The message in Rochester was clear on Monday night. The town isn’t going to tell anyone what to do, but its public officials hope that by sharing information, it influences considerate and smart choices in the community.
Society’s polarization over public policies related to the COVID-19 virus became evident at the local level according to comments made during Monday night’s Rochester Select Board meeting where it was noted that anti-mask parents tried to take their protest into a school committee meeting last week.
Conflicting opinions were acknowledged by Public Health Nurse Connie Dolan, who was given the floor to update the town on the state of the virus.
“People are getting COVID for the second and sometimes third time,” said Dolan, who said she began recognizing names associated with prior COVID-19 cases during the summer. “It tends to be healthcare workers, mostly, but we are definitely seeing people get COVID more than once.”
Dolan said that more children are testing positive and this time around are showing symptoms as opposed to the 2020 spike when many children were asymptomatic despite testing positive for the virus. Now she says there have been several instances of unvaccinated children infecting older family members and their grandparents. Transfers likely occurred at Thanksgiving Day gatherings.
Drawing from the Maven database and Mass.gov, Dolan said 64 percent of Rochester residents are fully vaccinated and that there are 70 active cases, a sharp increase over the 10 to 15 cases the town had been averaging the prior few months. The current rate of positive tests, 5.48 percent, is also an increase over the 3 percent.
Of the 70 active cases, Dolan said 24 are with vaccinated people; of the 24 vaccinated positives, 18 are ages 12 and under (26 percent.) “This is a trend,” said Dolan.
She reported 798 documented cases to date in Rochester but added the caveat that residents performing at-home COVID tests do not register in the state-distributed statistics.
“School officials are being faced with some very angry parents in relation to quarantine requirements and masking requirements,” said Dolan.
Statewide, said Dolan, ages 5-14 are yielding the highest number of positive cases, adding there is a significant instance of infections between children and adults. Nationwide, 20 percent of COVID-related hospitalizations are children ages 9 and under.
Because COVID vaccines are widely available, the virus is deemed preventable. Therefore, the state Department of Health does not anticipate the implementation of anymore statewide restrictions.
“I’m the last guy who wants to push on the mask thing,” said Board of Health Chairman David Souza. “I want to see it fixed … knowledge is power. … Just think about someone else, just do what you can. Try to think of other people.”
Souza told the Select Board that he doesn’t want to wear his mask, but he brought it with him in case it was warranted.
Rather than incite any more anger with town-wide restrictions, Dolan suggested taking the educational route. “Our concern is people maybe don’t understand,” she said, alluding to her efforts alongside Health Agent Karen Walega.
Dolan suggested a reverse 911 call delivering a rational public-service announcement, along with case information and advice on what people can do to protect themselves, where clinics are, information and guidance, especially hearing into the holiday and winter seasons.
In her Town Administrator’s Report, Suzanne Szyndlar acknowledged a memo from Covanta on the company’s ownership change and new CEO. Rochester also received a notice from Covanta after restricted material was not accepted for disposal.
“It’s important that people understand,” said Szyndlar, noting that the information is traceable.
Rochester has received a Green Communities FY22 grant award, most of the $147,000 going to LED lighting. The town has also received $66,000 for permitting software awards. Szyndlar thanked administrative assistant Patti Braz for her work on the project.
In other business, the Select Board voted to sign the water agreement with the Town of Wareham and voted to approve all license-renewal applications for 2022.
Town offices will close early on the Thursdays before Christmas and New Year’s Day, which both fall on Saturdays. Offices will be closed altogether on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
The Annual Town Meeting will be held on Monday, May 23, at 7:00 pm at Rochester Memorial School.
Town Counsel Blair Bailey told the board that everything has been signed and is underway for the solar project at RMS. Select Board member Woody Hartley said the developer will hold up construction until school lets out for the summer.
The board entered executive session for negotiation with union and non-union personnel and to also discuss potential litigation with a vendor contract.
The next meeting of the Rochester Select Board is scheduled for Monday, December 20, at 6:00 pm.
Rochester Select Board
By Mick Colageo