people, coming to stores near us, would act responsibly just like you’d hope someone that’s had to much to drink wouldn’t drive.
Please stay safe and healthy
Tom, that is not was said
Tom VHTom, that is not was said anybody who owns a home here on Martha's Vineyard is more than welcome, but 14 days is the required and recommend time in quarantine unless of course people are just to selfish to worry about other people.
What about going off island
Madison Vineyard HavenWhat about going off island for a day or two. Must you quarantine upon your return?
14 day quarantine
Joe14 day quarantine recommendation only applies to those traveling from outside Massachusetts. Anyone who lives is MA and comes to the island does not have to stay home for 14 days according to Gov. Baker.
1.5 percent is a lot higher
Kate Winans Conway, MA1.5 percent is a lot higher than you think. Please think of others in addition to yourself.
Where did you get that number
Tom VHWhere did you get that number 1.5%
Just FYI, that 1.5% number is
JoshJust FYI, that 1.5% number is not from any credible source. Just a chart floating around the internet.
Denise, i believe your
Linda Fischer West TisburyDenise, i believe your initial letter was well written, thoughtful and with genuine concern for everyone. Wish the letter was not taken down. The backlash is not your problem. And thank you.
I don’t find this to be
Alice Twombly, RN GrovelandI don’t find this to be extreme in any way. I am hoping/planning to visit the island with an elder friend when the no-travel order is lifted. We will be bringing most of our own food, and my son, who lives on island, will doorstep deliver whatever we need during our stay. We will not be going out in public. We will be masked while aboard the ferry and will not leave our vehicle.
I believe a strong message should be sent to tourists that it will not be ‘business as usual’ on the Vineyard this year. Enterprising islanders and businesses should plan now and develop online ordering and delivery systems of food, beverages and sundry items to those of us desirous to use those services. I’d be happy to pay the delivery charge and give a healthy tip to a no contact doorstep delivery person.
The chamber should be assisting businesses to identify and plan how to safely navigate the tourist season safely. They could arrange bulk purchases of masks and gloves, develop consistent, appropriate signage, recommend limits on numbers of people in shops at any one time, require social distancing and create a consensus among businesses and towns as to how restaurants and shops will operate. A uniform approach would be a major step that would assists tourists. Knowing that EVERY restaurant, EVERY take out and EVERY shop in EVERY town has the same entry requirements would be a step in the right direction.
Chamber, you are well positioned to lead the charge and provide leadership and teamwork’s among public health, businesses and individuals to safeguard both the health and the wealth of the island population.
Well said, Alice Twombly!
Meg Portnof AquinnahWell said, Alice Twombly! Thank you.
If a person is asymptomatic,
Bcc EdgartownIf a person is asymptomatic, what does staying inside for 2 weeks do?
Will rental agencies and
Margo SwezeyWill rental agencies and agents be asked to give renters this iinformation in time for food, etc. To be planned ? Unfortunately, not everyone reads the newspapers
Carefully. Also, how does the SSA plan to handle boat passengers who normally exit their vehicles. Require face masks/scarves ? The SSA personnel should be protected too as a natural part of this plan.
We are homeowners and will definitely self quarantine, both for our good and for the island. I can only hope that all others understand why this is so very necessary. The medical resources on the island are good, but an escalation of Covid related cases could easily be disastrous. Never underestimate to fact that testing is still problematic and asymptomatic virus carriers could unintentionally create havoc . We must be accepting and supportive of restrictions and inconvenience now in order to find our way to new but better future times.
Thank you Margo for being
Debbie EdgartownThank you Margo for being considerate and showing genuine concern for our Island. Stay well
Thank you Margo. I am a year
Patsy Wright NantucketThank you Margo. I am a year-round resident of Nantucket and you are the voice of reason.
