Niantic Park in Oak Bluffs is closed, and all around the Island deep quiet prevails.
Jeanna Shepard

With Third Coronavirus Case Confirmed, Vineyarders Brace for More

Noah Asimow
Wednesday, March 25, 2020 - 10:51pm
UPDATED Sunday, March 29, 2020 - 8:06pm

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62 Comments

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. — Jeanna Shepard

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. — Mark Alan Lovewell

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.

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Comments (62)

Tom Engley , West Tisbury

All republican governors are in lock step with our President. Don’t stay home just stay 6 feet apart I’m sorry this is not Trumps fault but it’s starting to be ,he only cares about himself.

March 26, 2020 - 12:28am

Yuma , Chilmark

Bravo to Governor Baker to push back on this overreach by the towns. If anyone can tell me how banning a 1 person landscaping "crew", working in the woods, at a still shuttered house until May, can stop the spread of covid 19, I'd like to hear it. There's no rational reasoning behind it and anyone trying to justify it, is an alarmist and ignorant or just afraid.

March 26, 2020 - 2:41am

Megan Andelloux, Nantucket

As someone who lives on Nantucket, our reality is VERY different from many other communities in Mass. We don’t have an ICU unit, we have 3 ventilators. Three. The ban the town ordered, specifically in construction, is due to the fact that most of our construction crews travel to and from the island by ferry. Everyday. And every single time the crews come over (anyone actually, exposes the boat crew and the island community to a dramatically higher rate of exposure. We do not have the capability to handle a surge of infection rates. We aren’t being alarmist, we listen to scientists and yes, we are afraid. Please be compassionate and understanding to other experiences.

March 26, 2020 - 7:40am

Margaret, Vero Beach

Why can't they stop allowing non residents on the islands? It's common sense. My prayers are with you all.

March 27, 2020 - 10:32am

Rich McCormack, Nantucket

When that “one-person crew” goes to Cumberland Farms for a bottle of water and snacks, then stops to fill up the gas tank, uses the bathroom etc., he/she could easily be spreading the virus.

March 26, 2020 - 7:58am

All Island, all island

That makes no sense. If that one worker does not work for a customer, he or she still goes to Cumberland farm, or elsewhere. Since they are allowed to work on their own home, they are still working somewhere. Let's be careful, but there is no reason we can't be smart as well.

March 30, 2020 - 10:14am

Dave , Up island

You are 100% correct

March 26, 2020 - 8:11am

Beebo, OB

Very well put. And the argument that the Islands should have more stringent restrictions than the mainland because of limited medical system capacity is really a bit silly. While the capacity is indeed limited, it always is. That's why very sick people are routinely transferred back to America. This will happen now as well, when and if it is necessary. Likewise, the ability of the food system to service the island is really no different than it is anywhere in Mass. The food is replenished via trucks, just as it is on the mainland, Coronavirus is not infecting the ferries; trucks can still travel on them just as they can on the Mass Pike. It is important to take this pandemic seriously, but it is just as important not to suspend logical thinking.

March 26, 2020 - 8:35am

Eileen Reilly, Vineyard Haven

In response to Beebo's sentence, "very sick people are routinely transferred back to America", how many helicopters will we have available in a crisis? How many pilots? How many on board nurses? How many ambulances, drivers and EMT's/paramedics will be able to escort? Family members won't be allowed. And WHERE are they going if Falmouth, Boston, Cape Cod and Providence are at or nearing capacity? We ALL need our jobs. We ALL need money. Right now we ALL have to comply and stay home. ALL OF US because it isn't just about you. It's about ALL. OF. US. Hear me?

March 26, 2020 - 12:39pm

OBer

Normally, when hospitals aren't facing pandemic-level issues, this is fine. But Boston hospitals may not accept transfers if they themselves are overrun. If we had a surge on the island we would have more than a few in need of hospitalization. We very well may need to depend on our own local medical resources; this is not a silly concern at all.

