Mayor Holaday's COVID-19 Update June 4, 2020
Mayor Donna D. Holaday
COVID-19 UPDATE
June 4, 2020
Good afternoon everyone and thank you for listening in on this latest COVID-19 update. I feel it’s especially important today to address the protests and civil unrest in cities across America surrounding the murder of George Floyd. Sadly, this horrible tragedy was one of countless tragedies to befall people of color across the United States. As your Mayor, and on behalf of our City Marshall Mark Murray, we emphatically denounce the actions of the four Minneapolis police officers. In Newburyport, we strive to be a safe, welcoming and tolerant community for all. Our police officers are specifically trained not to employ the violent and dangerous methods that killed Mr. Floyd. We join in the collective sorrow felt around the nation and hope leaders across our country can engage in constructive actions to make the necessary changes to prevent another unwarranted loss of life.
We fully support the right of our citizens to peacefully assemble and make their thoughts, feeling and grievances known. There have been several protests in downtown Newburyport, and we thank you for these peaceful demonstrations. Residents who are seeking more information on Newburyport’s inclusion efforts and those who find themselves angry, confused or in need of services are encouraged to visit the Newburyport Human Rights Commission website at https://www.cityofnewburyport.com/human-rights-commission or email nbptcdt@gmail.com.
So many Newburyporters have been affected by COVID- 19, and I am pleased to announce the kick off of a Rental Assistance Program that will provide funds for residents of Newburyport who are unable to pay residential rent due to circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The City of Newburyport is partnering with The Pettengill House, Inc., who will administer the program. Qualified households are eligible for up to 3 months of rental assistance, with a maximum monthly dollar amount of $1,500, for a total of $4,500 per household. Applications and information on how to qualify for the program for the program may be found on The Pettengill House, Inc. website at www.pettengillhouse.org
We have been focused on phase one of the state’s reopening plan, called “start”, now in its third week of a four phased plan. This past Monday, an executive order issued a detailed list of what businesses can reopen in Phase Two. Phase Two, titled “Cautious”, will be much broader than Phase One. Retail stores, malls, outdoor dining, childcare and other industries will be allowed to get back to business, all with varying levels of restrictions.
According to the three-week minimum timeframe for each phase, the earliest Phase two can start is this coming Monday, June 8. The decision will be made by the Governor this weekend using the latest health data metrics surrounding the virus. Overall, the state continues to report favorable results and encouraging signs, but these will be put to the test as more and more people begin returning to work, enjoying the warm weather, returning to familiar and communal spaces.
However, I want to emphasize to everyone that we simply cannot lose focus on preventing the virus’s spread. I implore all our residents to continue social distancing and wear face coverings as common practice. As hard as it is to adapt, this is what we need to do for the foreseeable future. Wearing face coverings in public is the way we are going to be able to open our city in the coming weeks and months. We are hearing that some of us are not doing this – on the streets, on the rail trail, the boardwalk, the parks, and the beaches. We also have noted group gathering- this is still not permitted. Yet this is happening, and unfortunately from all kinds of residents - children, teens, young adults, and seniors. We need to be better.
These two key defenses to the virus are very much part of reopening and are contingent on our ability to gain back some of the normalcy we have lost for some time. We currently have 30 active cases of COVID-19 in the community. In total, there have been 80 positive cases of Newburyport residents; that is an increase in 5 cases this week. In comparison to other communities, these numbers indicate that we have been able to mitigate the spread of the virus, but we must continue to be vigilant.
