Travel, Testing Guidelines on Martha’s Vineyard, Questions and Answers
A list of answers to frequently asked questions for visitors and returning residents.
Here is a list of answers to frequently asked questions for visitors and part-time residents about travel and testing during the coronavirus emergency. It will be updated as new information becomes available. If you have a question that you would like answered, email [email protected] and we will try to answer it in this column.
Current information on restaurants and other businesses that are operating can be found in What's Open, What's Closed on Martha's Vineyard.
What are the rules for people arriving from out of state?
Anyone arriving in Massachusetts is required to fill out a Massachusetts Travel Form and quarantine for 14 days unless they are coming from a state determined to be lower risk or can produce proof of a negative Covid-19 test administered not more than 72 hours before arrival. As of Dec. 9, only Hawaii was considered lower risk. Anyone failing to comply is subject to a fine of up to $500 a day.
Are ferries running normally?
Steamship Authority ferries are running daily from early morning to late evening. For up-to-date schedules, visit steamshipauthority.com/schedules. Patriot Party Boats runs a year-round passenger and small freight shuttle between Falmouth and Oak Bluffs, and offers after-hours water taxi service (https://www.patriotpartyboats.com/water-shuttle/).
Where can I stay?
Hotels, inns and lodging services like Airbnb are open and allowed to operate with strict cleaning requirements in place. They are also required to inform guests at the time of reservation and at the time of check in of the 14-day quarantine requirement and travel form for most out-of-state travelers. Minimum periods of separation between rentals are also required for lodging services.
Will I be welcome when I get to the Island?
Yes, as long as you join the Island community in observing state and local guidelines, including wearing masks in public, social distancing at all times and keeping dogs on leashes. Effective Nov. 6, everyone in Massachusetts is required to wear a face covering in public, even when they are six feet or more from another person. An advisory from Gov. Charlie Baker effective Nov. 6 also limits the size of gatherings and asks people to stay at home between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
Are restaurants open?
Many Island restaurants are open for carry-out and outdoor dining, with a smaller number offering limited indoor dining with strict social distancing. A few offer home delivery. Some seasonal restaurants have closed or have limited their hours. Our feature, What’s Open and What’s Closed on Martha’s Vineyard, is updated daily.
What about grocery stores, shops and farm stands?
All the Island grocery stores are open except for Up-Island Cronig’s. Face coverings are required for all market attendees. Many Island farmstands are open with different rules for ordering and pickup. Pharmacies and most retail stores are also open.
Are buses and taxis operating?
Vineyard Transit Authority buses run seven days a week. The VTA sanitizes its buses daily and has hand sanitizer stations aboard each vehicle. Schedules are posted at www.vineyardtransit.com/bus-route-schedules.
Taxi services also are operating. Masks are required on all bus, taxi and share rides such as Lyft and Uber.
Are public restrooms available?
Yes, there are public restrooms in each of the Island towns. The Steamship Authority bathrooms are available year-round.
Are Island trails open for hiking?
Properties managed by the Land Bank, Sheriff’s Meadow and the Trustees of Reservation are all open for hiking. Hikers must follow posted rules and stay at least six feet from others. Dogs must be leashed. Some deer hunting is permitted through December, so woodland walkers should be aware, stick to main trails and wear brightly colored clothing, especially in the early morning and near dusk.
What about going to the beach?
Massachusetts beaches are open with restrictions including at least 12 feet between groups. Masks are required while entering and exiting beaches.
What other activities have been affected by the pandemic?
Golf courses and tennis courts are open, with social distancing required. Charter fishing is permitted, but there are limits on the number of people on boats. Houses of worship are open, although most are still holding services online. Two movie theaters are open, with strict capacity limits and mask requirements. Hair salons, nail services and pet groomers are open, again with restrictions. Island library buildings remain closed, but are offering contact-less pickup of books and other materials.
I understand there is testing available for Covid-19 on the Island?
