Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 10/23/2020
CHICOPEE – Mayor John Vieau once again urged residents to follow basic safety protocols in light of an uptick in cases of COVID-19 in the city.
Vieau believes people have begun to get more “lax” than in the past and because the cooler weather is causing people to stay inside more there is a greater chance of transmission.
Vieau asked residents, “Please be sensible in your decision-making.” He and others made their remarks at a press conference conducted on Oct. 15.
On Oct.13, Gov. Charlie Baker said he expects to see an increase in COVID-19 cases as winter begins. “What we need from you is a new vigilance as we head into the ninth month of fighting this virus.”
According to the Baker Administration, the Commonwealth is better prepared to fight the virus with more health and safety equipment. Baker said the phrases “household spread” and intergenerational spread” will be heard frequently to describe the way the virus goes from person to person in a family due to family holiday gatherings.
Vieau noted Chicopee is reviewing what the governor has said in preparation for the winter.
Director of Health Lisa Sanders went over the number of cases and said “Gathering seems to be the driving force with COVID.”
The city currently has 50 open cases, 12 under the age of 30, 29 from the ages of 31 to 51 and 9 are above the age of 51.
“We’re all sick of the virus, but the virus is not sick of us,” she said.
She said people should alter their behavior and wear masks.
School Superintendent Lynn Clark said there are now 1,500 students in 15 buildings in the fifth week of school. The district is in the second phase of in-person learning.
So far, Clark said there have been no cases transmitted in the schools.
“The students are happy they are back,” she said.
She praised the dedication of students, families and staff.
She added, “Strong protocols are in place.” The School Department is in daily contact with the Health Department and will “pause” the current educational model if the numbers in the city warrants it.
Clark did say there were two staff members at Chicopee Comprehensive High School who have tested positive in the last 10 days. They were not exposed to the virus at the school. “Out of an abundance of caution,” Clark said there were 21 students quarantined.
Clark said the district has provided 33,000 meals so far to students and that every student who need a Chrome Book should have one. If there are any problems, parents should contact the School Department Information Technology personnel for resolution.
Police Chief William Jebb said there has been a cluster of five officers who have tested positive for the virus. Since those five, there have been no other officers who have been infected.
All of the officers are at their homes. Two of them are still symptomatic, he added.
“We’re monitoring them very closely,” he said.
He explained the Police Department headquarters is being sanitized every eight hours.
Even with the decrease in officers, Jebb stressed there is “no gap in services.”
Headquarters is now open for business to the public however temperatures will be taken at the door for anyone entering the buildings and the wearing of masks and social distancing will be required.
Fire stations are still closed to the public and business is conducted only outside and by appointment.
Vieau said that early voting in Chicopee will be conducted from Oct. 17 through Oct. 30 under strict protocols. Voting will take place in the fourth-floor chambers on Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The second entrance in-between City Hall and the Annex will be used for early voting purposes only. Early voters will only be able to use the elevator or the back stairwell to reach the chambers. Screening protocols in place, early voters will be asked to have their temperature screened by our door monitors but no one will be denied their right to vote. There will be increased frequency in cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch areas within the chambers, elevator, and doors and hand sanitizer, masks, gloves will be provided for early voters and staff as necessary. No appointments are necessary.