March 29, 2020 - 5:41am

Simple, Chilmark

The problem isn't the landscaping or construction itself, if proper precautions are taken. The problem is alot of those workers come over from off island. The Govenor refuses to initiate a travel ban, keeping people from coming here so the Town's are doing whatever they can to keep the residents safe. Whether you live here year round, are a seasonal resident or are just visiting aren't criteria that can be used to decide who gets care and who doesn't in a triage situation. Which means if this gets out of hand here local people with no other options or place to go, could die, because people wanted to "ride this thing out on the vineyard" or thought this would be a good time to get work done on their seasonal homes, then wound up sick, needing to be hospitalized and took one of the few beds or ventilators. People are giving little thought to the position that puts the locals in. Including what it's doing to our limited hospital, Fire, EMS and Police staff and their families. Almost all of which are year round residents and an integral part of the community most people say is a part of the reason they love the Island. Islanders who are now staring down the reality of having to let people they've known their whole lives die because the limited resources were taken by people with other options. I know I wouldn't want to make that choice. This is not alarmism, it's reality. Unfortunately, people outside of emergency and public safety personnel are privileged to never have to contemplate the sacrficies and heart wrenching positions people that do those jobs are put in. We're not saying any of these people, seasonal, day workers etc are bad. What we're saying is part of the reason to restrict movement of people is to protect the vulnerable and in this situation the year round residents of the islands are vulnerable. If the Govenor is not going to do his job and protect us I'm very proud our selectpeople are stepping up to do it for him.

March 26, 2020 - 8:49am

Island resident , All island

Bravo to Mr Baker. The ban was ill conceived from the start as it prevented even one sole worker, simply as an example, to come to your yard and even rake your leaves. Yet you could walk around shop and shop for 3 hours if you wanted then visit every take out restaurant on the island. I’ support restrictions but not blanket bans that partly don’t make sense.

March 26, 2020 - 5:39am

OB RN

Too bad you can't come into the hospital to see all the hard working people trying to make everyone safe. Two or three weeks of self containment is for the good of everyone. We had good weather all winter, people in construction could work when they normally may not have been able. People take months off in the winter, I see it all the time. Now is the time for a little personal sacrifice.

March 26, 2020 - 10:03am

Robert, Edg

A BIG SHOUT OUT TO ALL THE ER STAFF DURING THIS TIME OF UNCERTAINTY. YOU ARE APPRICIATED

March 26, 2020 - 8:11pm

Tisbury resident, Tisbury

I fully agree. A single worker poses no harm to himself or the community. In fact it is better and safer for that worker to be on a contained job site then walking in public. Always in times like these hysterics take over and rules made that are not well thought out. By the way that solo worker might have a family to feed.

March 27, 2020 - 4:41am

Real world, Everywhere

Folks the shortage of critical equipment is nationwide, not local. Decision are made for the common good of all. And Have a look at the Hospital fundraising donor list. Vast large amounts came from mainland resident donors. Maybe the island should stop all hospital transport to Boston in the future and just fend for yourselves......

March 26, 2020 - 7:54am

Jim Santos, Fl

The last paragraphs of this are frightening, There's an old saying! just because you can say! doesn't mean you should. Am I the only one reading this correctly? …. (( Ethics teams at both MVH and Nantucket Cottage Hospital are now evaluating how to make difficult decisions, like who should be treated and who should be ""saved"" should the situation worsen, the letter says. )) WOW!!! nothing says stay at home louder than that. the hospitals may want to rethink that one, If one my family members gets the short straw that you picked!!! you can bet this wealthy bastard is going to rain hell down on you, I'll make this virus seem minor. take care of everyone , not just the simple cases. I can't write what I really think, it will not get posted. My location my say Florida,... I'm a New Englander born and raised. Fl is just my winter home. One more thing! I noticed there are a lot sayings about the rich … Know the difference between the two would you! The rich are those who today are working just as hard as you, the Wealthy don't have to work at all. If this sounds arrogant! Its because I just read the in this article. be safe islanders, ALL of you will be past this soon.

March 26, 2020 - 7:58am

Brad, Chappy

Jim, do you understand the uncomfortable truth about your referenced sentences? If a hospital becomes overwhelmed, some patients may/must die. This is not the hospital’s fault. It is a tragic result of a pandemic - it has absolutely nothing to do with wealth or lack thereof. As for the rest of your comment - the virus doesn’t care about your location. Good luck litigating a virus.

March 29, 2020 - 12:50am

Staysafe , Oak bluffs

As a person in the trades and someone who needs to generate revenue, the arrogance and self serving nature of the one man crew movement is disgusting. Thank you to Martha’s Vineyard leadership and Baker won’t be getting my vote again.

