Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 8/24/2021
SOUTHAMPTON – In an Aug. 11 announcement, the Southampton Board of Health implemented stricter mask guidelines to combat the growing number of COVID-19 cases caused by the delta variant.
As of press time, Southampton residents over the age of two are required to wear a face covering whenever they are inside a municipal building, regardless of vaccination.
The newest guidelines also state that anyone over the age of two are advised to wear face coverings in public areas or other indoor areas, regardless of vaccination status.
These mask guidelines do not apply to people who have a medical condition or disability that hinders the possibility of wearing a face covering. Masks will not be required while eating or drinking.
According to Geraldine Swanson, Southampton’s health director, there are a couple of different reasons for stricter mask guidelines. For one, Swanson said that she noticed a rise in cases, not only in Southampton, but in surrounding communities, as well.
“You have people who live in Southampton that work in other communities 100 percent of the time,” said Swanson, regarding why the town needed to take caution. “You also have contractors coming in from numerous other communities.”
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health COVID-19 dashboard, and as of press time, Hampshire County reported 14 confirmed new COVID-19 cases. Right before instituting the mask advisory and requirement in Southampton, the dashboard indicated that Easthampton had 30 cases between the weeks of July 25 and Aug. 7, the most in Hampshire County during that span. Southampton reported nine, which was tied for fifth most in the county.
“We want people who work in the town to have some protection,” added Swanson. “The cases are not jumping out, but people are traveling, plus schools are opening once again in the fall.”
Kaitlyn Swistak-Rooks, a member of the Board of Health (BOH), said that the BOH and William E. Norris School Committee discussed the best course of action for how schools should be operated in-person to start the year, especially since remote learning will not be an option in any way.
Based on guidance provided by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Norris School Committee agreed to masks for all children and adults while inside the building, regardless of vaccination status, as well as three feet distance between people. Assigned seating will be used as much as possible, and plexiglass barriers will once again be utilized.
“I like to think of things in a proactive way,” said Swistak-Rooks. “I think that anything the communities can do, like having the vaccine available for those above the age of 12, can help reduce delta variant cases as much as possible.”
Both Swistak-Rooks and Swanson commended businesses like the local Big Y in Southampton for following protocol and prioritizing safety over anything else. Despite this, both think that it would be best if the state provided consistent guidelines so smaller businesses do not have to make these protocol decisions on their own.
“If there was statewide protocol, then businesses would just have to do what they are told,” said Swistak-Rooks. Otherwise, without a statewide mandate, smaller businesses must decide individually what their protocols should be, which could lead to disputes and inconsistencies.
Swanson said she does not know whether their mask advisory for public spaces would turn into an official requirement. It all depends on the numbers. She said that the Board of Health plans on re-evaluating their protocol after Labor Day when everyone is back from the long weekend.
In the meantime, both Swanson and Swistak-Rooks advise people to continue to wash their hands, socially distance when they can, and conduct as many events outside as possible. Most importantly, they ask that everyone get vaccinated as soon as possible.
The advisory and requirement will be in effect until the Board of Health decides to rescind the guidelines.