The Town of Lynnfield is talking tough about the coronavirus pandemic. In short, if residents don’t follow the rules, they may have to open their wallets and pay the price.
In a recent COVID-19 update posted on the town’s website, Lynnfield Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director Glenn Davis asked town residents to be vigilant in taking important safety measures to fend off future spikes in the number of positive cases. He issued a dire warning that there will be serious consequences for those who don’t, asking residents to report any violations of state COVID-19 guidelines and regulations and CDC guidelines to the Lynnfield Police Department (781-334-3132).
“Failure to comply and/or cooperate with local police may result in a fine of up to $500 per Massachusetts COVID-19 regulations,” Davis said.
Town Administrator Rob Dolan said the towns of Newburyport and Winthrop have already implemented plans to fine residents who do not comply with state regulations,
“The state authorizes communities to fine violators, but that’s just one tool in the toolbox,” he said. “Those two towns have decided to get serious with serious offenders and send a message that there might be consequences. It certainly would be the case with those who are reckless or those who may be out of line on a regular basis.”
From early September through the first week of October, Lynnfield, twice, was determined to be a red community . Davis said that while the number of positive cases has decreased, shifting the town’s risk level from high-risk (red) to moderate-risk (yellow) as of Wednesday, Lynnfield’s numbers are still higher than the state’s average.
“(Wednesday), the Commonwealth released its weekly public health report, and it shows our efforts have had a positive impact,” Davis said. “Our efforts to protect our family and friends are having an impact, but we need to continue the work to stop COVID-19 (and) keep improving and keep our guard up.”
In an Oct. 6 COVID Q & A video with Davis and Dolan, Davis said the most commonly-asked questions, in order, are about gatherings and parties, masks and testing sites.
“The newest change made by the governor is that if there are 10 or more people at a gathering, all persons in attendance over the age of five must wear a mask regardless of separation,” Davis said. “This applies indoors and outdoors and to private residences. Any time there’s 10 or more people together, you must wear a face covering.”
Davis reminded residents that the closest testing sites are in Lynn, Salem and Saugus and some are free. He is encouraging anyone with symptoms or who may have been exposed to get tested. Area-testing sites can be found at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stop-the-spread‘
“As a moderate-risk community, it remains critically important for all residents to follow state regulations and CDC best practices to allow us to continue our hybrid school model for our children, keep playgrounds and recreation open, support local business and, perhaps, save a life,” Davis said.
Dolan agreed that there is a lot at stake.
“The continuation of our hybrid model in the schools, which our children are really thriving in right now, youth sports that have done a great job, access to different functions, that’s what’s at stake,” he said. “Because (we had) red status, we have not been able to participate in the expanded freedoms under the governor’s second phase of Phase 3, which would really help our local businesses and allow you and your family to enjoy the things that so many other communities are able to enjoy.”
Dolan said the key point regarding gatherings is simply to follow the rules.
“It is not against the law to have family gatherings and parties, but it is critical to follow the governor’s rules. If we follow these regulations, we certainly will be advancing forward for our children and our lives ourselves.”
Davis advised those who have any questions about these orders or state guidelines to please call the Lynnfield COVID information helpline at (781) 334-8141.