Yes, thanks to a partnership among Quest Diagnostics, Island Health Care and the Island boards of health, TestMV is offering self-administered drive-through screening for people without symptoms at the Martha's Vineyard Regional High School by appointment to any resident or visitor to the Island. More information on the program is available here. To schedule a test, call 877-336-9855.
Does the test cost money?
No. Most insurance providers are required to fully cover the cost of the test. For those without insurance, funding is available thanks to the Martha’s Vineyard Bank to ensure that anyone who wants a test can receive one without payment.
What happens if I test positive?
Patients who test positive will be contacted by a contact tracer or their local board of health via telephone. The contact tracer will guide the patient through a series of questions, hoping to identify close contacts. Positive patients will be required to isolate for a minimum of 10 days, or until released from monitoring by public health officials. During this period, positive patients cannot go to public spaces, including the grocery store, and patients are only allowed to leave isolation to seek medical attention. Resources are in place through volunteer groups and Island Health Care to help provide essential services for people who need to isolate, including grocery shopping and food delivery.
What should I do if I show symptoms of Covid-19?
If you experience symptoms of Covid-19 and don’t have a primary care physician on Island, call the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital's call center at 508-684-4500, between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. The hospital is testing symptomatic patients and their close-contacts for the virus.
Comments
Thank you for being
Dianne, summer homeowner CTThank you for being considerate and welcoming to us. I have been coming to MV since I was born, 54 years. My Grandparents owned the house which is now their Grandchildren’s. I plan on making this my 55th year. This is normally my only vacation I get for the year and I enjoy spending it my childhood summer home with my children. I have been working through this whole horrible ordeal and have used every precaution there is - and I’m healthy and unscathed by this horrible virus. I intend to continue to use my various masks, hand sanitizers and continue to practice social distancing as a considerate person would. But again, thank you for not being judgmental of me because I’m from out of state or drive a car with out of state plates.
I would say the biggest
Ken AquinnahI would say the biggest difference between people on Island practicing social distancing and visitors from off island practicing social distancing while here is that the visitors are coming from areas that have community spread of the virus and asymptomatic people can introduce it to the island population without realizing it. It’s not personal, it’s just science and health policy. As far as some obligation of the Island community to disregard health policy because people like to come here and spend their money is nonsense.
Coronavirus is on the
JMCoronavirus is on the Vineyard already. I am careful and wear a mask to protect myself from others and to protect others from me.
Islanders are others too.
Finally, the voice of reason.
Homeowner NYCFinally, the voice of reason..
Great comment! The only
born and raised but moved years ago UnknownGreat comment! The only reason I don't use my name is I still have family there. When the going gets tough people show their true colors. I probably wouldn't be welcome. Oh well
I love the civility in this
Mark NJI love the civility in this debate. I’m from Ireland, I currently live in New Jersey and this is the most refreshingly civil debate I’ve seen online about COVID-19 since I don’t know how long. I’d feel so much safer on MV than on the knucklehead Jersey Shore right now. Stay safe, keep your distance and enjoy the wonderfully special place you get to live in/visit this summer.
My wife and I are in a
James Rosemont, PA and Chilmark, MAMy wife and I are in a similar situation as we think about whether we will be able to come to the Vineyard this summer. I have been a seasonal resident every year since June 1957 and it is our favorite place on earth. We appreciate Roger’s ‘frustration’ but we do not share it given these circumstances and the Vineyard’s already overtaxed infrastructure (as others have noted above). As the saying goes, “there is no ‘I’ in team” and now more than ever ‘we’ need to remember we are a team. We know the Vineyard and our many friends and family members who call it home on a year round basis will welcome us with the same love and warmth we have always known when health and safety permit.
Thank you. I live here year
Local MVThank you. I live here year ‘round and have one of these essential service jobs, for which I am extremely grateful. I wouldn’t challenge anybody who felt the need to come here during this horrible time. Who am I to judge? But I do want to sincerely thank you for deciding that as much as this Island is precious to you, as badly as you would like to be here, those that live here without other options, and those that just had to come, matter more. It is a selfless response and I for one appreciate it. There are only so many hospital beds (25) and so many ventilators (3) and the helicopters cant always fly. You are a true Islander. Even if you aren’t here in February :)
Roger, I'll shop for you. I
Joanne ChilmarkRoger, I'll shop for you. I am sure others will too. Please stay home for 14 days.