Very concerned the chamber of
Concerned ResidentVery concerned the chamber of commerce who is supposed to be pro business and pro MV is signing off on this. Buy all your stuff before you get here for 14 days?! What kind of business association is this? It’s hard enough to survive right now never mind sending the message to people coming... hey we don’t want your business buy it off island. How about some productive ideas...Like communicating to people coming wear a mask, wash your hands, don’t go out if your sick, follow social distancing...but please support the local business. You are sinking the island and people’s business...Nancy. This is a real virus and it’s obviously killing people(dramatically less than first touted by the “experts”, but don’t cancel the summer until you have to. Funny how all the people telling people to stay home and businesses not to open all have jobs. I would love to see how people felt if there was no unemployment or handouts. I have a feeling people’s attitudes would change pretty quickly about trying to balance health and economic ruin. This isn’t A or B. There can be a middle ground that balances public health while at the same time balancing lots of other concerns like government overreach and economic ruin. It’s ok to question experts and talk about different options ...just because they are an expert doesn’t mean they are always right...
It’s killing fewer people
Wait, what? Oak BluffsIt’s killing fewer people because of the stay at home order and the public’s willingness to follow the measures outlined in this letter. The “experts”, as you refer to them, were right, and will be right again. You know what else harms local businesses? Death.
This is impossible to enforce
Lorraine EdgartownThis is impossible to enforce and people with a sense of entitlement will now follow. Not being negative, simply pragmatic. If anyone thinks otherwise they are fooling themselves. This is a way of absolving the entities from responsibilities. If people are getting off the ferries now, many with no PPE, no masks, no gloves, nothing, what makes anyone think any of this will be followed?
Exactly.
Gabrielle West TisburyExactly.
Those with pre-existing
Shelley EdgartownThose with pre-existing medical conditions or who, because they are older, are at greater risk, can always choose to self quarantine. And, of course, those working with at risk populations should also practice social distancing or change their profession, if they can’t or won’t do that. Everyone else should be allowed to go about their business. What do you think isolation is going to do to the mental health of otherwise healthy people? Humankind is not meant to live in isolation.
well, the big neon signs on
anniewell, the big neon signs on the highway are still up, REQUESTING everyone that enters the state of massachusetts to self quarantine for 14 days. so there's that.
Worst letter I've seen. You
Tulips Oak BluffsWorst letter I've seen. You can come to your house you pay taxes on but stay home for 14days.
Sorry, but the fact is people
John Oak BluffsSorry, but the fact is people are going to be much more reluctant to travel this year. That's a fact. It's going to hurt our economy but that's the way it goes. Nobody expected this.
Where are the restaurant
Ed EdgartownWhere are the restaurant workers. The hotel Workers and house cleaners. The new awesome essential workers at the grocery stores and gas stations. Who are they? Will there be enough? What about the J1 visa program. It was canceled. I see a lot of selfishness against people here who have toed the line to stay well. If anyone thinks it’s going to be business as usual. Wake up. It’s not going to be. Let’s just take a look elsewhere. Off island homeowners have a right to come here. All we are asking is for nothing different when you come to stay. I’m not putting my health and my families health on the line for the sake of Day tourists not abiding by the wishes of our small community our 23 bed hospital and our hard working boards of health. Be smart people Don’t get sucked into the business as usual routine. There is none right now.
Our family bought our house
Dan danneman NycOur family bought our house in OB 1973. Unfortunately,T shirts rule . It's all about money. Maybe the business people that have enjoyed years of prosperity should show leadership and close down for the season. Dream on. Sacrifice? Money talks and you know the rest. Maybe it's time to reinvent Marthas Vineyard. Ed,stay well !
Why do all of the summer
JSR CTWhy do all of the summer residents need to do this if it is " is not intended for short-term visitors"? I'm so confused. If I am renting a house for a week, am I supposed to spend all this money to come to the island and sit in the house? And if I don't, doesn't it defeat the purpose of residents doing it? They need to make the call... is summer off and I get a refund or credit, or is the island open for business?
Hard to believe the chamber
J. H. In WT WTHard to believe the chamber of commerce, whose sole reason for being is to promote and encourage business on the island and serve as a steward and ally of business owners, has signed off on this letter and is a party to this overreaction. I know there are many people who are determined to burn down the proverbial village in a misguided attempt to save it, but I didn’t think the leaders of our chamber of commerce (of all people) who be among them. It truly boggles the mind
The backlash to the letter
Kelce OBThe backlash to the letter has an Amity Island feel to it. Denial is not a business plan. I think it's smart for all of you who depend on tourists, big weddings, t-shirts and day trippers to recalculate your business plans. It's going to be a summer of no crowds, grilling, takeout, and stay at home.
