The town of Winthrop, MA has officially hired a part time COVID-19 Inspector. The town created this job as a way to cut down on the spread of the Coronavirus. Winthrop is in the red zone right now, which means the community has a high number of COVID cases. The responsibility of this inspector is to educate the public about local and state regulations as well as reminding people to wear masks including while outside. Additionally, the inspector will follow up on complaints about large house parties within the community.
The name of the inspector is Kevin Olivia and the town Public Health Director Meredith Hurley said this about Kevin Olivia: “We are thrilled to have Kevin on board and for the help he will provide to help combat the spread of COVID-19 in our community. He is fluent in English and Spanish, and has demonstrated an exceptional ability to build relationships with others in the community.”
What do you make of this hiring by Winthrop? Is it necessary? I don't think so. Do you really think this inspector will make a dent in lowing cases? Unlikely. This is the equivalent of a Hall Monitor walking around your community making sure you are not up to any funny business because they do not trust you on your own. Nobody likes the Hall Monitor. Residents will get fined $300 for a violation and businesses $500. I would be furious if this was in my town. Imagine being on your front lawn raking the leaves with say a couple of your family members and a Hall Monitor, I mean Inspector walks by your yard and tells you you need to wear a mask while you are in close proximity to your family members? I would be furious. I'm a hard no on this Inspector. I think you need to put more trust in your community to follow safety precautions and keep drilling into them the importance of social distancing and mask wearing WHILE in and around businesses, restaurants, the downtown area, etc. There is no need for a Inspector to walk around neighborhoods and harass people outside their homes. Just my take. Thoughts?
-Producer Lightning
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