SAUGUS – Breakheart State Reservation reopened Tuesday after undergoing an extensive cleaning following the news of a potential COVID-19 exposure among park staff.
In a statement released over the weekend, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced that all park facilities would shutter until further notice after state officials learned an employee had been in close contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.
Although the staff member in question was later determined to be COVID-free, Saugus Public Health Director John Fralick said the measures taken were necessary steps to ensure park visitors and the surrounding community are safe.
“Given the fact that this is an uncertain and unprecedented time, we encourage all entities to err on the side of caution when it comes to the safety of both the employees and patrons of all facilities and establishments here in Saugus,” Fralick said.
He said the DCR notified town officials immediately, moving quickly to shut down operations while cleaning crews conducted a thorough sanitization of all park facilities.
“We’ve been in contact with Breakheart and … they’re following all proper protocols for follow-up, including assisting with contact tracing and proper sterilization procedures,” Fralick said. “Regardless of whether it’s an indoor or outdoor facility, we need to make sure we’re taking utmost precautions when it comes to COVID-19, (and) we’d like to thank Breakheart for taking these precautions.”
Breakheart’s closure comes two weeks after Saugus was determined by the state to be a “high risk” municipality for COVID-19 exposure. The town has since dipped back into the “moderate risk” zone, but Town Manager Scott Crabtree said residents should expect to see their status change in coming weeks and months as state and local officials determine the best ways to control the virus.
“People have to understand that these actions are needed to combat the spread of the virus,” he said. “(Breakheart) closing and taking precautions through contact tracing is what needs to happen, and it’s what’s happening in all communities. Unfortunately, the virus continues to spread, and we have to continue to be diligent.”
