LYNNFIELD — It may be hard to believe, but two of the town’s most popular community events — the annual Memorial Day parade and celebration, and the 4th of July 5k Road Race — might actually take place this year.
Town Administrator Rob Dolan and Fire Chief/Emergency Management Team (EMT) Director Glenn Davis shared the good news during a COVID-19 update last Thursday.
“It’s been a while since giving our last COVID update, but things seem to be going in the right direction in terms of the numbers here in Lynnfield,” Dolan said.”Hopefully in August this will all be in the rearview mirror and we are back to normal, but nothing is certain as it will all depend on public health data.”
The town is outperforming state averages when it comes to the percentages of older people who are fully vaccinated. Davis reported that, as of Friday, 93 percent of residents 65 and over are fully vaccinated, which he said is “fantastic.”
Statewide, only 76 percent of residents in the same group are vaccinated. For residents 18 and up, Lynnfield is slightly ahead of the state with a 48 percent vaccination rate compared to 43 percent. In addition, more than 95 percent of residents have received at least one dose, he said.
“That is really exciting news,” Davis said. “People need to know there are thousands of available appointments. Our advice is to get pre-registered, get online and get vaccinated.”
Dolan noted that while public health data continues to be trending in a positive direction, the town had seven new cases attributed to April vacation travel.
“That speaks to the fact that we are heading in the right direction, but we still need people maintaining all the practices we have been focusing on this year,” Dolan said.
Davis said he was not surprised by what he called “a little blip,” adding that, despite the uptick, the most recent 14-day data (24 cases) has been “really good, with the lowest numbers we have had since last November.”
Lynnfield had 1,198 reported cases and 29 deaths as of May 3.
The duo also reviewed the governor’s latest changes in state guidance, making it clear that Friday’s lifting of mandatory mask wearing while in outdoor spaces does not apply when social distancing cannot be observed.
“As long as it’s not a sponsored event and six-feet social distancing can be observed, masks are not needed,” Davis said. “When I’m walking my dog at 5:30 a.m. on Summer Street by myself, I don’t have to wear a mask. Prior to Friday, I did.”
Dolan said the relaxation also does not apply to youth sports or organized public gatherings.
“When you are at a youth soccer or Little League game, I know it’s hard but you must wear a mask even if you can socially distance. Just follow the rules and don’t give coaches or league officials a hard time. Work with our youth groups so we can have really positive spring and summer sports seasons.”
Starting May 10, road races will be allowed but with strict conditions, one of them being staggered starts. In addition, amusement, theme and water parks can open at 50 percent capacity. Large venues, such as arenas, stadiums and ballparks, will increase their capacities to 25 percent, up from 12 percent.
“Road races, like tournaments and jamborees, are big fundraisers for many communities,” Dolan said. “The means by which are a little odd, but I think we would be supportive of our 4th of July race (provided necessary approvals are obtained). That’s a real positive for us.”
Necessary approvals include permission from the Select Board as well as making sure safety plans are approved by the Board of Health and EMT.
With the potential to relax additional guidelines under Phase 4, Step 2 as early as May 29, Davis feels Lynnfield may begin seeing town-wide events, such as street festivals and parades, soon.
“We could potentially close down the Common for a Memorial Day celebration,” he said. “We’re not sure what it will look like, but it opens the door to be able to do those things again.”
Dolan said the MarketStreet retail center will get a huge boost as early as May 29, when bar and restaurant restrictions are softened — or, in some cases, eliminated.
“It will be possible to be able to buy a drink without having to order food, so bars and beer gardens will benefit,” he said. “And by August 1, if things keep trending forward, basically everything opens up, but maybe with social distancing in some cases. But, who knows? Maybe everything will open up.”
Dolan and Davis stressed the importance of continuing to follow the rules to ensure reopening occurs as planned.
“An individual may not like the rules, but our responsibility is when the governor or CDC — through the governor or president — makes the rules, we certainly expect and hope that you will do the responsible thing and follow them.
“We can debate for hours what is appropriate and what isn’t, but such is life,” Dolan said. “When rules are made, people are expected to follow them.
“We’ve come a long way, and we need to keep doing good things,” Davis said.