BINGO. It’s going to be a
Mike OBBINGO. It’s going to be a small summer and it can be a lovely one. But people need to prepare for a different one, business as usual won’t work because too many people won’t feel comfortable in crowded spaces. Seasonal residents especially are not coming to be around other people - quite the opposite. And there is away for us to enjoy the season and support local business if we take precautions, wear masks, stay small, be kind and have empathy.
This is a little frustrating
TisKid VHThis is a little frustrating because medical advice from our hospital isn't a democracy and should be immune to backlash. Either it was good medical advice or it was not. Either you believed it or you didn't. Should people arriving here from further away quarantine when they get here or not?
Thanks to the hospital
BS Oak BluffsThanks to the hospital administrator and the Chamber of Commerce for your thoughts. Last I checked nary a single vote has ever been cast for you to make public policy.
Dear MV Community,
Lauren Merritt Waitsfield, VT/ ChappyDear MV Community,
We feel your concern and also dearly love our second home owners here in VT. Bottom line, as much as we want to be on Chappy this summer (I have never in my life not come to my most special of places), we will make the decision to do what is best for full-time residents that live on MV. If we do not come bc that is what indeed is best for the island community, we will make sure to make as many donations as we can to the MV community. We love you all!!! Hang in there.
Thank you Lauren!
Harriet West TisburyThank you Lauren!
This means a lot to us.
Stay safe. We will hold your place at the MV table.
We'll be open for business
bs Oak BluffsWe'll be open for business next month. Please come!
I have been biting my tongue
PM West Tisbury & NJI have been biting my tongue for quite a while on this Island situation. I have been self quarantined in my home in NJ since 3/14. Eventually I am coming to visit my West Tisbury house. I have found it interesting that someone without a medical degree and a guaranteed income stream can dictate the livelihoods of so many. If my presence on the Island is so unwelcome then please feel free to rebate my property taxes accordingly.
Same here, have been self
Miriam New YorkSame here, have been self guarantined at my home in NY for weeks...but if I come to Massachusetts to my house on MV i am expected to self quarantine again? And if I only want to stay for a week what then? I can't come....i pay taxes like everyone else and am a responsible adult who follows all the rules. What am I expected to do? and if I don't i will be called "privileged" and instulted.
All are welcome it’s just
CGAll are welcome it’s just that nobody should expect to just roam freely, enjoy beaches and such. If you are quarantined in NJ then expect to quarantine on MV when you arrive not a huge difference!
Well by all means please
LJWell by all means please finish biting your tongue until it comes off. You sound entitled and selfish. Nowhere in that plea for understanding does it say you are not welcome to come. It is simply asking that you put the lives of the primary residents first by taking certain precautions. Some of you nitwits don’t understand that you can be carrying this virus and have NO symptoms. They are trying to avoid a potential over flow to their medical resources.
When you stop paying your
Jerry Retired FDWhen you stop paying your property taxes in protest be sure to leave your address. It'll make it easier for my FD and PD friends to ignore any calls to your place. But I'm guessing you can afford private security and other emergency services.
The only thing that is
John Ashburne Wayland MAThe only thing that is surprising is that the people who wrote that letter were surprised at the backlash from people who are having their livelihoods taken away. If you think you should stay at home and follow CDC social distancing guidelines, you are free to do so for as long as necessary. Don’t go out, wear a mask, wash your hands, maintain social distance and you are not at risk. Let others make a living or enjoy the homes they paid for.
"In thinking we could support
VH Resident Vineyard Haven"In thinking we could support our community in this public health crisis, we forgot that our focus is not public health."
Shame on you Ms. Gardella.
Everyone's focus should be public health.
I remember after hurricane Bob, the electric company was urging people to stay off the roads so they could clear trees and restore power. At the same time, the chamber was advertising "MV is open for business; come on down."
This is more of the same.
Disgusting.
