As coronavirus numbers continue to skyrocket statewide, Vineyarders are bracing for the pandemic spread on Island. The Vineyard confirmed a third positive Covid-19 test in Dukes County Saturday.
As coronavirus numbers continue to skyrocket statewide, Vineyarders are bracing for the pandemic spread on Island. The Vineyard confirmed a third positive Covid-19 test in Dukes County Saturday.
Tisbury health agent Maura Valley confirmed the case, but was unable to provide further details.
Hospital RN Helen Green manned entrance to the emergency room Saturday.
Hospital RN Helen Green manned entrance to the emergency room Saturday.
Statewide, confirmed cases of the virus continue to rise. On Sunday the Massachusetts Department of Public Health reported 698 new cases for a total of 4,955. There were four new deaths, bringing the total to 48.
Confirmed cases for Nantucket and Dukes counties now total eight.
The Nantucket Cottage Hospital is reporting daily on the number of confirmed cases on its website.
The Martha’s Vineyard Hospital does daily briefings by email but not on the weekends, leaving gaps in available information about the number of cases for Martha’s Vineyard as the pandemic emergency unfolds.
Edgartown health agent Matt Poole, who is also a member of the Chilmark board of health, said Saturday that the numbers for confirmed cases are tallied daily for the Vineyard by the Island boards of health. But he said the numbers don’t always show the whole picture.
“The boards of health are always investigating new possible cases and point of contact information that may not reflect the DPH numbers,” Mr. Poole said.
WIth a stay-at-home order in effect Islandwide, the Vineyard was blanketed in quiet through the weekend, with rain and wind moving in on Sunday, adding to the shuttered mood.
Gov. Charlie Baker announced Friday morning that the state would be instructing all travelers to the commonwealth, regardless of their health and symptoms, to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Governor Baker said New York has seen a surge in cases, and urged any traveler with symptoms to avoid coming to the state.
Travelers coming to the state would be given information flyers at major transportation hubs like Logan Airport and South Station, as well as on turnpike and roadside message boards, he said.
Eerily empty at Vineyard Haven SSA terminal Friday afternoon.
Eerily empty at Vineyard Haven SSA terminal Friday afternoon.
Transportation workers, public safety officials and health care professionals are exempt from the requirement.
Questioned about enforcement, Governor Baker said there would not be a penalty. “I would call it at this point instruction and advisory,” he said. “There is no enforcement mechanism.”
Over the weekend there was still no official word back from Governor Baker after all six Island towns and Nantucket delivered a letter protesting a statement from the governor’s office that they had exceeded their authority by enacting construction bans.
Town officials are asking residents to honor the construction ban pending a resolution of the issue with the state.
Comments
I have not been to the
Roy Handler West Caldwell, NJI have not been to the Vineyard in years but as someone who grew up on the Vineyard in the 70's and 80's when we were just living life and social media was a distant thought, I do have a observation.
The time for debate has passed us by. It is here and together as one, we have to figure it out. Arguing will not solve the spreading of this virus. The only thing that will shut it off is cutting off travel. This whole mess started with someone getting on an airplane. Shut it down for 3 weeks---everything--airport--steamship authority and this goes for the country. If we can't spend 3 weeks at home for a virus--that is a very sad statement. Just do it, stop blaming others, shut everything down except grocery, medical and gas. This is our moment as a country. We will be defined at this moment in time. Are we a country that throws stones at each other or are we a country that comes together as one and rises above the useless rhetoric?
I do think it is the job of the President to lead the country but absence of that the people determine right and wrong. End of story
I have sadly been in the ER
Erin B. EdgrtowmI have sadly been in the ER and GOD love those there!! I was moved through very swiftly to the HIGH Risk Room. I was locked in, with one Nurse prepping me and doing the best he could will all that PPE he was wearing. You can't imagine the fear they have inside and my fear. I was dropped off not knowing how what was next. MVH BRAVO!! I was moved through via phone, then when can you get to the Hospital? 15/20 minutes, ok they will be ready for you! I came with my one hand sanitizer double masked. After the nurse did my EKG, started my IV and entered all the data, he left and then the Doctor entered.... she couldn't listen to my lungs due to her protective PPE..... knowing where I was in the past two weeks and all of my symptoms, I was tested for the virus. Yes its uncomfortable, given my symptoms it was a piece of cake! When all the standard Lab panels work was back & negative., was given the how to's and to go home.DO NOT LEAVE 14 days! I feel my age will get me through this. I will hear by TUESDAY! Symptoms at home are getting worse daily but manageable so FAR!
I'm not even 50. I think of the recklessness of 5 men on a roof on South Water street (EDG), once the stay in order was in place, and I'm sickened. We all need money and work but what it will it matter if everyone doesn't separate!! I don't want that blood stain on my consensus, that I didn't do my part by staying in!!!
Its SO real take it seriously!