March 26, 2020 - 8:55am

ben, martha's vineyard

Is the percentage of beds or ventilators to possible patients requiring these more or less on MV than other regions in MA? Massachusetts has 15,193 staffed hospital beds (source: American Hospital Association) for a population of 6.86 million. The entire state is underserved. Flattening the curve is important, no doubt, but so is social connection, engagement, avoiding poverty and its associated risks and etc. There must be a balance between all of our human needs. Maybe for now 2 weeks isa good compromise but, if, like school closures, that is prolonged there will be many people who cannot, will not be able to comply. I personally feel like the town overreached here and instead of blanket shutdowns should have had a more nuanced but still prudent alternatives.

March 26, 2020 - 9:16am

Off-islander, but Up-Islander when on island

I agree with those who are advocating a common sense approach. One man construction or landscape crew or a few comprised of only on-island workers, is just plain good old common sense. Out door work is healthy and gets people out of the confines of their house! And mentioned above, what’s to keep the hiker or surfer or lone shell fisherman from stopping at Cumberland farms to grab a drink or a sandwich? Each work case should be reviewed and decided separately, not just a blanket shutdown. I am also personally saddened by the hostile rhetoric of those who are coming across as anti-seasonal homeowners. I have many Off island friends who have traveled to a seasonal home in a very remote or still quiet (off season) location with even fewer hospital beds/resources than the Vineyard and they are not being treated so poorly. Everyone has to be mindful of one another! When I come to the vineyard in off season I typically arrive with a cooler full of food and happily see NOBODY for the few nights I am here. I am hopeful that the alarmists in your midst can find peace and serenity on that special Island of ours....

March 26, 2020 - 11:31pm

Eileen Reilly, Vineyard Haven

As of last night, Off-islander, 160 healthcare workers in Boston are infected. And we're in the beginning of the surge. The implications are beyond overwhelming. Shut it ALL down now. We all have to make money but my life and your life is not worth it! Or your mother's. Or kid's. Or father's. Or grandparent's. Or neighbor's. Is this sinking in YET??? "A common sense approach" is STAY HOME!

March 27, 2020 - 10:07am

Alissa, Martha’s Vineyard

It is shameful that the Governor wants to insist landscaping and non- medical construction of second, third, and fourth homes is more important than human lives. It is not only the workers at risk, it is also anyone else who refuels at the gas stations, gas station employees, transportation workers who transport tradespeople to and from the island every day, the essential medical workers who commute alongside the tradespeople, suppliers of materials, grocery employees selling tradespeople a coffee a a sandwich for lunch, the island residents, including medical workers, who call on the same tradespeople to make essential home repairs, it goes on exponentially. In what world is a lush lawn or a new or revamped vacation home essential? There will be NO summer economic bump if we don’t shut everything down. At best, we will have a later, much smaller summer bump IF we shut it down now and keep it shut down to “flatten the curve” Mr. Baker needs to re-evaluate his priorities and life choices if he considers gardens, lawns, and new, (non healthcare) construction essential during the biggest worldwide pandemic of our lifetime

March 26, 2020 - 9:52am

Waterview

Bravo to elected island leaders!! Boston is standing up to Baker too. From yesterday's Boston Herald: "Gov. Charlie Baker is looking to assert his authority and keep construction projects open — but Boston Mayor Martin Walsh is doubling down and extending the city’s construction shutdown indefinitely amid the coronavirus outbreak. “The safety and health of construction workers and all residents of Boston is my first priority, and I am not willing to put that at risk as the virus spreads throughout our communities,” Walsh said in a statement in which he extending the two-week shutdown “until further notice.”..."

March 26, 2020 - 10:39am

Zephyr

It's very simple. Stay home, save lives. The less people wandering around the less spread of the virus, whether it is off and on the ferries or moving from your home to a job site. Going to a construction job is no different than going into an office in that regard. The offices are shut for a reason--to save lives. The construction sites should be shut for the same reason.

March 26, 2020 - 4:21pm

Local, Here

Unless constructing more capacity for hospitals, construction for the next few weeks isn’t essential. It’s particularly non-essential on the Island. I hope this doesn’t turn into a jurisdiction contest because people will die and part of the reason will be because we allowed somebody’s tear down they go to three weeks a year won’t be done by Memorial Day. Pathetic.

March 26, 2020 - 6:16pm

Local, Here

March 26, 2020 - 6:18pm

JEF Fitzgerald, Norwell

I don't live on the Island but enjoy it when I can. I am a Residential Remodeler in the South Shore. I would like to say bravo to the Association and Town Officials that recognized the problem with continuing work by the trades. I know it is possible to perform some tasks in isolation but as has been mentioned here, there is no way to escape interacting. You've got to get supplies, you will need fuel, etc. etc. To the guy raking leaves by himself in the woods. Really? People are getting sick, loosing their jobs. The leaves will still be there when this blows over. Rip off the band-aid. Things will come back.