I'm scheduled for two weeks
Albion New York CityI'm scheduled for two weeks in late August and being over 60 with pre-existing conditions I don't want to chance becoming ill nor do I want to endanger my three grandchildren (all under 7) but I seem to have problems cancelling and obtaining a refund.
We recently had our deposit
KC New HampshireWe recently had our deposit returned from our landlord. Won’t be coming to the Vineyard this summer, which makes us incredibly sad, but absolutely understandable. We live in an area that has had extremely low numbers, but that doesn’t mean we couldn’t be asymptomatic and bring it down there. Our rental was only for a week, so the 14 day quarantine wouldn’t work for us. We had planned to bring plenty of masks, and tend to self isolate when we’re there anyway. Visitor or not, we need to be respectful of one another and wear a face covering. We’re doing it for each other, not for ourselves! Hope to be back next summer!
I do not understand many of
Lucy EdgartownI do not understand many of my friends with their fixation on out of state cars! Comments such as “there were so many NY and CT license plates in town the other day.” Massachusetts has one of the highest infection rates in the country. Does anyone think that people from other parts of MA are not coming here? Well, they are, and they will not have out of state plates. But, they may well have the virus.
Please people, be reasonable.
It is disappointing to hear
julie MassachusettsIt is disappointing to hear that people renting out their houses are not allowing renters to cancel. That is not very nice. We rent our house out for much of the summer and have allowed our renters to cancel without an issue (Airbnb is refunding any fees paid by either party). People should not be penalized for worrying about their own health or the health of others in this unprecedented crisis.
Yes, it is disappointing and
Barbara katamaYes, it is disappointing and not consistent. My sister who was planning to come from Texas did not want to put island at risk lost her $2,000 deposit. Another sister from Virginia got hers returned in full. Both were coming for one week.We all understand how complicated the issue is, and while I'll miss seeing them this year, both will be back.(Though my Texas sister will find a new landlord.)
Well said Julie!
Ann BostonWell said Julie!
I’m on same boat as Albion.
Shelley CTI’m on same boat as Albion. I’m not comfortable visiting but am having problems obtaining a refund.
KC - when is your rental for? Wish our realtor / landlord as accommodating.
We own a house on the island.
JPA LCWe own a house on the island. It is not my primary residence. I visit the island year round, though. Whether it’s freezing and the winds are whipping or it’s sunny and pleasant or rainy and miserable, I have various reasons to be there throughout the year, every year and various reasons that I’m called away. I’ve been following all the rules with regard to COVID and will continue to do so. I’m not interested in getting sick anywhere (on or off the island) or spreading sickness, etc.
With that said, over the last several months I’ve come to learn just how hated I am by virtue of my out of state plates. 4 generations of my family have been coming to the island out of love for it. We contribute to the island financially and philanthropically, again, year round. We employ the services of island plumbers, electricians, vets, carpenters, trainers, decorators, landscapers, farmers, lawyers, engineers, physicians. We patronize island clothing stores, markets, fishermen, artists, babysitters, hairstylists, gas stations, kitchen supply shops, music teachers, hardware stores, on and on. Not until I began reading the comments online, did I really get a sense of how much you all hate me and the 4 generations of my family that have been involved with the island. This anti - islander mentality is nuts.
I understand that the island
fellow locaL MVI understand that the island is very much tourist dependent. I wish it wasn’t, so that dealing with unexpected events such as this, wouldn’t impact the island as a whole, and we can still survive during off season.
That being said, the island population is comprised of many elderly people, as well as young kids. You come here from out of state bringing god knows what kinds of things, one of which most likely Corona. To all who deny that and say they don’t have it and they’re fine, you could be asymptomatic and not even know it.