PLEASE, the staff is exhausted, rightfully so!
Best of luck to all that ARE NOT distancing!
Get well soon! Those that are
ZephyrGet well soon! Those that are not distancing need not only luck but to be aware that they are putting the rest of us at risk and not just themselves. Everyone needs to distance and not go anywhere except for essential needs. Stay home, save lives.
Spot on Mr. Handler! Jim, as
Martha Dunham Vineyard HavenSpot on Mr. Handler! Jim, as a child growing up in Western Mass I remember Moms' stories about the 1918 Pandemic. " There was a little bird and his name was Enza, I opened up the window and Influenza". This was popular for us reciting when we were jumping rope. The story of the Mother who put her son on the train to boot camp never to be seen again having died in boot camp from the Spanish Flu and buried in a mass grave with other soldiers. Hard times but we endured and we can and will again. I'm 81 and have seen some hard times but I can handle a few more and plan on it.
To Governor Charlie Baker,
Island Born Island Raised VHTo Governor Charlie Baker, the signs “asking” out of state travelers to “self quarantine” IS NOT ENOUGH. These travelers are ignoring their own cities stay at home orders, most likely spreading the virus and putting us, our limited emergency service personnel and large population of elderly in grave danger. We do not have the resources here to treat them AND protect our seniors and emergency personnel. They are not bringing supplies or quarantining and are shopping in stores unprotected putting everyone in our community at much higher risk. By allowing travel to the Vineyard you are condemning us all especially our seniors. PLEASE SHUT THE BOATS AND AIRPORT DOWN to all non-essential travel. The president is backing other governors initiating restrictions on traveling New Yorkers. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced a policy targeting travelers from New York. Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced restrictions on travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and New Orleans. Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo has dispatched the National Guard to go door to door in the coastal communities to ask people if they visiting from New York and informing them of a mandatory 14-day quarantine. Out of state travelers who have traveled to the island in the past 3 weeks to date should be identified, contacted in person and forced to quarantine. ALL new travelers to the island should also be identified and forced to quarantine.
Trump considers ‘enforceable quarantine’ for N.Y, N.J. And parts of Connecticut.
https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html
The attacks on New Yorkers
Vicki chilmarkThe attacks on New Yorkers who are coming to the Vineyard is not only callous and cruel, but misplaced. I challenge any of you who live in an area suffering as NYC is to NOT get in the car and head to a second home elsewhere, including the Vineyard, if you are fortunate to have one. These people are trying to save themselves and their family from disease and possible death. What do you expect them to do?
Have some empathy for God's sake. It is not all about you.
Elderly and immuno
Sylvia Edgartown, MAElderly and immuno-compromised should consider leaving the Vineyard and staying with family if possible, or renting elsewhere if they can afford it.
Apropos of nothing (and
Sara Piazza EdgartownApropos of nothing (and everything), I'm glad that Stop & Shop has finally acknowledged that most of the reusable bags that people bring back into the store are filthy, a point I tried to make during the plastic bag ban debate. The cloth bags that can be washed regularly are okay, but the reusable bags that they sell at the store (for high profit and they aren't even as ecological as the one-time-use bags were) are not washable. With or without coronavirus, once this thing is done, it's time to rethink our having ditched the sanitary one-time-use plastic bag. There are many other priorities at the moment, but there are also a lot of things to learn during this time, including our increased kindness and patience with one another, an and how to not take for granted what we have, realizing that everything can disappear in a moment's notice. See you all on the other side. This too shall pass. Sara
Standard tests were negative
Erin B. EdgStandard tests were negative the COVID-19 takes 3/4 for days and they call you to advise you. As I left it was you have it given all your symptoms and locations you were, I was told I am 99% positive ..... then your head doesn’t shut off while you wait and drink as much fluids as possible. PEOPLE JUST SEPARATE please!!
Thank you for sharing your
Jennifer EDGThank you for sharing your story and bringing to light the wonderful care you received at MVH. I hope your symptoms continue to improve and that you are feeling well soon. And that the sun comes out!
Thank you Vineyard gazette
Right Whale Hooter NuoyThank you Vineyard gazette for keeping us updated with factual news. Are there any updates on when more widespread testing might become available ? This would enable us to get any positives in quarantine and try to slow community spread. Also thank you to our community leaders, hospital administration and health care workers for doing the best you can in an unprecedented situation, your hard work and dedication to our community is not going unnoticed. Stay home, stop the spread !
What will you say when its
Jason Cray Oak BluffsWhat will you say when its 150 cases? What will you say when one of you friends die or family? Will you then deny others the right to live so you can go to work.The lumber yards will remain closed. Their yard crew has kids and parents,grandparents and wives some with asthma and other underlying medical issues.We are one,untitled against an invisible enemy.
Don't side with the enemy.
SSG Cray Iraq vet. Retired
God bless us, everyone.
Add new comment