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
We have until at least May 18
Louise TisburyWe have until at least May 18 to repost this letter which is recommendations, not policy. Public health (MV Hospital/Denise Schepici) has to partner with economic benefit (MV Chamber of Commerce/Nancy Gardella.) Thank you, Denise and Nancy, for your efforts to do the right thing for us. If people don’t want to follow the recommendations/rules/guidelines we will be shut down again by the middle of June, and summer will be over. Perhaps The Oak Bluffs Selectmen are a bit short-sighted. This letter should be posted on the Steamship Authority website as well.
Martha’s Vineyard needed to
Dean Rosenthal EdgartownMartha’s Vineyard needed to grow a spine like Nantucket has — things are by and large a success here so far because of the restrictions and the widespread adherence, not in spite of them. Nancy’s quote is unsettling. It is saying: business/tourism first, lives/health second.
Thank you Mitzi. Erring on
Andrea Oak BluffsThank you Mitzi. Erring on the side of caution makes more sense to me. I'd rather we ask summer residents to respect health guidelines and we all live to enjoy many more years on MV
I am a physician In
CGI am a physician In California but the Island is my home as I grew up there and still return for vacations. I understand that Everyone is concerned about the economy but this is a serous virus that takes precedence over economy right now. The reason the vineyard has been safe thus far is due the lower populations and the quarantine. Before the Vineyard tries to open for the summer there really needs to be a plan in place and people need to respect whatever plan prevails. I assure you that an increase in COVID cases on the Vineyard will be catastrophic as this hospital lacks capacity for such an outbreak. Please please everyone stay safe and allow a plan to take effect. I still have elderly loved ones that live on the vineyard year round and pray that they stay safe. Also remember this, the vineyard lacks things like grocery delivery which means more people in grocery stores and more exposure. Please keep our and your families safe! Sincerely a Doc on the front line
Thanks for your unique
Jane Norton ChilmarkThanks for your unique perspective as a "wash-off-shore" Islander, and most of all for your work as a physician on the front line.
Thank you for being on the
Mark EdgartownThank you for being on the front lines CG. Unfortunately, this could be a situation where unless balanced, the solution is worse than the problem. 26mm Americans have already lost their jobs in just five weeks; to put that in perspective that is more lost jobs in five weeks than lost in two years during the Great Financial Crisis. You can't just flip a switch and all of a sudden those people have jobs and livelihoods again. At this point, most economists are projecting a two year runway to get unemployment back to 4.5%. Prolonging the total closure of the economy will undoubtedly worsen the economic depression and lengthen the time for recovery. High risk individuals must continue to shelter in place, but it is time to get back to work and open the economy before it is too late.
Thank you for your common
Julie Robinson West TisburyThank you for your common sense letter and for your work on the front line. You have experienced this deathly pandemic. We all love the Vineyard , year rounders as well as summer residents, but the health of the island is most important. We all need to be smart and careful not to infect our neighbors. I thought the letter from Denise was a good one. I am glad the SSA is now requiring face masks for passengers and employees. Let’s respect each other and our environment. Social distancing, face masks in public, washing hands, quarantining when necessary will help us all.
What would chief Martin Brody
Oystuhs EdgartownWhat would chief Martin Brody do ? Only reason our island is ' clean' is because most of us have done hardcore stay in place orders, albeit broken up a bit by ' New Yorkers ' piping in here early march. Seen rampaging in clusters, side by side thru edgartown on a daily basis. It was obvious . Stop n shop let a couple newcomer kids in the store yesterday without masks bcuz they said they got BLOWBACK from ppl complaining they were told to wear masks(what ppl i wondered). The town's sign to do so is at the door !! SO PUT ON YOUR DARN MASK ! we're not quarantining n out of work so others can come here n complain about putting on masks. Whats with the attitude ?? If there's a wetpaint sign what fo you do ?? This whole losing our liberties crap has got to go. This is a CRISIS and life CAN go on if everybody were to chip in n help by doing these small important steps . You can bet Brody would be very worried these nxt few months .
I am very sorry they
Local MVI am very sorry they retracted this. Not surprised, just sorry, because it seemed like good advice.
It might have been the only time I agreed with the chamber of commerce.
I don’t take public health advice from landscapers any more than I take stock tips from my barber. Not knocking either profession. They are both noble. It is just a question of mastery of subject. Denise, you have a lot of supporters here, myself included.
