Cavendish Update 5/15/20: Masks/News/Events
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Marcia’s teleconference with her hairdresser was not all she had hoped for.
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5/15/20
1.Ms Manners-Mask Etiquette
2.What’s been happening
3. Events
Special thanks to Deb Hart for making masks for kids and to Mark Huntley, Ludlow Rotary, and various other people in town who have been making/providing adult masks.
The virus seems to be carrying a co-infection of “judgyness.” It’s getting so bad, the Governor had to call people out at his Wednesday press conference. A couple in Hartford VT were basically told to “go home” because their car had NY license plates, and as it turns out, they’re VT residents. In short, we’re all a bit frayed these days so try not to make assumptions based on license plates, T-shirts or even their mask status. To the latter, we’ve had to prevail on Ms. Manners, the hipper sister to Miss Manners, on masking etiquette-Item 1 below.
Cavendish Info You Might Have Missed.
- The Cavendish Transfer Station is once again taking demolition debris. You can recycle your E-waste, food scraps as well as Zero Sort for free. Please see Rocky if you have questions and for tokens.
- The Cavendish Library will begin lobby circulation on Tuesday, May 19 in accordance with CDC best practices. Patrons may call, text or email the library to check out items from our collection. These items may be picked up in the lobby Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00-6:00. All books, movies and audio books will be available for circulation with the exception of magazines. FMI: 226-7503 or website.
- The Town Office is open to the public by appointment. Those who need to use town records can do so. Social distancing & masks are a must. FMI: 226-7291
- The town’s water usage has been very high. Mack Molding’s new Covid related project is requiring considerably more water-about 43% of the town’s daily use. This is important essential work and it remains to be seen if a water conservation notice will be needed.
- Construction work continues on 131. There is a traffic light being installed near Chubb Hill/Brook. Expect delays. If you use the back roads, please be mindful of those who live there.
- As far as Depot St. Bridge, all we can say is “they’re working on it.”
Stay at Home Order Expires Today: While the Governor has said that the state of emergency will continue, more steps are being taken to reopen Vermont. However, there are certain things that are here to stay.
MEASURE UP!
Mask yourself
Elbow cough
Always wash hands for 20 seconds
Stay 6 feet apart
U make the difference.
Right now, Each of us needs to do our part.
Retail business opens on May 18, requiring face masks of employees while recommending them for customers, staying 6 feet apart, occupancy up to 25 % of the store’s permit and other guidelines. However, on Wednesday, Governor Scott said that after talking to retailers he would consider making masks mandatory for customers. Lodging (hotels, motels, inns, AirBnb) will begin to reopen on May 22, in time for Memorial Day. Guests from VT and “non-residents who can verify they have met the 14-day quarantine requirement,” will be allowed. Details of how this will work will be made available at today’s press conference.
Movie Theaters, Religious Services and Graduation: Issued on Wednesday these guidelines require vehicles to be spaced at least 6 feet apart, no gatherings outside of cars and no more “go on out to the lobby.” Instead concessions will operate by takeout and delivery only. Cavendish definitely needs a drive-in. Any takers?
Child Care, Summer & After School Programs: Guidelines have been issued and requirements include that kids, older than 2, should wear masks as well as all staffers; Kids coming in from out-of-state are required to quarantine for two weeks before attending or wait a week and get a test; health checks will be part of the daily routine for kids and staff (temp checks, visual scan); frequent hand washing; physical distancing; no large group activities.
Free Covid Test for Anyone with or without symptoms is available at pop-up locations. You do not need a doctor’s order to get testing at these locations but you will need to pre-register. Health care workers, first responders and child care providers are encouraged to get tested. People who are returning to Vermont, and who are at day 7 or later in their quarantine period, can also be tested. Find testing events.
Keep Track of Your Contacts: Dr. Levine, Health Commissioner, is asking that Vermonters keep a daily log of where they went and who they saw. That way if you become infected you can quickly provide contact information to help contain the spread. If you carry a smart phone, you can use the location history, but if you don’t, jotting down information daily on a calendar works.
