An unexpected surge in visitors this weekend caught many Vineyard business owners and public health officials by surprise.
An unexpected surge in visitors this weekend caught many Vineyard business owners — and public health officials — by surprise as people jammed downtown streets and open-air restaurants from Friday to Sunday.
Open-air restaurants were unexpectedly swamped.
Open-air restaurants were unexpectedly swamped.
Previously empty harbors filled with boats and newly opened restaurants filled with patrons — prompting new concerns about social distancing as an unprecedented summer season on the Island gets under way.
Crowds of people, many not wearing masks, were seen throughout the weekend traversing downtown Main streets and packing Island harbors, creating a festive atmosphere but raising public health concerns and some alarm among a handful of swamped restaurateurs.
Oak Bluffs harbor master Todd Alexander said Saturday was the busiest day of the weekend — and the summer so far.
“We were pretty much sold out,” Mr. Alexander said. “It was pretty much like every weekend [in the past].”
The Steamship Authority, which has been reporting dismal passenger numbers throughout the spring and early summer, saw a large uptick in traffic as well. Spokesman Sean Driscoll said passenger traffic was up about 25 per cent over recent weekends. Although passenger numbers are still running at about half their normal volume, Mr. Driscoll said cars traveling on ferries were “pretty much running full.”
The opening of restaurants to outdoor dining — combined with warm, summery weather — led to the surprising crowds, some officials speculated.
Mr. Alexander said Saturday felt like the first true summer day in the harbor.
“I think what people are focusing on is what people do when they come on shore,” he said. “And I don’t really have an answer for that.”
In Edgartown, Scott Hannah, general manager of the Seafood Shanty, said the restaurant reached its limited outdoor capacity for most of the weekend. He said the crowd largely resembled patrons from past summers, including golfers down for the weekend, seasonal residents and bachelorette parties.
Boaters at Church's Pier on a sold-out weekend in the Oak Bluffs harbor.
Boaters at Church's Pier on a sold-out weekend in the Oak Bluffs harbor.
“We were as full as we could have been,” Mr. Hannah said.
Health officials and business owners on the Island expressed both surprise and dismay at the crowds, saying that social distancing protocols were flouted and that more had to be done to abide by regulations. Photos and videos of the Oak Bluffs harbor, circulated widely on social media and local news outlets, showed large crowds with few people wearing masks.
“Numbers-wise, it was pretty insane,” said Doug Abdelnour, a businessman who owns Nancy’s on the Oak Bluffs harbor. “None of us were prepared for that.”
Tisbury health agent Maura Valley said the boards of health had seen the videos of the harbor as well.
“That was pretty horrifying this weekend,” Ms. Valley said. “We were all kind of surprised at the numbers we saw of the people not wearing masks.”
As the state gradually reopens in phases, allowing restaurants to provide outdoor dining and lodging services to book guests, business owners on the Island find themselves navigating an altered summer landscape. While the handful of outdoor restaurants on the Oak Bluffs harbor — including Nancy’s, Lobsterville, The Sandbar and Coop De Ville — were all open for business and bustling this weekend, limits on capacity and indoor dining along Circuit avenue eateries meant that large crowds were confined to small spaces along the waterfront.
Passenger ferries, including the Island Queen, also service the harbor and provided many of Nancy’s customers over the weekend, including large numbers of college students from the Cape, Mr. Abdelnour said. And for the first time this year, the Hy-Line, a passenger ferry from Hyannis, ran trips through Oak Bluffs as well.
Downtown Edgartown saw busy weekend too.
Downtown Edgartown saw busy weekend too.
“I expected people to be more hesitant and trickle out slowly, but that’s definitely not what happened,” Mr. Abdelnour said. “We did what we were supposed to do, and we did our best to do it in a safe way . . . but it is so difficult to manage from last weekend to now.”
While Mr. Abdelnour said he was chagrined he had not anticipated the large crowds, he added that it was challenging to handle social-distancing protocols with an already limited staff. He said his tables are appropriately distanced, and he hoped the state would soon allow more capacity for indoor dining so the pressure doesn’t fall on the few outdoor restaurants to service large crowds. He felt opening more restaurants was the only adequate solution.