You can go and say how you pay taxes, and do your part to keep things running on island, but news flash you’re not the only one.
Pretty much every monumental vineyard summer event is cancelled. Some stores and maybe a handful of restaurants will be open.
You can wear you masks and attempt at social distancing, but that’s not working. Cases on island are rising just within our small community. Imagine when you all cluster on the island... then what ?
One of the earliest cases was from a man from New York who went to buy a house. It’s that type of carelessness that will endanger us all.
I understand how rough it is for businesses and the locals to not have a normal summer, but we must make sacrifices and take all measures necessary so that next summer things will be normal again.
If you summer people really truly respect the island, and consider it your second home, then treat it like it is. If you consider the locals here, who work their butts off just to make you guys happy and have a fantasy summer, like your second family, then make choices that will protect all of us.
Martha’s Vineyard is a special place, so do your part to keep it like that.
You choose to live on an
Bob OBYou choose to live on an island, and that comes with all sorts of risks. Even risks that you never imagined. Other people chose to buy a second home here. That comes with risks too. They can't tell you to move someplace else, and you can't tell them not to come and go as they please. The island is opening for business - you may not like that, but it's a fact. As long as the island is open, people will be coming and some of them will likely have COVID. As long as the island is open, you have no place telling potential visitors that they have some illusory moral obligation to stay away. That's like hanging a sign in the window that says "Open, please go away". You are the only one responsible for your health, and by now you know what you need to do to lessen your chances of becoming infected.
Oh, people....locals who
Bill Aldsworth EdgartownOh, people....locals who think off-islanders should just throw money across the water at them and stay away so locals can maintain their standard of living without the inconvenience of outsiders polluting their fair shores. 2nd homeowners huffing about "supporting you with my taxes and this is the thanks I get?" because some very wealthy ones have never been told that money can't buy them what they want. This is human folly at its most absurd.
If the governor has requested
Carol New YorkIf the governor has requested a 14-day quarantine for all visitors to Massachusetts, then rental companies and hotels should provide credits to out-of-state renters or refunds in keeping with state policies since there is no point in traveling to the Vineyard and then quarantining for a week before heading home. I cannot find any coordinated effort among the hospitality industry on the Vineyard to better inform summer visitors or to come together and make some decisions. Furthermore, please bear in mind that even if someone has travel insurance, they cannot get a refund through most companies unless they have proof of cancellation.
I truly hope that the Vineyard develops some firm policies or that the governor steps in to be crystal clear. Who do you want to take the lead? Those of us from locations all over the mainland with varying ages, health levels, exposure levels, and comfort levels for risk-taking, making case-by-case decisions motivated by both getting away to the Vineyard for a treasured vacation as well as the potential loss of thousands of dollars that we have saved for years and years for just such a vacation? Or do you want to steer the ship yourselves through governing bodies or appointed committees?
I own my home but I have
Edgartown seasonal homeownerI own my home but I have heard from friends that one and two week property rentals are not being refunded. It seems to me that encourages a lot of people to come to the Vineyard who made plans last year before the pandemic because they aren't getting their money back. It seems like a bit of a double standard to "encourage" a two week quarantine but not be willing to refund the rent on a one or two week rental.
Thank you! Would you please
Anne MarylandThank you! Would you please share your thoughts with the property rental agencies. They need to practice an ethically sound response to families requesting a refund or transfer deposits to the 2021 season. People are scared to travel (especially older people) or with predisposed health issues. Some folks have financial hardships with surprised unemployment situations making the decisions even more crucial. And, honestly what vacationer is going to self-quarantine with a less that 14 day rental?
Yes, I think it's a double
Diane New YorkYes, I think it's a double standard, too -- or at least not being on the same page. The governor wants a two-week quarantine, older adults are cautioned by federal officials to stay safe and take extra precautions, and realtors on Martha's Vineyard are still encouraging people to come and are not offering refunds or a delay until 2021 or even sharing half the burden of the cost of cancellation. Does the island really want renters to defy the governor's quarantine period? Should real estate companies and homeowners become the profiteers? Couldn't the state help our just at New York state is helping out with small businesses?
