Wayland boards move to reaffirm local COVID state of emergency

WAYLAND -- October 20, 2020, Wayland boards signal continued COVID state of emergency as cases edge higher. The Select Board and Board of Health met jointly Friday and informally agreed to reaffirm the local public health emergency, originally declared in March without an end date, with formal votes expected at upcoming meetings. Town Administrator Louise Miller said staff "can't return to business as usual" given daily shifts in state guidance and a backlog of inspections, hearings and permit reviews competing with pandemic response. Public Health Nurse Ruth Mooring reported 122 cumulative cases, including two new positives in the past week, and said Wayland has moved from gray to green on the state map, requiring residents to "remain vigilant." Select Board Chair Cherry Carlson said resource and communications questions would return to her board Monday. The boards adjourned 5-0 and 4-0.