Thank you Dylan and Julian
Representative BostonThank you Dylan and Julian for your behind the scenes manipulation of these two island entities, the chamber and hospital.
You reached out to the to move your agenda without consultation or consideration of those that elected you wanted. Why do you tell us what we want when it's us that should be running to you two for what we want.
Backwards representation is no representation at all.
Are you willing to sacrifice
Sacrifice ObAre you willing to sacrifice one summer for your life and the ones you love? We are a strong community and we can come together to support each other. It’s gov baker who is setting the standards saying to self quarantine for 2 weeks after arrival. Let’s ban together one community year round or seasonal population. let’s make a commitment to one another to support each other by staying home. The stories are heroic.Vineyard Love. Let’s be heroes.
It's my understanding that
Mitzi Pratt AquinnahIt's my understanding that the draft of this letter was only sent to our town's Select Boards this Morning, Tuesday April 28. Why are the Chamber and Hospital retracting it before our elected officials have even had an opportunity to discuss it? Personally, I'd like to see us working in harmony with our sister island and the state and approach the coming influx of people with caution. Restrictions can be lifted if they prove to be too cautious but I'd rather err on the side of preventing infections and possible death than acting as if these are not extraordinarily unprecedented times. Until we have adequate testing, it might be best for all of us to think we are potentially asymptomatic carriers and act accordingly.
This is a difficult situation
MeghanThis is a difficult situation and balance for everyone. Businesses and people need money, hospitals don't need more people.
The summer on MV is beautiful and I understand people's frustration with not being able to visit their 2nd homes or vacation here. I lived off-Island most of my life and I would be very sad not to be able to visit. I think the hospital and residents are asking homeowners & visitors to take a step back & look at the big picture. We aren't barring you from visiting, as that isn't possible.
Simply think for a moment...should you potentially risk your own health and that of the existing community? Why should I not visit when I have been quarantining at my original home? Well, it's simply the question of the unknown. You may be asymptomatic or semi-symptomatic and unknowingly be spreading Covid. It sucks to be quarantined at home, MV has been doing it too. The schools and many businesses are closed and it's scary going to the grocery store. Were not perfect, I have been many people violating social distancing here as well.
MV is a strong community that has survived many compromising situations.
When you visit MV in the summer, it can be difficult to imagine a place that isn't full of people. The crowded grocery stores, shops, and ferries are normal and you have nothing to compare it to. Simply put, the infrastructure here is strained during a normal season. Were a small place and we love(most of the time)the economic boost and the exciting hum of visitors. Like many small towns across the world, were simply scared. If you can quarantine at home #2 for 2 weeks, please do so. If you were thinking of visiting, maybe think about it a little harder. Buy a gift card to a local restaurant/shop & save it for a safer visit. Generally, PPE is a good idea no matter where you live or visit. This may be the summer to have a 'staycation' and remember that absence makes the heart grow fonder. We love you, but maybe a bit more next year...
P.S. This post was not written in anger or resentment towards anyone. Sorry for the long message. :)
The unraveling of the island
Chip Coblyn OBThe unraveling of the island’s communal spirit is becoming more of a threat to our future than even the virus. My fear is that we will split into warring factions and won’t be able to stitch up that wound after the virus has abated. So let’s look to our better angels and be kind to each other—full time and seasonal—because the truth is that we all love this tiny, fragile, threatened place.
Well said, thank you.
Thatcher OB / NYWell said, thank you.
Thank you for this post. I,
Concerned Citizan BostonThank you for this post. I, too, worry about the communal spirit of MV and feel demonized sometimes as a second homeowner. I fell in love with the Vineyard in 1978 and rented for a long time before buying. I have not been on the island since the winter, and if I do come now, I will wear a mask, not get out of my car and bring enough supplies to stay in my home for a weekend. I am very cognizant of the public health and well-being of full-time residents. This is why we are longtime supporters of MV non-profits. :(
The writing is on the wall
Thomas edgartownThe writing is on the wall that after all is said and done, this will go down in history as colossal overreaction . There are less than 20 confirmed cases on the island!! I bet there are more flu cases. Wake up people! Don't live in fear.
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