AND MORE, MASS. (WHDH) – Governor Charlie Baker said Thursday that a “lack of respect” for the dangerous nature of the coronavirus is to blame for the clusters of new cases that have been popping up in Massachusetts in recent days.
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The behavior people exhibit in private and recreational gatherings is troubling because, in some cases, the wearing of masks and social distancing have become an afterthought, Baker said during a press conference that followed a tour of Pfizer in Andover.
“The problem is not so much the size of some of these meetings, especially the private ones and those that take place in the backyards … The most important problem is, frankly, the general behavior in these that is not socially distant, without masks, and in some respects disrespect for how this virus works and how it moves from person to person, “Baker said.
Massachusetts Medical Society President Dr. David Rosman told 7NEWS earlier this week that the recent surge in cases should serve as a wake-up call for those who don’t comply with the state’s recommendations.
From a crowded ship in Boston Harbor to a crowded house party in Chatham, Rosman said people are letting their guard down during the ongoing pandemic.
Baker emphasized that people need to understand that the virus only survives and thrives by jumping from person to person.
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“We also know that one of the most effective tools we have in the toolbox to prevent jumping from person to person is to wear a mask or stay at least six feet away from someone,” Baker said. “Those things are pretty confirmed by everyone.”
Baker said that health officials are currently investigating other groups across the state to determine how and when they occurred. At least eight first responders in Falmouth recently tested positive for the coronavirus.
“Most of the groups that have developed so far have involved what I would call private recreational activity and behavior,” Baker said. “The weather can be nice and we may have a fairly low positive test rate right now, but now is not the time to put aside the basic tools that manage and support infection control.”
Baker acknowledged that the majority of Bay State residents have been following the guidelines on masks and facial covers, but said that there is still a “significant” part of the population that continues to ignore the security orders that have been implemented to curb transmission of the virus. .
“If you go to a restaurant, a supermarket, or a retailer, most of the time you will see most people wearing a mask,” Baker said. “I promise you will also see examples and circumstances of a significant percentage of people who do not wear a mask, do not distance themselves socially, and do not do the things that brought us to this point where we are today.”
Baker urged residents to start doing a better job by adhering to the basic safety orientation during private and recreational activities. Meanwhile, she said the state plans to “talk” about whether to revise the limits of indoor and outdoor meetings.
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A recent increase in coronavirus cases in Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket was attributed to the hordes of summer tourists who have flocked to the islands, authorities said.
Baker said the groups on the islands were also due to recreational misbehavior.
“For all of our residents, I can’t express this enough, don’t be careless or accommodating,” he said.
The state reported 356 new cases of coronavirus on Wednesday, and many cities and towns saw an increase in positive test rates in the past 14 days.
Baker did not say whether the state is considering reversing its reopening plan.
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