Program approved to allow seniors to pass out masks
By Jennifer L. Grybowski, Contributing Writer
Westborough – At a joint meeting of the Westborough Board of Health and Board of Selectmen to discuss issues regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, Selectman Leigh Emery expressed concern about crowds congregating at the Dairy Queen, located at 18 Summer St.
“The patio has been packed with people,” she said. “I’m very concerned about it because of the family interactions. I’m wondering if the BOH should be discussing with them about how they are managing their clientele.”
She noted the staff there is mostly young people who are likely unable to manage a crowd, that people seemed to be consuming food on the premises and that there didn’t seem to be markers on the ground to help people with distancing.
Director of Public Health Steven Baccari said the BOH talks to Dairy Queen almost on a weekly basis, He confirmed there was tape on the ground, appropriate signage and they had removed their seating.
“It’s a very tough location,” he said. “It’s a postage-size lot in a popular location. We understand the frustration with it.”
BOH member Dr. Nathan P. Walsh suggested the BOH could say they aren’t safe to operate if they can’t maintain social distancing. BOS Vice Chair Shelby Marshall was against closing businesses.
“We have to hold each other personally accountable,” she said. “I don’t think it behooves anyone to shut a business down that is doing their best in their unique setting. I think it’s going to cause more problems than a benefit.”
Walsh agreed, and said the town should be working with them to find ways to keep them operational. He suggested bringing in the Dairy Queen management to have a discussion.
“Maybe it would give them an opportunity to address the public as well,” Marshall said.
Town Manager Kristi Williams said the police department has taken note of some of the places the town hall gets complaints about and Selectman Allen Edinberg noted that those with concerns about businesses should contact the BOH.
The BOS ultimately voted to authorize businesses to request the ability to put temporary markings on public sidewalks and ways as deemed appropriate and necessary to help the public with distancing during the COVID-19 crisis as a way to try and help businesses safety stay open.
In other business Williams approached the board for permission to have seniors who are part of the tax work off program hand out masks at the town hall to people that need them. She noted seniors looking to take advantage of this tax relief program are required to work hours, and that the town is having to get creative on how to get people their hours.
She said there have been many calls on the COVID-19 info line from people looking for masks, and that many people are making masks at home and dropping them off at the senior center. She outlined a detailed procedure of passing out the masks that would keep all parties safe. The BOS and BOH both expressed their support for the initiative.