“Putting it on three or four restaurants, and then being mad at them for trying to supply what customers want, is just making it worse,” Mr. Abdelnour said. “If we were to limit our capacity more, the line just goes further down the harbor.”
Ms. Valley said the boards of health were having conversations about how to handle the large crowds on town land and were aware of the problem. Although she did not have specific solutions to how the crowds would be dealt with, she said more public signs about masks being required was a first step.
“We all saw the pictures in Oak Bluffs this weekend, and that can’t continue,” Ms. Valley said. “We need to figure out a way to regulate it. We need to get more signage. We need to make people more aware of the fact that this is going to be enforced.”
Comments
Exactly why we canceled our
Bill New EnglandExactly why we canceled our summer trip. MV is no different than any other place in the country, just turn on the news. People are not social distancing or wearing masks. Unfortunately, I think the island and its hospital are in for an alarming summer. SSA, MV law enforcement, places of business will not strictly enforce protocols and tourists don't care. Sad.
Bill, I have to agree.
Bret Upstate New York and a lover of the VineyardBill, I have to agree. Whether it ignorance or carelessness on the part of visitors, or the island's unwillingness or inability to enforce MASKS and social distancing, this is a super-spreader event in the making. 2-4 weeks will tell that tale, as the Deep South in discovering.
Agree, even here in CT ppl
Holly New CanaanAgree, even here in CT ppl are running around like all is well. I'd hate to see the Islanders getting the worst!
Two new asymptotic cases were
Christine SengekontacketTwo new asymptotic cases were diagnosed on island this week (Many thanks to Quest Diagnostics!) and many more are to come if the island police don't start going up to people without masks in the towns and telling them they need to wear one. Governor Baker said it is up to local officials to enforce the mask policy and issue fines. Why won't local officials do their jobs to protect the island? This is a story the newspaper needs to pursue.
Start imposing fines for non
Bonnie EdgartownStart imposing fines for non mask people, at least we can recover lost revenue for the town s that welcome visitors that put the Islanders health at risk
Why did OB allow the harbor
Kelce OBWhy did OB allow the harbor to sell out? Common sense says the number of boats allowed in the harbor should have the same restrictions as outdoor seating. OB leadership allowed this debacle just to collect a dollars in harbor fees.
“... We need to make people
Chris“... We need to make people more aware of the fact that [mask wearing] is going to be enforced.” The first step is to enforce mask wearing.
Thank you Noah and Vineyard
Islander EdgartownThank you Noah and Vineyard Gazette for writing this article. Martha’s Vineyard needs to balance serious health concerns alongside opening up for the summer. If this is what’s going on, I think this is what we can expect for the rest of the summer, it’s not going to change. I am surprised. However, we need to get safe and that includes law-enforcement. As they say on the seas, all hands on deck.
The towns of Martha’s
OB RNThe towns of Martha’s Vineyard need to make it safe for residents of all ages to venture outside their homes. After months of everyone sacrificing, it shouldn’t be all flushed away because of the selfish few.
Great news, glad to see
Jared EdgartownGreat news, glad to see everyone getting back to normal! its great for the people to get out and get fresh air, and its great for the economy. All good things.
Until you’re dead...
OB RNUntil you’re dead...
Not. You can’t will normal.
Bob EdgartownNot. You can’t will normal. Or to quote Fauci, the virus has its own timeline.
This is so very disappointing
Sharyn KThis is so very disappointing. In two weeks, people will start to get sick thanks to this disregard for appropriate behavior. So those of us who were waiting to see how things would go,will cancel. We will miss you,and we know you will miss our dollars. But we won't compromise our health and well being. Had this been handled correctly, we would have loved to be there and enjoy the island. It will be a tough financial year for the island, thanks to the selfishness of some.
I visit the Vineyard at least
John Leonard MarbleheadI visit the Vineyard at least 4 times a year. Not this year. We all need to isolate. See you next year.
My God it's time things have
Ben EdgartownMy God it's time things have opened up!
