Published May 27, 2020
By DAN TOMASELLO
LYNNFIELD — The town slowing began reopening this week after the COVID-19 virus pandemic forced the state to go into lockdown for over two months.
During a May 20 press conference, Town Administrator Rob Dolan recalled that Gov. Charlie Baker released a four-phase plan seeking to reopen the economy last week.
“It’s a slow, methodical reopening,” said Dolan. “What is good about that is that every city and town in the commonwealth are following the same rules as it pertains to youth sports, restaurants, beauty salons and barbershops.”
Fire Chief/Emergency Management Director Glenn Davis noted that Baker updated his stay-at-home advisory to a safer-at-home advisory.
“It has similar guidelines,” said Davis. “All residents are still required to cover their mouth or nose when they cannot maintain that 6-foot social distance in public. Masks or face coverings are required in all retail establishments and Town Hall.”
While the state and town have begun reopening, Davis said there were 91 cases of the novel coronavirus in Lynnfield as of last Friday.
“The good news with this is approximately 45 of those 90 cases have recovered and are no longer active cases,” said Davis. “Sadly, 11 residents have died in town.”
Davis noted 14 residents in the 20 to 29 age group have tested positive for COVID-19. He said there have been four cases in the age 10 to 19 age group.
“Adolescents are able to contract and share this virus,” said Davis. “We need to be aware of that. These tend to be kids home from college who are getting tired of staying home, and want to hang out with their friends. The single hardest hit age group in town was people between the ages of 50 to 59, which have had a total of 19 cases.”
Davis said the town’s remaining COVID-19 cases are people age 60 and older.
Reopening plans
Dolan noted Town Hall reopened to the public on Tuesday, May 26. He said residents will need to make an appointment in order to meet with a department head or a municipal employee. Residents can make an appointment by calling or emailing the department they wish to visit.
“We are excited to get back,” said Dolan.
Assistant Town Administrator Bob Curtin agreed.
“I think this will go very smoothly,” he said.
Dolan said no dates have been set for reopening the Lynnfield Public Library or the Lynnfield Senior Center. He anticipates it will take longer for the Senior Center to reopen to the public than the library.
Fields, parks, tennis courts and the middle school track were reopened on Monday as part of Baker’s phase one plan.
“There is some leniency under phase one,” said Dolan. “There cannot be youth sports, scrimmages or organized practices. But you can play catch with your son or you can throw a football around. Phase two will allow formal practices for sports such as soccer or Little League, but there can’t be games or scrimmages. Phase three will allow games, scrimmages and formal competition of all types.”
Dolan said the town’s basketball courts and playgrounds remain closed. Davis added that large group gatherings of over 10 people are still prohibited.
Lynnfield Recreation Director Julie Mallett stated in a Facebook post that she and the Recreation Commission are “working very closely” with the Emergency Management Team while reviewing Baker’s plan.
“Lynnfield Rec will continue to review guidelines, protocols and mandates, with an eye toward providing our outdoor Summer Rec and Rec Jr. camps, and skills and activities programs,” stated Mallett. “Lynnfield Rec will not be able to offer any of the adventure trips this summer.”
Mallett also noted Baker was expected to announce summer camp guidelines this week.
“At that time, we shall review the feasibility to prepare for each protocol,” stated Mallett. “Lynnfield Rec will provide notice upon the opening of Rec summer programs registration.”
Superintendent Jane Tremblay said school officials are still trying to figure out if Lynnfield Community Schools will be offering Summer of Fun Activities (SOFA) camps this summer.
Dolan encouraged residents to utilize curbside services offered by local businesses and to get takeout from the town’s restaurants currently offering it. He also said residents will be able to get their hair cut at either a barbershop or beauty salon this week.
“Shop local and keep them going,” he said.
Dolan urged residents to use “common sense practices” such as wearing face masks and practicing social distancing during phase one.
“There is hope in the air,” said Dolan. “There is a responsibility for government, business and citizens to work together so that phase one lasts only three weeks and phase two only lasts three weeks so we can get to a better place.”