I find it interesting that
John West TisburyI find it interesting that some "town leaders" who were willing to shut down and now micro regulate local small business involved in landscape and construction don't want to set any guidelines to regulate the tourism industry. There has even been push back against reminding realtors that short term rentals are currently proscribed by state directive. Is this lack of awareness of where true threat to health of island residences is coming from, classism, or both?
Cyr and Fernandes have
Herewegoagain Oak BluffsCyr and Fernandes have drifted so far from the island people. The small group of donors do not represent us and you two need to realize this as you register another epic fail. Thank you Oak Bluffs businesses and leadership. Enough already with the Hospital CEO and her run around ideas to close MV. We love the hospital workers, the administration not so much
Who's "We"? I think the
T Bone Oak BluffsWho's "We"? I think the hospital CEO is great and more than willing to stand up to the island bullies who place profits over people. I think she's doing an awesome job.
Has anyone here been to the
Kindur Oak BluffsHas anyone here been to the supermarket lately? There's not much food on the shelves at the moment, certainly not enough to support a large increase in the population. Hopefully in a month things look better, but all I'm reading is the supply chain in getting worse nationally. Anyone who thinks this summer will resemble anything close to normal is delusional. Homeowners have a right to come here, summer renters not so much. Hopefully things look better by June.
Is part of the summer
Sp EdgartownIs part of the summer planning to add grocery/ restaurant food delivery? Wouldn’t it assist or make it more feasible to self quarantine the 2 weeks for The summer residents, create a few jobs and help out local businesses . I know it hasn’t been done in the past and certainly is not a part of MV culture but life has changed. Or are there ordinances preventing the service?
Nantucket’s Chamber and
Nantucket Business owner NantucketNantucket’s Chamber and Hospital sent a similar letter to seasonal homeowners. My hope is that our chamber does not retract that letter. Public health & economic health are not opposing states of being. The 2 week quarantine can be viewed as business positive as it might be the best chance we have to create a sustainable business model over the longest period of time. With these discussions we can sometimes miss where public health and economic health meet. When restrictions are lifted and businesses open up there will be a balancing act between commerce and safety. We can all agree that we don’t want an outbreak of cases where our local hospitals are overwhelmed and local officials will have no choice but to close down businesses and reinstate stay at home orders. This would be a tragic setback for all. What we are advising our local officials both in policy and in messaging is not to be more restrictive then the state as long as the hospital has capacity. Right now the state recommends the 14 day self quarantine. I would suggest that the one thing that could be added to the letter is that currently it is our governor’s recommendation.
Every year I come to the
Louis Mainland, USAEvery year I come to the island to open my house I'm not spending a lot of time in public situations. I'm cleaning , painting, raking, trimming and typical annual maintenance of my residence. I'm boating, fishing and visiting beaches.
I do visit hardware stores, the lumbar yard, the farmers market and get groceries. I like spending my money locally supporting my many long time year round friend's/resident's businesses.
We all need to take precautions and be smart but short of stopping the ferries from running and stopping all boat traffic, the island will become busier and more populated.
I feel the guidelines are attempt to keep everyone vigilant in helping prevent the spread but may be a bit unrealistic with the asymptomatic 14 day quarantine. It will be up to the business owners to take extra precautions and set the standards as they have the right to refuse service to anyone.
I intend to do my part but I intend to take care of my multi-generational residence as well.
I think many second home
Not happy EdgartownI think many second home owners are fed up with the hate we have seen from many local residents in the past month on places like Islanders Talk. There is definitely an us vs them mentality which is very sad. Many islanders have complained about 2nd home owners bringing the virus on island in the last 5 weeks but that hasn’t really happened. 2nd home owners are responsible people too! I do think there are currently many more cases on island that just haven’t been formally tested. When testing improves the numbers will be much greater and who do you think will get the blame?
I, like so many others, dream
Dr. G.W. Southern CaliforniaI, like so many others, dream of last summer’s vacation. ...But this is not last summer. This is 2020 and we are in the middle of a deadly pandemic that spreads exponentially once it invades an area. I have watched our numbers grow here from zero to thousands in just a few weeks. The deaths are horrible and it seems everyday I learn of some person within my personal or professional network who has been infected, hospitalized, or passed away. This is serious. The advice on the retracted letter seems sane, informed, caring, and realistic given the presence of this virus in various parts of this country. We must not sacrifice lives or risk the spread of the COVIT19 Virus for the sake of a privileged vacation. I beg you to follow the guidance from your health officials and chamber do not be afraid to stand with them. Keep the vineyard safe from COVIT19 and alive. I wish none of this was necessary. ...But it is! ...This might be time for the Chamber and the health officials and concerned others to come together and find a way to protect the Vineyard while supporting local businesses. That is your challenge.