March 26, 2020 - 6:54pm

RDS

Thank you for pointing out what seems to be missing in so many comments defending outside work. There is no working "alone".

March 27, 2020 - 3:28pm

local contractor, up island

The governor overrides the local boards, it is as simple as that. Of course, I want to be as safe as possible and not spread anything. There are more people in Cronigs at any given time than at any single Jobsite on island. Be safe, only allow a few workers at a time on the project, and everyone will be safe. No one, especially the SSA can stop people from coming to the island, working or not. All the wishful thinking cannot stop this. The towns had a wonderful idea but overreached. Let's not show our political bias, be safe and get back to work to support our families

March 26, 2020 - 7:41pm

Zephyr

It isn't "political bias" to want to save lives. That's what this is all about. It might be your life, or your loved ones, or your fellow workers. We're all in this together. Stay home, save lives.

March 27, 2020 - 8:23am

Chad Bettencourt, OB

Too many people are on government assistance and don't understand what it's like to be a working person. I remember back long ago when the Democrats were the party of working people.

March 27, 2020 - 12:00am

John Gault, Oak Bluffs

Up until this article I have never heard about The Martha’s Vineyard Builders Association And also Mr. Isbell-Shinn. Who is he and what company does he own. In my opinion all of this should have been explained in article that was written more as support piece than as facts. It appears the Gazette has again used its position as a local newspaper to push an agenda that is and will cause financial harm to many that cannot afford it. Who are the members a list should be supplied along with who is Mr. Isbell-Shinn and what is his business. Nothing in this article mentions the financial disaster that these working men and women will be facing.Once again a complete list of all the members should be published immediately so the public can also know who is profiting from stopping others from being allowed to work. OH one more thing don’t you think the high payed lawyer who wrote this unconstitutional law would have picked up the phone and called the State first to find out what could and could not be done legally instead of making up laws as they seemed fit to do in my opinion. You know the old saying “Ignorance of the law is no excuse”,

March 27, 2020 - 6:02am

island girl, Island

Get off your bloody high horse and think both short and long term. think with your brain and your conscience rather than your wallet. Would you rather be dead or temporarily inconvenienced and yes, perhaps a bit broke? Why didn't you save a bit while you could? I don't know who you are and frankly I don't care, however I do know many islanders are retired, elderly or have compromised immunity for one reason or another, as well of many who don't have any health insurance, pension plan, or even a health care provider. Kindly think about us and quit thinking only of yourself. Landscaping and building large, luxury seasonal houses (for lucrative summer rentals)are NOT essential activities. Keeping healthy by self isolating and practicing safe social practices and best health care are essential activities.

March 27, 2020 - 10:23am

Edgartown Resident builder , Edgartown

The MVBA does not represent most of the island builders. It is mainly an elite group of high heel builders building high end homes who can easily afford not working with their unemployment insurance. Most typical builders have no insurance and not represented by this elite group founded by Andrew Flake. Or I ask is the newspapers not imply this elite group represents all builders on the island. I have suspended all work to comply but I see no reason single workers can’t continue.

March 27, 2020 - 6:07am

T Bone, Oak Bluffs

Pray tell - what is a builder doing in high heels?

March 28, 2020 - 10:56pm

Right Whale, Hooter Buoy

I hope the island health department’s are performing contact tracing and quarantine on the known cases. Very important to prevent community spread.

March 27, 2020 - 8:15am

Highlander, Martha's Vineyard

Thank you to the MVBA and the Boards of Selectmen of all of the island towns for this effort to protect our community. It's asinine that the Governor would criticize or undermine a policy that goes the extra step to keep people healthy and stem the spread of this virus. Please all, voluntary or not, honor the construction, landscape, and property management shutdown. We are only as good as the least compliant members of our community. This effort seeks to prevent folks from away from unknowingly carrying the virus here with them, multiple people from riding in the same vehicle to a job site, using the same sanitary facilities, etc. As a person throughly involved in these industries I understand the hardships, financial, emotional, and otherwise that this shutdown causes but it is crucial for our collective wellbeing. We need comply collectively to continue enjoying our relative safety. There is a reason the Dukes and Nantucket counties only have three confirmed cases while the virus spreads wildly across the state otherwise. We have finite access to medical facilities. If we overburden them, our first responders, and our resident medical personnel, then what? Off-island facilities are already at or near capacity and struggling to keep up themselves. Where would be be med-flighted to? We need to use common sense. We need to think of our friends, relatives, co-workers, and neighbors. C'mon M.V., band together and get through this safely together! Finally, I want to say thank you to all of the first responders, healthcare personnel, local government leaders, and industry leaders who make great sacrifices to do whats best for all of us. Take good care and stay healthy, all.