Dental practices not included yet in health care reopening: While hospital can schedule elective procedures and nonessential appointments, dentists can only see patients if it’s an emergency.
Hint to Restaurants: Keeping his cards close to his chest, Scott suggested that restaurants in opening could be looking to the retail sector, where 25% of occupancy will be allowed at any one time.
New State Guidelines
• Guidance: End of School Gatherings and Graduations
• Health Guidance for Childcare Programs, Summer Programs and Afterschool Programs (Revised May 13, 2000)
1. MS MANNERS: People aren’t wearing masks. What should I do?: Given the e-mail and comments being received about the mask less among us, there is serious concern (and I’m being polite here) for a number of people. We turned to Ms. Manners for her mask etiquette recommendations.
While there is no enforceable law at the moment in Vermont to require you to wear a mask in public, not doing so exposes everyone to your germs. Yuck!! That sucks!!!
Since it appears we’re most infectious just before the onset of symptoms, by wearing a mask, you can help stop the spread of Covid-19.
Retail staff are required to wear masks and a business has the right to require those entering to do the same. In short, no matter your take on masking, a store is within their rights to refuse admission if you opt out.
The best advice I can give when encountering the “mask less,” while recognizing there are those that have health conditions and can’t wear one, avoid them like the plague, because they just may be carrying it.
You can also enhance your mask so it provides better protection for you. Watch the video 3 Tips to Make Your Face Mask More Effective.
2. WHAT’S BEEN HAPPENING
• Cavendish Select board discuss COVID-19 impacts on town:
• TRSU boards search for savings amid Covid crisis Telegraph: School boards again violate Open Meeting Law: In an effort to keep teacher salary negotiations a secret, the Two Rivers Supervisory Union board and its two constituent school district boards decided to hold a joint executive session on the topic last Thursday. But the closed door confab went for naught as one member spilled the beans in an open session on hiring for a new SU-wide program, revealing not only the boards’ decision not to give anyone raises but also that they had made a decision in the session, which is a violation of Vermont’s Open Meeting Law. Chester Telegraph Also see TRSU Board Looks to Level Fund Central Office Admin and Staff Salaries
• Scott pitches plan requiring school districts to revote budgets
• While Covid-19 questions linger, Vermont health insurers seek rate increases
• Census restarts Vermont push as public response lags
• State stepping up broadband efforts as feds mull the same
• New Survey Shows Many Vermonters In Favor Of Telecommuting
• VT State Parks Cancel Camping Until End of June
3. UPCOMING EVENTS: Go to dgBody Works for classes that are being posted via Facebook live. Take a new one, do an old one. Stay fit and healthy.
MAY 19 (TUESDAY): Cavendish Library starts its new circulation program.
MAY 30 (SATURDAY): Cavendish Historical Society Plant Sale, 9-Noon in front of the Museum. Mask required along with social distancing.
Food Drive Continues for BRGN: Through the end of May, Cavendish Connects and the Cavendish Baptist Church are sponsoring a food drive to help Black River Good Neighbors as they help many in the Okemo Valley. Drop off items at the Cavendish Baptist Church. From the side of the building, enter the door closest to the parking lot-has a roof over the door-and leave donations in the designated box. Donations can also be left at the front door of BRGN (you will not be able to enter the building) in Ludlow from 10-3, Monday-Friday. If you prefer not to shop, you can donate at their website or send a check to BRGN 37 B Main St. Ludlow, VT 05149. Remember all items should be non-perishable and in date.
Staying home for Patty; Bob Kirkbride; Singletons; Dave Norton; Deb Hryckiewicz; Ludlow Ambulance Service; the Cavendish Water/Waste Water Treatment Team; Rocky and the Cavendish Transfer Station Crew; Cavendish Town Crew; Mt. Ascutney Hospital; Cavendish/Proctorsville firefighters & first responders; Mack Molding employees; Shaw’s Ludlow employees; the healthcare workers who have died of Covid-19; Black River Good Neighbors; family and friends we have lost to Covid-19; and our children
Have a Heart -stay home or 6 feet apart wearing a cloth mask or scarf.
Stay healthy to protect yourself and Cavendish.