I don't see any difference
Rich Vineyard HavenI don't see any difference between Gov Baker's "stay at home" directive and the "14 day self-quarantine" directive. They seem to have the same requirements. If I'm already complying with the "stay at home" directive while off-Island, what more do I need to do when coming to MV? And, if I leave the Island for a day, what happens then?
So you expect those arriving
disgusted mvSo you expect those arriving from elsewhere to quarantine for 14 days, but islanders who go off and return do not have to? You have something special in your blood that makes you immune? That's got to be the most foolish 'we vs them' argument I ever heard. The town didn't forget to send me my property tax bill, excise tax bills on 2 cars and boats, and the 'piece-de-resistance'... my 'personal property tax bill' on my homes furnishings since I don't vote here.
People around here are
Rich Vineyard HavenPeople around here are oblivious to the risks they pose to the mainland population when going off-island, and to the island population upon returning.
It's April and the grocery
Foot Soldier OBIt's April and the grocery shelves are not stocked well. Islanders are rebelling against common sense. The hospital has become the enemy of business profits. Underlying hostilities have become open hatred. I can only imagine what July and August will look like. I'm stuck here for the duration. But for those of you thinking of visiting? It will not be the experience you fondly remember from past visits.
The Hospital and Chamber of
Mike in EdgartownThe Hospital and Chamber of Commerce got it right the first time. There are three new cases on the Island in the past three days--and the summer season hasn't started. The medical resources on the Vineyard are insufficient to manage even a small outbreak, and the only hope of avoiding one is to comply strictly with the quarantine requirement and other protective actions recommended by the medical experts. But now the Hospital and Chamber of Commerce have done an about-face, because of blow-back from "business interests" that are channeling Mayor Larry Vaughn: "Amity is a summer town. . . . You yell 'shark,' we've got a panic on our hands on the Fourth of July." If the "business interests" think an admonition to self-quarantine will keep the tourists away, what they'll get instead will be far worse.
Mike, you bring up valid
Lorraine EdgartownMike, you bring up valid points. The three new cases are a worry; people have been coming to the islands for several months, since the virus news hit, this will explode exponentially when the crowds of people are coming for the summer season. My personal physician said the island is no place to be if the virus hits, there are simply not enough facilities and with an influx of summer people, accidents of all kinds happen and the emergency room is overloaded just on a normal summer season. As a compromised person, I do not wish the local medical facilities to be overloaded if/when I should need emergency room care. I do wish the summer season people would understand this and simply just not come this summer. Also, does anyone really think we should tailor our emergency preparations on the advice from a movie? That is a bit over the top. People will simply not self quarantine. Face facts, not fantasy.
Yearly prepaid summer renter
DEFYearly prepaid summer renter here, been renting the same home on the Vineyard for years now, we are even looking to buy a summer home there, that’s how much we love the Vineyard, the people, etc. It is a VERY special place and should be valued, protected and taken care of with great respect both from a health standpoint and economically.
Here’s my question, I fully understand anyone coming on for long term stay whether you are a summer resident or renter, the 2 week quarantine makes total sense, however, how does this effectively work if the island let’s daily tourists and/ or short term visitors come and go to and from the island? That does just not make sense to quarantine people who are coming there for the summer yet day/ short term visitors are coming and going require no quarantine.
Random thought: for this summer, only let residents, summer home owners, renters that are staying at least 3 weeks or more and all island workers, on the island, I think this will help with the quarantine strategy to be successful and I think it would help businesses reopen safely without being overwhelmed by too many people at once. Restaurants, shops businesses etc could be supported by locals, summer owners, renters for one summer To hopefully keep them afloat yet keeping the island safe and not risking a surge in cases overwhelming the hospital.
I don’t know, just thinking out loud and hoping this entire nightmare is over sooner than later.
Stay safe and healthy!
If restaurants could be
David New EnglandIf restaurants could be supported by just locals more of them would be open during the winter don’t you think? Do you think the servers can live on half earnings if the restaurant is only half or less full? How many locals will even want to go out and be served by someone wearing a mask who you can’t understand because they are wearing a mask. Do we all think we live in some kind of bubble and never ever encounter risk? This keep me safe stuff is astounding.
I've self quaratined in my
Claire BelmontI've self quaratined in my home in Belmont MA since March 7. I have never left the house. But if I come down to open my house for August renters I will be stared at and turned into a pariah. I essentially never leave my long dirt road anyway.
