Chilmark selectmen and town officials put on their social distancing caps Tuesday, looking to tighten regulations and up enforcement in preparation for what they expect to be an influx of visitors though Fourth of July weekend and the rest of the summer.
The new measures come as coronavirus restrictions continue to relax across the state, and include a requirement that police officers wear masks at all times, the appointment of two new traffic officers, additional signs in Menemsha and even the possible creation of a new town position — a social distancing ambassador.
“A lot of people are being very compliant with regulations,” said town board of health member Katie Carroll. “And then there is a good chunk of people that just aren’t. That has really been our major focus at the moment.”
The Chilmark police department was at the center of discussions Tuesday. Selectmen said they had received complaints from multiple people that traffic officers in Menemsha were not wearing masks, prompting Chief Jonathan Klaren to make masks a mandatory part of the uniform. The previous order only required officers to wear masks if they were within six feet of another person.
“I think that sets a great example,” said selectman Warren Doty.
Citing the high density of beachgoers in Menemsha around sunset, Mr. Doty and one other town residents also raised concern that traffic officers are only on duty until 5 p.m. Mr. Doty added that he was concerned officers are only in the parking lot and do not patrol the beach, where much of the social distancing infractions occur.
In response, town officials discussed hiring a position which they referred to as a social distancing ambassador. Selectman Jim Malkin described the position as “an educator to go out and talk about masks and remind people [of social distancing regulations].” He said the appointed person could stay on duty from about 4 p.m. until sunset.
“It seems like this is the time,” said town administrator Tim Carroll. “Either we do it now or we just forget about it.”
Selectmen authorized the board of health to seek either a volunteer or paid official, hired on a temporary basis with emergency funds specific to Covid-19. Ms. Carroll said the board of health is aiming to have the position filled before the coming weekend.
Ms. Carroll also lamented the ineffectiveness of signs in Menemsha. An informal random survey of 25 beachgoers found none had seen the banner on the lifeguard stand, which is the lone educational sign in the village. Ms. Carroll said the board of heath hopes to hang more signs by the beach and the parking lot, as well as a banner on the bridge before the fish markets.
“Hopefully the coloring on these, and simple graphics, will catch people’s eye more than the banner on the lifeguard station,” she said.
Chief Klaren was also approved to hire two additional traffic officers in Menemsha this summer, bringing staffing to the same level as last year.
With Fourth of July weekend just around the corner, selectmen said they will be assessing visitors’ response to the new initiatives to determine if more enforcement may be needed as the summer unfolds. Mr. Malkin even floated the possibility of closing public access to Menemsha beach before sunset.
“I would hate to have to do that,” he said. “But I hate to be responsible for allowing a condition, that despite our best efforts, becomes a transmission point.”
Selectman Bill Rossi concurred. “If we get good weather, it is going to be a real harbinger of what is to come in July,” he said. “I am anxious to see how this weekend goes.”
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