Published September 16, 2020
Last week should be a wake up call for residents, especially those not taking COVID-19 seriously.
The town was informed on Sept. 9 that the Massachusetts COVID-19 Command Center designated Lynnfield as a “red” community due to 18 cases of the novel coronavirus being diagnosed from Aug. 23 to Sept. 5. The town was previously classified as a “yellow” community after alternating between “gray” and “green” earlier this summer.
“Red is the highest risk category and indicates an increased prevalence in community spread of COVID-19,” said Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director Glenn Davis during a Sept. 10 press conference.
While this designation is serious, it does not require residents to take drastic measures such as staying in quarantine 24/7. The town and the commonwealth remain in Phase 3 of Gov. Charlie Baker’s reopening plan.
The designation does, however, affirm the need for all residents and businesses to maintain vigilance and conform to the current recommended practices:
• Maintain social distancing.
• Wear a face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained.
• Practice good hygiene, including frequent hand-washing,
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Follow the governor’s guidance on gatherings.
• If you are sick or are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms stay at home, call your primary care physician and get tested.
Davis said there haven’t been any major events in Lynnfield that triggered the increase in COVID-19 cases. However, he told the School Committee he has “seen people on social media having get-togethers, graduation parties and outside weddings.”
“Those are the things we can’t do,” said Davis. “The governor’s guidance this week was if you have to get together, keep it small, keep it short and stay separated. Those are the key items we need to remember.”
Town Administrator Rob Dolan agreed.
“For 18 days, we had zero cases,” said Dolan. “In the last 14 days, we had 18 cases. I think that speaks to self-reflection for where we are.”
Davis and Dolan are absolutely correct. Over the course of the summer, we have observed a number of residents going about their lives as if the pandemic was in the rearview mirror. We certainly wish it was, but unfortunately that is not the case. There have been recent backyard bashes around the state, including in Lynnfield, as people have tried to have some fun during a terrible year. We certainly encourage people to have fun, but do so responsibly.
Unfortunately, a number of people have not been responsible and that decision has resulted in the schools’ hybrid reopening plan getting pushed back and has put Lynnfield High School’s fall sports season in jeopardy. The kids in this town have lost a lot over the past year, and it would be unfortunate if they continue to miss out on making childhood memories because adults acted irresponsibly.
COVID-19 has been an American tragedy that has resulted in over 190,000 deaths, including 11 in Lynnfield. North Shore Music Theatre General Manager Karen Nascembeni survived a horrifying battle with the novel coronavirus and tragically lost her beloved husband Steven Richard, father-in-law Earl Richard and friend Don Kelley to COVID-19.
During a Greater Beverly Chamber of Commerce Zoom teleconference presentation last month, Nascembeni encouraged people to follow the safety protocols recommended by the state and CDC.
“You do not want to have your niece make you a mask for your husband’s funeral with his initials on it,” said Nascembeni while holding up the mask. “I love this and I treasure this, and I hope you never have to have one made.”
If residents follow the words of wisdom offered by Davis, Dolan and Nascembeni, Lynnfield will be out of the red sooner than later. But it is going to take a community effort to make that happen.