March 27, 2020 - 8:23am

Charlie Callahan, So Boston/Edgartown

I've commented on this a few times, but the Gazette must not like the wording,but here it is. I agree with some of the commenters who say it's stupid to force a small company working in the fresh air to not be allowed to do small jobs. On the other hand I'm amazed for whatever reason these fools are allowing liquor stores to stay open. We now have thousands of people suddenly out of work and many of whom are alcoholics and plenty of the professionals are in that group,with nothing to do. I'm from southie and it was loaded with drunks and guess what when they had nothing to do they got hammered 7 days a week.Close the packies and let the little contractors work.Maybe those who ruled to keep them open own them

March 27, 2020 - 8:23am

CommonSense, Edg

You may not know this - many alcoholics are severely physically dependent on alcohol. Rightly or wrongly, just a fact. Alcohol withdrawal is very serious and can be fatal AND results in ER admissions. Keeping liquor stores open is a way to keep people out of the ER. You may agree or disagree but this is fact. One scenario is alcohol withdrawal seizures that result in falls and head injuries needing hospital attention. It’s a way to keep people out of the hospital in these times.

March 27, 2020 - 10:00am

Zephyr

Shut the stores down and allow home delivery only. The deliveries could be left on the porch. The problem is all the people wandering around spreading the virus.

March 27, 2020 - 2:38pm

BMac, West Tisbury

Regarding the mythical lone raker in the woods, there are many small businesses here - single shopkeeper, single office worker - that have been shut down. I don't hear them complaining, even though the economic hardship is similar. It's all about managing risk, for everyone. I think we all have a similar stake in this, and a similar responsibility to each other.

March 27, 2020 - 10:14am

Zephyr

Why just out of staters? Massachusetts (and particularly Boston) is a hotbed of the virus with huge growth each day. Anyone traveling from anywhere is a possible carrier. A license plate tells you nothing. Shut down the state and make everyone stay home for a couple of weeks.

March 27, 2020 - 2:34pm

Mark, Edgartown

Too late, the virus is everywhere with US cases eclipsing Wuhan and broader China. Everyone stay safe and do what you can to reduce infection.

March 27, 2020 - 5:19pm

Gay Header, Gay Head

There is no difference between the steamship and the interstate system. If you shut down the roads then you can shut down the boats as well. BTW steamship traffic is down 50% in both directions so very few are going back and forth.

March 27, 2020 - 11:31pm

Shawn Taylor, Oak Bluffs

You would think the word Pandemic would be enough for people.....but noooooo.

March 28, 2020 - 12:10am

Jim, near by

The Great Pandemic also claimed more lives of service members in WWI (55,322) than in actual combat (50,500). Still considered one of the deadliest pandemics in history, estimates range from 20 to 50 million deaths worldwide. Inaccurate and primitive record keeping indicate the death toll could have exceeded 100 million. To this day, the influenza pandemic, a major epidemiological event of the 20th century remains poorly understood. It is unknown as to extent of the Coronavirus COVID-19 and how far it could spread in comparison to 1918/ 1919 This post is an important look back in history. Add to the mix today with market volatility, political opportunism, blame, along with the media frenzy to pounce on our president, this will mark an incredible moment in history. this time, 100 years later we have kids driving around, hanging out the on beach's licking toilet seats... treating this with a lack of respect for life including them self. Just thought I would pass this on as a reminder.

March 28, 2020 - 8:45am

Bulkington, Edgartown

"licking toilet seats..." What?

March 29, 2020 - 7:33pm

Lorraine, Edgartown

The virus leapt from Wuhan to all fifty states in this country in about three months. Does everyone get the importance of this? Shut it ALL down. Painful, but so is illness and death.

March 28, 2020 - 8:49am

Paul Condlin, Edgartown

Rep. Bill Keating should be consulting the Army Corps of Engineers and developing hospital relief contingency plans. He's useless if he doesn't have any influence after being in Congress for 10-years. Where's Bill? Call his office at 1-800-870-2626 and find out.

March 28, 2020 - 4:46pm

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