Published March 25, 2020
LYNNFIELD — With the COVID-19 pandemic turning the world upside down, local officials are urging residents to practice “social distancing.”
Town Administrator Rob Dolan stated during a March 18 press conference that state, federal and world health officials are urging people “to keep safe distances from one another” if they venture out into public.
“It’s a preventative measure,” said Dolan.
Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director Glenn Davis offered some words of wisdom while encouraging people to practice social distancing.
“If you go out, avoid crowds, stay 6-feet away from each other, don’t shake hands and don’t hug each other,” said Davis. “Call or FaceTime in order to check on friends and loved ones.”
Dolan recalled that the town’s fields, parks and playgrounds are closed to the public in order to prevent large groups from gathering.
“It’s critically important that you respect that,” said Dolan.
Dolan also encouraged residents not to invite friends and neighbors over for get-togethers.
“People are doing a great job, but there are some trends that are concerning for not only us, but also other communities in Massachusetts,” said Dolan. “If your neighbor says, ‘lets bring everyone in the neighborhood over my house and we can have a barbecue or order pizza.’ That sounds great, but we are asking you not to do it.”
Dolan also encouraged residents not to invite their children’s friends over to play wiffleball or to bring them down to a field to play sports.
“Please don’t do that,” said Dolan.
Davis recalled that Gov. Charlie Baker, President Donald Trump, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health have urged people to avoid large crowds and social gatherings.
“This is where we are now,” said Davis. “We are closing businesses and retail establishments. We are asking people to socially distance. The way we spread this disease is having direct contact with each other, especially in large crowds.”
Davis encouraged residents to cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze.
“Stay home if you’re sick,” said Davis. “Protect others who are most at-risk. This might not be for you, but this is for the person you are coming in contact with. Seniors with underlying conditions are more susceptible to this disease. That is why we are practicing social distancing.”
Dolan noted the pandemic has caused a lot of high school and college students to feel “antsy” because they are stuck at home. He said there have been some students who have been hanging out with friends at public places.
“In their minds, they feel they are invincible,” said Dolan. “And a lot of them are going out in groups. They are saying they’re perfectly healthy, and don’t think they can get it. But what (health experts) are finding out is that age group are catching it, not showing symptoms, and are passing it off to a parent or grandparent. That is indirectly causing a lot of issues. We are asking parents to have those conversations with those members of your family.”
Davis concurred with Dolan’s viewpoint.
“It’s not only for your health, but the health of others,” said Davis. “If you have a senior relative living with you, you don’t want to bring it home to them. Seniors are the ones who are most susceptible. We need to stop the spread of this disease.”
