Coronavirus: Martha's Vineyard Plans To Ease Construction Ban

MARTHA'S VINEYARD, MA — One month after instituting some of the most strict state-at-home orders in response to the new coronavirus in the state, the island towns of Martha's Vineyard are now issuing guidelines to ease off some of the most severe restrictions. Under the guidelines, one- and two-person construction crews will be allowed to work on select projects starting April 27.

The towns had gone beyond Gov. Charlie Baker's list of "essential" businesses under the statewide shutdowns of non-essential businesses. But the towns' ordinances also included non-emergency construction, as well as landscaping. They sought voluntary compliance before the exemption was granted.

The bans were extended from April 21 to April 27 before they are set to ease. The new guidelines come with a lengthy set of regulations with fines of up to $1,000, plus a shutdown of the construction site, possible for violations.

Starting April 28, one- and two-person construction projects may begin. Only work outside of the home may be permitted unless it is an emergency repair, personal protective equipment must be worn when social distancing and must be disposed of in the trash at the conclusion of work. Signs are also required at all work sites indicating practices that prevent the spreading of COVID-19.

All workers must also complete a wellness work log each day, remain on site during lunch and other breaks, and must not report to the site if sick.

Prior the ordinance states that, prior to starting work, the site supervisor at all construction sites must complete the back-to-work checklist and submit it to the building inspector with an inspection request to confirm all elements of these guidelines are met. No work may begin until the construction site is inspected, or two business days has lapsed after requesting the inspection. Random re-inspections will occur to ensure guidelines are being followed.

The island towns took an aggressive approach to shutting down the island in recent weeks out of fears that even a limited outbreak of community spread could rapidly overwhelm medical services. The island towns were among the first in New England to authorize fines for those who violate stat-at-home orders for all but essential services and needs — such as grocery and pharmacy shopping, and were granted an exception to the state's list of essential businesses that included the prohibition of construction and landscaping on the island.

Island residents were required to all wear cloth face masks in stores starting this week, while emergency personnel are responding to calls wearing protective equipment.

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