I look at the numbers in Massachusetts 6,200 deaths +- and almost 5,000+- of those deaths are people 85 years older with health issues. I think when the dust settles on all this, we will be saying this could have been handled a lot different.
I doubt your numbers, since
Richard Barbieri Oak BluffsI doubt your numbers, since the current total (3 days after your post) is 7,770. Two other comments: People 30-39, 40-49, and 50-59 all have more cases than the 80+ group - and the 70-79s have the lowest total of any group. And be sure to tell all the elderly you know that this is "their" problem, won't you? (And the people who were hospitalized for days or weeks, on ventilators, etc, the same.
People seem very confused
Rob ChappyPeople seem very confused about the mask guidelines for some reason- it is wear a mask IF YOU CANT social distance 6 feet apart- If you can then no need for mask. walking down a sidewalk with no one near you with the person you live with without a mask is absolutely fine- when someone approaches put the mask on- When you are driving in your car ALONE- no need to wear a mask- Amazing how many drivers I see wearing a mask Its dangerous- TAKE IT OFF
In what world is wearing a
Blythe OBIn what world is wearing a mask in your car dangerous?
If a driver feels better
Kelce OBIf a driver feels better wearing a mask why are you clamoring for it to come off? Who cares? The real issue is the exponential number of people not social distancing and not wearing masks. Save your rage for those folks, Rob.
I agree with what you are
Laura ChappyI agree with what you are saying about the guidelines as that is the official guideline and that is what I have witnessed most people following. But where the problem lies is the guidelines...When people breathe, sneeze, speak, particles get dispersed into the air that can linger for minutes. So if someone walks through that same path 3 minutes later they could be breathing in infected particles even though all have practiced social distancing. The guidelines should be changed that even while practicing social distancing one must wear a mask while out in public to protect others.
If all the people coming here
Samuel ChilmarkIf all the people coming here caught the Vineyard business owners and public health officials by surprise that is their problem because we ALL knew the title wave was coming, what to expect, we all had plenty of heads up and knew exactly what to expect! Social media clearly states the horror show and the rude actions of many summer visitors of their mask, social distancing issues.
As the other island paper very sadly correctly reported; “Although a number of police officers regularly drove by and inspected the scene, no foot officers could be seen in the area asking people to social distance or wear masks”.
“Oak Bluffs Police Chief Erik Blake was not immediately available to comment”.
They all dropped the ball as many of us could clearly see and had expected. Many of us definitely expressed our great concern on social media, with our letters ~ calls to our island leaders and departments.
I repeat “They all dropped the ball” and July is not even here yet with August to follow quickly behind and by September the CV-19 virus will be raising it's ugly head showing the results of their failure to be prepared.
I am a Summer Resident of
Patrick Singer Greenville,DelawareI am a Summer Resident of West Chop and back at my off island home in Delaware,it has become LAW to WEAR a FACE COVERING of some kind!That is how it should be on the Vineyard!
“Delawareans over the age of
JM“Delawareans over the age of 12 are required to wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain“
The lack of masks should not
JP EdgartownThe lack of masks should not come as a surprise to the island boards of health or anyone else. Since the easing of the shutdown began all one had to do is walk down the streets of our towns and see unmasked construction workers, landscapers and pedestrians. As foot traffic increases everywhere on the island - but especially in downtown areas - it is impossible to safely social distance from the many groups of people out and about who all "contribute" to air quality just by the act of talking, laughing, etc. Be courteous, thoughtful and safer - wear a mask for everyone or stay home.
I agree. Fuller St. was busy
COH EdgartownI agree. Fuller St. was busy this weekend with a fence painting crew on the sidewalk with no masks. People were doing the walking dance, switching sides to distance. Two young women with no masks approached from behind me and walked abreast before passing...I politely asked them to distance and they replied, "But there is no traffic." Unfortunately, this is what we are up against.
Our Governor along with the
Dr. Lorna Andrade, RN, Ph.d [retired] Professor Med. /Surg./ Gerontology Nursing education/ Administration EdgartownOur Governor along with the CDC/ DPH issued Guidelines, and JUST because we are a Rural location OUR LOCAL DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH are not doing their jobs.