The beaches on Plum Island and the public parking lot are open. The Parker River Refuge remains accessible on foot, as the refuge continues to work on a reopening plan which may occur next week in accordance with Federal guidelines. Our parks are open, for walking, hiking, biking, running and other activities such as yoga and tai chi. Athletic fields, tennis and basketball courts are open for non-contact activities only. The rail trail, boardwalk, and other open spaces remain open for walking, hiking, biking, and exercise. PLEASE wear a mask and social distance. Under Phase two, we will open playgrounds, splashpads, and the skate park. Please contact our Parks department at newburyportparks.com for information regarding requests surrounding Phase 2 activities in Newburyport’s varied park spaces. Outdoor and indoor sports athletic facilities will be also be allowed to open provided all safety measures in the guidelines can be followed. All facility and activity organizers must have implementation and safety plans in place prior to opening as part of Phase 2.
Restaurants will be opening in Phase 2 for outdoor dining, as long as they can operate at limited capacity and follow disinfection and social distancing requirements. Procedures for them to bring staff back and scale up their operations to prepare for opening are being finalized. Our inns and other lodgings are also allowed to open however events, functions and meetings are not permitted in Phase 2.
We are working with our local businesses to support them in every way possible. We continue to identify ways to utilize our open and public spaces to help encourage outdoor retailing and dining downtown and bring customers back. Details are actively being worked on with our sector group and Economic Re-opening Committee. We need to understand and assess all the consequences before we make drastic changes to our downtown and ensure equity for the maximum number of businesses. Plans will be announced as soon as completed and shortly thereafter when Phase 2 opens.
The list of enterprises that can meet all of the conditions specified to open in Phase 2 is fairly extensive and listed on the reopening Massachusetts website, mass.gov/reopening. I urge all Newburyport businesses to visit the site and download all the forms and checklists associated with your industry sector. Businesses will need a reopening plan and all the proper documentation available in order to reopen. Please help us reopen our local economy safely and responsibly.
All large-scale events in Newburyport have been cancelled for the summer, but we hope to see some changes in Phase 3 with limitations to gatherings and social distancing. We also hope our arts and cultural organizations can open in some capacities, in addition to our recreation and leisure entities and organizations, while still prioritizing the safety of people while celebrating community.
In accordance with the Governor's re-opening plan, youth programs
and day camps will be allowed to run beginning in Phase 2. We have anxiously been awaiting the guidelines in preparation of reopening of recreational amps, programs, and childcare. This took time as the Department of Public Health worked closely with the CDC, stakeholders, and local health departments to develop solutions that balanced the needs of children and families with public heath and safety. Standards and protocols for health and safety have now been developed to minimize the risk of COVID-19 to children, youth, and staff in childcare settings. Feel free to reach out to your preferred organizations and centers for these services and their plans to help you make informed decisions.
You can visit the Newburyport Youth Services website to review all of the steps we have taken, and for an overview of our offerings and programming for the summer.
We are also pleased to announce the reopening of our public library as part of Phase 2. The library has developed a phased reopening plan beginning with a curbside pickup service of reserved materials that began on Wednesday, June 3rd that will take place in the patio area on Harris Street. Patio pickup will be available from 9:30am to 4:30pm Monday through Saturday. You can call the library at 978-465-4428 or use our online and virtual resources available through the website at www.newburyportpl.org. We look forward to seeing you at the Patio Pickup.
Newburyport City Hall and other municipal buildings will remain closed to the public, as we complete our plans for all employees to return to regular work schedules by June 15. Since the state prohibition against gatherings of more than ten people remains in effect, all city public meetings and hearings will continue to be conducted remotely until further notice. This includes City Council and School Committee meetings. We are also working on a plan to open city hall to the public with restricted hours by July 6.
Lastly, and on a most positive and high note, we wish to say congratulations to Newburyport High School Class of 2020 who will never forget this senior year. You abruptly were sent home in March and found yourselves studying remotely throughout the remaining year sacrificing so many of the traditions that accompany the closure of your public school years. You have shown tremendous strength and resilience and I wish each of you great success. I look forward to standing on the steps of NHS on Sunday, June 7th with Superintendent Sean Gallagher and Principal Andrew Wulf to pass out your diplomas. If you can, please come out and show your support!
Thank you to all of you. Be safe and stay well.