Easthampton falls in line with state’s updated mask guidance

May 4, 2021 | Chris Maza
cmaza@thereminder.com

EASTHAMPTON – Falling in line with the state’s new regulations, the city of Easthampton adopted a relaxed face covering mandate as of April 30.

Mayor Nicole LaChapelle and the Board of Health made the announcement on April 29, a day after Gov. Charlie Baker announced a series of moves toward further reopening the state as vaccinations take hold and the pandemic subsides.

The governor’s Order 55 notably now only requires face coverings outside when six feet of social distancing with people outside of one’s own household is not possible. People must also wear masks or other coverings when required by sector-specific guidance, in indoor public places and at both indoor or outdoor events, taking place either in a public space or private home, except for when eating or drinking.

“When Order 55 was revised by the state, it was very important that we made a decision based on all the information that had been out there and our own data,” LaChapelle said. “Looking at all of that, we decided to step into line with the state so there was a clear message. We didn’t want people thinking, ‘OK, I can do this in Boston, but I have to do this in Easthampton.’”

On Aug. 21, 2020, Easthampton put into effect a mask requirement, regardless of social distancing, in the downtown and mill areas, the Manhan Rail Trail and all city-owned parks and property. Masks were also required to be on one’s person on any public sidewalks and worn when passing other pedestrians. Shortly after in November 2020, Baker updated the state’s mask mandate, requiring face coverings in all public places, indoor and outdoors.

Putting it into perspective for residents, LaChapelle explained a mask likely would not be necessary when walking near the Nashawannuck Pond Boardwalk Promenade, however, when approaching the area of higher foot traffic on Cottage Street, it would be expected. She added that the public could be maskless on the Manhan Rail Trail, “but if you see a gaggle of 7-year-olds, there would be an expectation of creating distance or putting on a mask if that’s not possible.”

Baker’s recent announcement regarding masks was paired with a timeline for various steps of reopening. LaChapelle said the city would maintain its current plan of reopening public buildings on July 1.

“We have been planning for that and we felt that trying to expedite that reopening process would be too difficult,” she said. Tents were erected at the Municipal Office Building at 50 Payson Ave. on May 1 to facilitate outdoor appointments with municipal departments until the building is reopened to the public.

Baker stated that on May 10, the state would move into the second step of Phase IV of the reopening process, including increased capacity for sports venues and amusement parks, the reintroduction of road races and other amateur or professional group sporting events as well as tournaments for youth and adult moderate or high risk sports. Singing will also be permitted at performance and event venues and restaurants.

On May 29, gathering limits will increase to 200 for indoor events and 250 for outdoor events. Street festivals, parades and agricultural festivals will be permitted and breweries, wineries, distilleries and bars will be allowed to drop the food requirement, though the 90-minute seated service mandate would remain.

Restrictions for most industries are expected to be lifted on Aug. 1.

LaChapelle said, as of press time, the city had not made any decisions regarding its approach.

“It’s not that we are in disagreement with the governor, but we have learned from our experiences,” she said. “Especially regarding the May 10 date, we are going to look at the data to determine if we can fall in line with the state and we are hopeful that it will indicate that we can do that.”

According to the Easthampton Health Department’s April 23 weekly update, Easthampton remained in a “green” status with a 7- and 14-day daily COVID-19 case average of 6.18 and 6.2, respectively, well below Hampshire County’s average of 12.52 and 13.1. Easthampton’s 7-day positivity rate was 0.22 percent, while its 14-day positivity rate was 0.68 percent.

LaChapelle did note that the city would be limiting the number of children it would allow in its camps and Parks and Recreation programming could have limitations. She also said no major concert events would occur this summer, including Thunder in the Valley or Mill Pond Live.

“We are open to perhaps having those events in the fall and we are hopeful about that,” she said.

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