Coronavirus: Wenham Closes Parks, Playgrounds

WENHAM, MA — In an effort to slow the spread of the new coronavirus, Wenham parks, playgrounds, trails and playing fields will be closed. The town announced the closures on Thursday and said they will begin on Friday.

Parks, playgrounds and other open spaces will be closed until at least May 4, to more thoroughly enforce state mandated social distancing protocols.

Residents are strongly urged to remain home during this time, and to practice strict social distancing — refraining from group gatherings of more than 10 and maintain a distance of at least six feet between themselves and others at all times.

The Wenham Board of Health has requested the assistance of the Wenham Police Department with informing residents about and subsequently enforcing these measures to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Non-compliance will be addressed with education and potential fines or court action. Additionally, the Wenham Police Department will be closing the parking lots to these locations, including the Rail Trail and along the street on Route 97 due to concerns for both social distancing and pedestrian safety.

“This is a serious matter affecting the health and safety of all citizens and we did not take this decision lightly. This is an unprecedented time in our Town’s history requiring unprecedented action,” Town Administrator Ansaldi said.

The Mass Audubon has already closed its properties and it is expected that the Salem Beverly Water Supply Board will close its properties as well.

“Please remember, the greatest threat we face as a community is that the people who are most at-risk of getting seriously ill could overwhelm our health care system if they all fall ill at the same time,” Board of Health Chairman Andrew Ting added. “We must work together to do our best to avoid adding to the surge in cases that threaten to overwhelm the available resources, and this decision is made with the sole goal of ‘flattening the curve’ in mind.”

Wenham currently has five confirmed cases of COVID-19, as well as two presumed cases. Nine individuals are currently subject to quarantine, three individuals have been released from quarantine and one individual has recovered from the virus.

“These numbers only reflect those who have been tested and although availability of testing is improving, it is still limited,” Ting said. “The number of cases is likely higher as there are individuals who have no symptoms or only mild symptoms who have not been tested and are not included in the count.”

There have been 7,738 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts as of Wednesday. Governor Charlie Baker said this week a surge of coronavirus patients is expected April 7-17.

Don't miss updates about precautions in your area as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters

Latest Coronavirus Coverage In MA:

• MA Coronavirus: 33 More Deaths, 1,000+ New Cases In Latest Update
• MA Governor Extends Business Closures, Stay At Home Through May 4
• MA Governor Bans Some AirBNB Rentals