If you were to ask, most neighbors would claim that their yard maintenance crews provide services “for the health and safety of the household”. That phrasing is poorly defined, and when I asked State Assemblyman Marc Berman for clarification, neither he nor his staff were able to provide it. People are understandably very eager to resume some form of normalcy and having a beautiful, well maintained garden is for many an important part of “normal”. The work crews are also very anxious to resume their regular schedule because many people are not paying the workers to enable them to stay safely home. This virus is at its core a lung disease. I am very concerned that if we allow gardeners to resume without restriction, they may be bringing the virus into neighborhoods, and the use of gas blowers will fill the air with gas exhaust, dust and pollen at a time when everyone needs to be able to be outside for exercise. Do not underestimate the adverse health impact of fine particulate on lung health. However…..a possible compromise for the next year or so, until we have a vaccine, could be to allow single gardeners to come using only electric blowers on the property, not in the parking strips, and only if the worker wears a mask. That would be a tall order. This has been stressful for everyone, and everyone is getting restless. I do not envy you as you work to balance public health with individual rights. I am very grateful for all that each of you are doing to steer us toward a healthy future. Carole Grace carolelfgrace_at_(domainremoved) Received on Fri Apr 17 2020 - 08:44:44 PDT
