Marblehead Superintendent: Weekend Skiing Could Mean Quarantining

MARBLEHEAD, MA — A ski weekend in Northern New England could mean two weeks of quarantine under state coronavirus travel guidelines.

Marblehead Superintendent of Schools John Buckey reminded families that if they decide to head to New Hampshire, Maine or Vermont to ski in the upcoming weeks — even if they are staying at homes or cottages they own — they must quarantine for two weeks or at least until they can provide a negative test for coronavirus.

"I want to talk about something that is very important when it comes to maintaining in-person instructions," Buckey said during his weekly "fireside chat" with the school community. "I do think it bears repeating, reiterating and saying again. I do know a number of our families have ski houses, or destinations, in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine that they enjoy visiting this time of year. Please understand that the travel guidance also pertains to these weekend trips.

"It really puts our system in a tricky position when everyone is not working toward the same goal and playing by the same rules. ... Please make sure if you are traveling on the weekends you are abiding the travel guidance."

The state travel guidance states:

All visitors entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, who do not meet an exemption, are required to:

Complete the Massachusetts Travel Form prior to arrival, unless you are visiting from a lower-risk state, as designated by the Department of Public Health. As of Tuesday, the only state that fits that criteria is Hawaii.

You must also quarantine for 14 days or produce a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72 hours prior to arrival back in Massachusetts. Those who do not receive a test prior to arrival must quarantine until they produce a negative result.

Failure to comply may result in a $500 fine per day.