We have a two week rental 6
PD Massachusetts.We have a two week rental 6/28-7/12. The owner will not refund and will not let us change to next year. What are we supposed to do? Not come? Only if we are allowed to cancel. Otherwise we are probably going to come. We are practicing social distancing, wear masks and quarantined for 9 weeks. We are also in state. So we aren’t a huge risk. But with well over $5000 at stake, we will most likely see you on island.
What are we doing here? We
me CTWhat are we doing here? We can figure this out, kindly and thoughtfully, with some appropriate leadership.
If you come, of course use proper PPE, socially distance, and use curbside or delivery to support stores and restaurants. And enjoy all your favorite spots.... carefully and respectfully.
If you're a resident, be welcoming, and help figure out how visitors, and their much needed financial resources, can be part of the Vineyard, safely. Everything may be different, but different doesn't have to be bad. Maybe stores can rotate their wares at the site of the Ag Fair.... appropriately spaced. How about an outdoor drive in theater? So many possibilities.... put your passion to good use, coming up with solutions, rather than being angry.
We arrived on Memorial Day
alpacalunch NJWe arrived on Memorial Day weekend to open the summer house. We weren't sure we would open this year, out of consideration for ourselves and for the locals, but with a very old house that is not winterized, mold and critters often find their way inside and maintenance is required. When we saw published photos of three graduates on island jumping from the Jaws bridge, with a small crowd gathered, all without masks and none social distancing, we worried that (like everywhere else) not everyone was following the safety guidelines. So we packed groceries, masks, and gloves and have stayed inside except to walk secluded trails and beaches. We have not visited our friends who live here year round, just as we do not socialize at home during the pandemic. But we've seen people here gathered in large groups without masks. On the beach paths that say masks are required, there are people ignoring the requirement. Other times people seem unaware of why the mask is worn: sometimes people meet and greet each other, wearing masks, and then they take them off once they're standing side by side. Other times people simply pull up their shirts to momentarily cover their mouths and noses. And this has been during a very quiet weekend: we worry that once the crowds increase, these lapses will become dangerous. We will be leaving in a few days, but we will continue to hope that people understand the seriousness of an outbreak so that this beloved island and its residents, as well as its visitors, can stay healthy and well.
Oh, my gosh, who would not
Lorraine EdgartownOh, my gosh, who would not want to come to the island seeing Tim Johnson's wonderful photograph. The Gazette has fabulous photos. I really truly like them and thank you for publishing such grand photos.
I find it interesting that
Chris Off IslandI find it interesting that the article says visitors are welcome, but the locals commenting on the story are rude and unwelcoming.
in Early Feb before US
Jenny Bostonin Early Feb before US pandemic we rented a house for one week early August through Air BNB for our small family. We are concerned about our health and have requested to cancel but are asked to deal directly with Air BNB and at this time we’re waiting still to hear if we can get a refund or postpone. it doesn’t look promising that we will get a refund. COVID is an international emergency and it’s better to be safe than sorry as much as we look forward to a wonderful well deserved vacation. The ferry ride poses risks. Occupying a rental house 4 ? hours after the previous party just left poses risks... I think having a mix of lots of travelers to the vineyard this summer is not wise.
We recently cancelled our
Donald Dal Maso PennsylvaniaWe recently cancelled our short-term rental simply because it was obviously best for the safety of all concerned i.e. everybody. Our deposit was returned minus a small service charge. We have also cancelled two trips to Europe (April and September). AND like all the major presenters in NYC (Opera, Ballet, Philharmonic etc.) I will not produce any Classical Music concerts for the remainder of 2020.
Frankly it seems most prudent to me that a general and strict quarantine continues indefinitely through the U.S. until we all learn how to live safely with COVID-19. Perhaps this Fall things would change enough to allow us to get away from our farm for a visit to MV and the chance to walk quietly along the ocean. But I’m not counting on it.
Add new comment