Yes you'll all say "we didn't mean you" or whatever. But having been coming since 1965 and paying taxes since 1976 I already know "I don't belong here." This makes it so much nicer. And I've already put off coming by a month and will still put it off by another. Tell my plumber et Al I'm sorry.
A joint statement by MVH and
CC W TisburyA joint statement by MVH and the MV Chamber of Commerce is completely appropriate, in my opinion. This is a nearly impossible situation facing our community. If visitors bring a spike in cases that strains our medical resources, it WILL have a profound impact on summer business - more than even projected. We need a little perspective here.
1. For summer residents,
TBC1. For summer residents, please come and practice social distancing and common sense.
2.The hospital should recommend to all non-year round residents, if you're not feeling well, return home to your local healthcare provider system.
Be well, be safe.
I do see the point of social
Not getting itI do see the point of social distancing and wearing a mask. But I don't see the point of "quarantining" oneself, that is, staying inside for weeks. With the 14-day quarantine, is the idea that the virus will die out in 14 days? Or that you will become ill within the 14 days and land in the hospital, or, better, just be ill at home so you don't end up picking up a virus or bacterium in the hospital but then you will have some antibodies and can go out again? Or that you won't become ill and no one will ever know whether you have active viruses, dead viruses, antibodies, or none of the above? What happens on day #14? Can anyone explain this to me?
In the absence of testing to establish actual status, quarantining of the non-sick makes no sense to me. I don't understand the assumptions driving a 14-day quarantine of people when they either come to the Island or cross the state line.
Please understand that no one
LNT Vineyard HavenPlease understand that no one is trying to ruin anyone’s business or vacation. The Governor, state and local representatives and other officials are just trying to keep all of us safe. The Island has about a third of its population at risk simply because of how old we are, not including pre-existing conditions, which most people over 65 have to one extent or another. Covid-19 is a serious, unprecedented, and very real threat. The hospital has only 3 ICU beds. Please respect that the medical community knows more than you do.
We are in uncharted waters.
Ben TisburyWe are in uncharted waters. Personal safety and civil liberties are now mutually exclusive. But make no mistake. The Vineyard’s second-home owners, disparagingly described as non-residents, pay the lion’s share of the island’s taxes, and fund its economy – with no say and vote. Going forward, they may use a new calculus to decide where to spend their real estate, tax, and discretionary dollars. The Vineyard needs to deliver a better, kinder, and safer value proposition to second-home owners. Many are older with a host of compromising medical issues, and their privilege, patronage, and money may move to other places without all the us-them aspersions, and where immediate access to medical care is not just a right, it’s a guarantee. Then where will we be?
While I understand all of the
Jkl EdgartownWhile I understand all of the concerns - has anyone be strategic with their the overall concerns - health first , year around islanders , second homeowners . How about considering Implementing delivery services from grocery stores and all local town markets . Restaurant deliveries as well. Maybe social distancing beach trips maybe every other day ? Private beaches can be managed accordingly because there is a fee people pay. How about the million dollar question- are you going to return the rental deposits for all renters for the Season. There is a lot of noise out there that some people were told they are not getting their money back deposit etc, - or you can’t use for 2021 etc. That behavior will get us on the front page of shortsightedness and stupidity. We need to collaborate and not categorize people who visit or second homeowners as enemies and irresponsible. Don’t fool yourselves we have all benefited from the season. Have you asked if the restaurants etc can survive on just year around residents. Trust me if we are not strategic about this with health first then of course the economy you might get your wish which may hurt the businesses that depend on the season. Let’s go back to being a warm community and assume the other people feel the same. You make them sound like irresponsible idiots. Us against them ? Really ? I bet if we shut down the season some of your favorite places would not survive and go out of business. Be careful my fellow islanders.
The saddest part in all this
Ob OnThe saddest part in all this is that so many actually think only outsiders bring this here. How many islanders were leaving the island to go to stores or take a day trip in January, February and March. How many on island actually have it already? Yet, we blame only outsiders as they must have been the ones to bring it here. Our hubris is remarkable I think asking people to stay home when they come and try and bring what they may need for a weekend or 2 weeks or however long they are coming for is simply a good idea. But my God we have split the island in two, although truthfully most of my friends hate anyone who isn’t a year rounder anyway. This is so sad. There is no vaccine and we may not ever get one, so what about next year and the year after that. The letter should say EVERYONE is encouraged to stay home as much as possible and wear masks ands but take out only, this includes us. How many full timers I see walking around without masks ? Plenty! I am so ashamed of the reaction of people.
