The parking lot of the Big Y next to our office in South Hadley has been a mob scene all day, all last week. The same has been true for supermarkets across the Valley.
It makes no sense to close schools, churches, synagogues, bars, restaurants and theaters if hundreds are congregating in supermarkets and big box stores. Social distancing is impossible. Supermarkets are petri dishes for COVID-19, especially since people may spread the virus before getting sick with the virus.
Having an hour in the morning for folks over 60 is not enough. They have been too crowded as well. Supermarkets need to restrict the numbers of customers entering to small groups at a time. They can arrange for deliveries, or arrange for online orders to be boxed and picked up curbside.
In the meantime, residents need to buy food during off hours, at smaller markets who take online order for curbside pick up right now, get home delivery of food, or go to local farm stands like Dave’s Natural Gardens, where food can also be boxed for quick pick up.
Please stay away from any big crowds, or we will be all facing area death rates like that of Italy, or worse, and mandatory lockdowns!
David Gottsegen, MD
Holyoke Pediatric Associates