March 28, 2024

Rehoboth Selectmen Keep Covid Policies

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The Board of Selectmen have decided to make no changes to the current Covid policies. Unvaccinated town employees are still required to wear masks, but vaccinated employees can work without them if they choose.

Chairman Skip Vadnais noted vaccines are not mandated for town employees or for visitors to town buildings.

“We do not mandate that visitors wear masks when they are in the buildings,” Vadnais said, adding: “I strongly suggest that they do.”

“If you want to wear a mask, wear a mask. We’re not going to force you to do anything,” said Selectman Dave Perry. “It’s a personal choice.”

“This board is well aware that some folks in this room have had both of their (vaccinations) and still have gotten Covid,” said Selectman Michael Deignan.

“The People’s Republic of New York City has some of the most draconian policies in place and their numbers are absolutely sky-high,” Deignan added. “Viruses will find a way to survive just like any other life form. We’ve allowed our town residents to be treated as adults. We don’t treat them like children. We give them information. They make their own choices based upon their personal circumstances, same with our employees. I think (our policy) has worked exceptionally well for the eight months that I have (been a member of the board).”

Selectmen believe the pandemic may be subsiding, based on various reports from medical researchers. “I think the peak is behind us,” said Selectman Jim Muri, noting within a few weeks the rate of new infections should decrease sharply. Muri noted even if all town employees were vaccinated, “it wouldn’t really have a significant effect on the spread of the disease.”

According to data provided by the Massachusetts Department of Health, Rehoboth’s daily positivity rate was 26.69 percent for the 14 day testing period which concluded on January 8. In comparison, the statewide daily positivity rate was 21.52 percent.

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