They must be more forceful have monitors to assess local situations happening so that a CHANGE in action takes place to safe guard our RESIDENTS, remember we only have a very small Hospital and staffing has to be imported here mostly, What are You as PUBLIC HEALTH Administrators thinking? Did You not know this would happen to our island especially when the Publics read we have only 3 COVID-19 Patients in
our hospital.
As we get nearer to the 4th of July even more visitors will arrive: PLEASE STEP up your Professional Game.
The police need to give
Henry Mason Vineyard HavenThe police need to give tickets to people not wearing a mask.
but we defunded them remember
lab dad massbut we defunded them remember
And what did you expect?
Mr. B ChilmarkAnd what did you expect? Really? That you could have your cake and eat it, too? And what's the business owner's response? There wouldn't be a problem if we could have more seating and open up indoor seating!
We need more testing - why
Jason Oak BluffsWe need more testing - why aren't more Islanders going? Testing and contact tracing are the only path forward. Close the Island businesses until all Islanders are tested and traced. We need the tracing!
Wearing masks has to be made
CaryC Oak BluffsWearing masks has to be made cool. They can be made with Vineyard logos, and slogans, and sold like t-shirts as collector’s items, souvenirs. Shoulda thought of that when there was lead time to order them, but better late than never.
CaryC, capital idea. We have
Lorraine EdgartownCaryC, capital idea. We have so many logos possible for the island; we can unearth the old one from the secession passport of decades ago; I still have my passport...how about a whales tail? the big bridge? The mechanical shark from Jaws? How about a nice bunch of grapes? and on and on.....I say, some one creative go for it, I will buy many.....
How 'bout Vineyard Vines and
Pia Webster EdgartownHow 'bout Vineyard Vines and The Black Dog coming up with reasonably priced face masks sold at multiple outlets (not just their own)? These two businesses have made buckets of money off all the visitors to Poor Martha. Please help protect her residents and visitors now, before disaster strikes.
Seems to be lot's of
Chris Off IslandSeems to be lot's of confusion about the mask guidelines. You're not required to wear a mask outside. You're required to wear a mask if you can't stay at least six feet away from other parties. If the people commenting on this article expect visitors to adhere to a higher standard than state and federal guidance, they are going to be disappointed.
Do it Vineyard style: use all
Ellen Weiss West Tisbury and New OrleansDo it Vineyard style: use all those talented artists we have to make beautiful posters, t-shirts, decals, kid's toys, B.D. merch, and anything else that proclaims "Martha Masks." Sell them. Get rich.
The island leaders were
Anne EdgartownThe island leaders were clearly not prepared for Phase 2 of the easing of regulations. As someone mentioned why weren’t restrictions put on the amount of people coming in on passenger ferries, marina slips and moorings etc? However, many people both on island and off islanders believe the worst is over and coming to the Vineyard on vacation means everything, including the island, should be like it always was. Unfortunately, this sour attitude of selfish behavior is something no one can predict or manage. Island businesses are in a tough spot trying to accommodate 110% of an uptick with one hand tied behind their backs with these regulations. With small stores and restaurants, expect long lines and hot tempers all summer long.
For the love of money is the
GODSPAL MVFor the love of money is the root to all evil.
Someone above made a very
Islander Martha’s VineyardSomeone above made a very interesting comment: they talked about how it should be no surprise because construction crews have gotten away without wearing masks and have done their own thing since they reopened, and if that is true, the reason for it, is that the Governor’s orders were not strictly enforced. Who is responsible for enforcing the orders? Law enforcement. We were told all along that our law enforcement was not going to be strictly enforcing these orders nor handing out fines. It is in our newspapers as a point of record of the police chiefs. They need to rethink this strategy. They need to serve and protect.
