COVID-19 Update
With the summer season almost upon us, the Chappaquiddick Island Association’s Environmental Committee is providing this brief summary of COVID-19 rates, restrictions, testing and vaccinations on Martha’s Vineyard. The information is as of May 25; because the situation is fluid, check these and other information sources regularly.
• The good news is that Duke’s County has the highest vaccination rates in the commonwealth (63 percent fully vaccinated, 81 percent “first dosed”). The somewhat bad news is that it also has the highest COVID-19 positive rate (8.4 percent), with Edgartown having the highest positivity rate on the island.
• Despite those numbers, the very good news for all of us is that the governor has announced that all industries will be permitted to fully open on May 29. This means that - with the exception of public and private transportation systems, hospitals and other facilities housing vulnerable populations - all masking, gathering and social distancing limits will be lifted (note however that private establishments may set their own masking rules).
• Here on Chappy, the CCC has announced that, in line with CDC policy, those vaccinated may gather without masks, while those who are unvaccinated must wear a mask. Visit http://chappycommunitycenter.org/ for more information.
• Peter Wells reports that masks will still be required on the Chappy Ferry since six-foot social distancing “cannot be assured.” Captains and deckhands will employ the “closed window, torn ticket” technique perfected last summer.
• Testing is available again at the high school, and vaccinations can be had at both the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital (https://mvhospital.org/patients_and_visitor/covid-19-updates/) and the pharmacy at Edgartown’s Stop and Shop (https://pharmacy.stopandshop.com/ma/edgartown/245-vineyard-haven-road).
• There is a state Department of Public Health “mobile vaccine bus” that is scheduled to visit the area again in mid-June; check the Duke’s County and Edgartown websites for more information.
While this will certainly be a more “open” summer than last, continue to be safe and cautious. Happy summer!