What about the day trippers?
Nancy Lee West TisburyWhat about the day trippers? You can’t quarantine them!
I think what I will call a
ECS Ft Lauderdale / EdgartownI think what I will call a medically based common sense approach is the operative action.
Everyone will have to pay some of the price and that includes the economy. I suspect seasonal residents with relatively short distances to travel will make the trip. There will probably be a substantial decline in those coming from outside the New England area and those who have to fly – that would be us, we are completely undecided as to whether will come at all.
Typically, Island leaders were AWOL on this issue with regard to a comprehensive plan – stopping construction and land scaping, probably two of the safest endeavors with regard to social distancing, didn’t make much sense particularly with no follow-up summer plan. [Huge amounts of ongoing construction here in Ft Lauderdale never ceased and our curve is well into decline.] [I loved the guy who commented a few weeks ago and wanted require change of contractors from off island companies to on Island only.]
Masks, restaurant spacing, VTA capacity limits, etc. should all have been part of a preventative program.
I would suggest that at the very least day trippers be stopped – car [family] only, no buses. That is the sacrifice vendors, who as one responder pointed have enjoyed years of serious profit [if they are/were successful businesses-many businesses will fail and most probably would have sooner or later anyway and have been supported by QE for years].
With regard to summer rentals, no verified lease with the property owner, no board a SSA boat [its getting late to put the process in place but if some competent people get involved with the requisite authority to organize the staffing and approval process, likely it could still be done. Turn away a few people at the boat and publish it and 100% compliance will appear like magic.
There is no perfect solution and I can’t wait to see the responses to these comments. But the above is the sort of thing that comes to my mind in just a few minutes. Just think what could have been done had the Island had effective leadership.
The alternative is a much higher risk of a real disaster.
BTW way i didn't see anything
ECS Ft Lauderdale / EdgartownBTW way i didn't see anything wrong with CofC letter - it just didn't go far enough, another leadership opportunity lost.
We have to realize the
Sunny side up VHWe have to realize the Vineyard summer is not business as usual. I’ve lived and worked here for a decade. Working with summer residents and year rounders. Weddings are postponed ,beach road concert, the fair, summer camps, etc.
I wish the aggression toward summer residents would stop. How can you blame someone for wanting to come that own homes ? We hope they are cautious and follow the guidelines that are set in most states. We care about the 2%, 20%, or whatever that number could be. No one has the answers to the questions right now. We do know how to be safe and it’s simple formula.
I am always surprised when I
Jonathan EdgartownI am always surprised when I read about "second home owners" and all the myths associated with this class of person. The truth is that we have NO IDEA how the dreaded seasonal resident lives when not on Island, yet we assign all sorts of behaviors to them. We blame them and shame them - constantly for their misdeeds. We even presume to know their thoughts and intentions. Many of us are certain their true characters are are coming to light finally as they consider stepping foot on this Island. We can plainly see they are reckless, ruthless, money grubbing, entitled, and have no regard for personal safety - theirs or anyone else. Yet somehow these monsters support all of our dreams and values year round with wonderful ideas, hard work and remarkable generosity. Who are the real monsters?
I applaud the island people
Concerned Summer Resident ChilmarkI applaud the island people for staying home and keeping the numbers down. I have a business and realize it will suffer this year and maybe even next year. Shut it down and stay home while in the middle of the spike in cases. When the island opens the floodgates, it will spike here as well and we don’t have enough hospital beds nor helicopters to fly people off. Stay home and grow a
garden and buy a fishing pole. We need more positive data from the doctors and scientists before we open up.
My wife and I are looking
Peter V San Fransisco/ChappyMy wife and I are looking forward to spending our first entire summer on MV courtesy of extended work from home. While our home on Chappy is the only residence we own, I could grandstand about RE taxes, etc etc, That said, I don't see the problem with stocking up and quarantining for 2 weeks; wearing a mask on the ferry; etc. etc. For folks that live on island year round and are pushing for opening up sooner than advised by SCIENCE, I don't think you can grasp what's going on off-island..... without being off-island. Everyone is suffering and will be until, likely, 2022. This will NOT be anything close to a normal summer for anyone, anywhere.
Our landlord will not refund
PD MassachusettsOur landlord will not refund us our two weeks. She just sent us this article as evidence that the Island is open for business. So unless we want to lose over $5000, we are coming to MV this summer. Unless a clear policy is made, I’m sure many will be in same “boat”.
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