EASTHAMPTON — Diving into a public pool or going to summer camp are among the hallmarks of the season for many people. But those activities might not happen in the city this year.
A Monday order from the chair of the city’s Board of Health forbids recreational camps for children and public pools from opening in Easthampton for the rest of 2020, in order to combat the spread of COVID-19.
“We just wanted to prepare people ahead of time,” said Board of Health Chair Maggie Hebert, who noted that camps require time to organize. “We wanted to give them as much notice as possible.”
Bri Eichstaedt, the city’s health agent, also noted the importance of informing camps of the situation, saying that the state has said it wouldn’t have an answer on the subject before May 18.
“It’s very difficult for camps to not have an answer by now,” she said.
Even as the state reopens, safety measures will stay in place. “Social distancing, masks, hand washing. All of those things,” Hebert said. “I think it would really be difficult for camps to keep kids apart.”
John Mason, the director of the Parks, Recreation and Cemeteries Department, was consulted about the order.
“They’re the ultimate authority for public safety and public health,” he said, of the Board of Health.
His department runs Camp Nonotuck (at Nonotuck Park), which Mason said won’t be happening this year due to the order.
“It’s definitely unfortunate,” said Mason. “We feel bad for families and staff.”
Mason said he had hoped the order would have had an end date in 2020, but he understands why it doesn’t. He also said that, even if the order were to be lifted later on this year, there would be no Camp Nonotuck, as planning has been abandoned and notices have been sent out to potential staff and parents.
“There’s way too much involved,” Mason said.
The order also contains a ban on sports leagues, concerts and events, as well as on pavilion rentals at all city-owned parks, until lifted. This ban is in addition to the earlier Board of Health order that forbids the use of public and semi-public playgrounds, basketball courts and similar facilities.
All elements of the order contain fines for violators. Violators of the camp order may be fined $10 to $100 a day, while violators of the pool order may be fined $50 to $300 a day. Those who violate the parks order can be fined up to $300 for an offense.
On Monday, Hebert also signed an order putting a ban on gatherings of more than 10 people into place for the city. While this ban matches Gov. Charlie Baker’s mandate on the subject, the Board of Health order will remain standing even if the governor’s is repealed.
“We’re just planning ahead for the summer,” said Hebert, who added that the city will be watching what happens on the state level.
Last week, Gov. Baker extended his order closing nonessential businesses, which also includes the ban on gatherings, until May 18.
On a related note, Eichstaedt said that the city is running low on cloth masks to give to residents, which are delivered every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. However, she said, supplies will be replenished next week with a delivery to the city of 4,000 masks from Mantis Graphics of Easthampton.
Even with this delivery from Mantis, mask donations are still welcome, she said.
Those who want a mask delivery should email health@easthamptonma.gov or call 413-529-1400.
Those who wish to donate cloth masks may drop them off at the public safety complex at 32 Payson Avenue.
Bera Dunau can be reached at bdunau@gazettenet.com.