Would be curious to get
Mark EdgartownWould be curious to get someone with a legal background perspective on the enforceability of the guidelines. These guidelines are clearly not a law given they have not passed the MA legislature. Executive orders or guidelines from the governor also may not be enforceable and quite frankly I’m surprised no one has challenged them in the courts unless I have missed that. If the guidelines make it through the courts and rely on the towns to implement, who has the authority to do so?
They are, in fact,
Islander Martha’s VineyardThey are, in fact, enforceable according to Massachusetts General Law as specified in the order. The order is available to read on the mass.gov website. The enforceability clause is at the end of the order, which is about three pages in length. Fines of up to $300 from what I can tell. I am not a lawyer, but the language of enforceability is included in the order and refers specifically to Massachusetts General Law. From that, I would presume it is law enforcement. It’s possible that maybe it’s the Boards of Health
Good point ! Are the
John Cape CodGood point ! Are the guidelines law or not ? If not then they are only guidelines with no enforceable means to ticket / fine or do anything else to try and make people follow them. It comes down to this: If you care about yourself / families / friends or anyone else's health wear a mask, as social distancing is just not possible in a summertime tourist environment.
MV has crowds in summer,
Laura- NJ New JerseyMV has crowds in summer, going from 17K-100K. The crowds should not be a surprise, even if you cut the figure to 75K for this July &Aug.
The Selectmen and officials have failed to identify a safe number of visitors to be on the Island. You have all spent months complaining about visitors coming but took no real preventative actions to limit.
Once thousands are on the Island, there is no way to control where they go on the Island, more so this summer because there are less events open. It’s not just the masks, it’s the volume of people.
I hope you can limit the visitors for July/Aug. My family cancelled our Aug plans because everyone seemed to be complaining about visitors coming to MV but few actions taken by town officials. Shame on you for jeopardizing people’s health, Islanders and visitors alike.
And M.V. was doing so well as
Dave Prescott MashpeeAnd M.V. was doing so well as far as number of cases is concerned. Lets see, mid June...lets see how the numbers change, up or down by mid July.
Other area of concern is the
Chris EdgartownOther area of concern is the SSA shuttle buses to the parking lots. I was on one Saturday. It was pretty much packed with people-no way to distance. Sign said masks were mandatory. Guy sitting across from me got a cell call and took his mask off to talk for the entire trip to the lot. I think his voice could have carried through the mask...nobody cares. Sad.
To serve and protect indeed.
Elizabeth Oak BluffsTo serve and protect indeed. There are many on this Island and who represent us in DC who think the police should be defunded - they are racists. Can you imagine the escalation the first time a white cop tells a black tourist to put on a mask - or else?
Observations over the last
Mike S EdgartownObservations over the last couple of months during daily walks around Edgartown.
* Construction crews have been very lax with mask wearing from the get go. Few if any can be seen wearing them
* Locals that have been out and about since early spring generally wear masks at all times
* Young adults in general (80%) do not wear mask nor do they even carry them for the times they might come within close proximity to others
* Joiggers and cyclists rarely wear masks. Nor do they make any attempt to practice distancing when approaching.
Why is it so difficult to practice common courtesy and wear a mask to protect each other? It's proven that mask wearing reduces the spread up to 6 fold. Is it vanity, stupidity, lack of caring for your neighbors? It should not be looked at as forced conformity but rather as an act of solidarity.
Our long string of days without a diagnosed case will most assuredly be a thing of the past given the lack of mask wearing and the increased crowds.
We have a place rented, ferry
D. Lowman PennsylvaniaWe have a place rented, ferry reservation made & are looking forward to spending a week on MV in September. Will be happy to wear our masks & be back on the island for a week.
The OB harbor master and
Henry DartmouthThe OB harbor master and marina must enforce the state guidelines that day no rafting on moorings. They are irresponsible not to have a boat in the harbor enforcing the rules.
Please remember to the thank
Margot Lane MenemshaPlease remember to the thank the hardworking people trapped behind cash registers taking your bills that have passed...how many hands? Spray your tips with hand sanitizer! Try to sanitize the gas pump handle or get an attendant! it is all the little things we do that can make a difference.
Good point, Elizabeth.
Lorraine EdgartownGood point, Elizabeth.
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