ROCKLAND — Over the past weekend, Rockland Fire and EMS saw an uptick in calls where symptoms of COVID-19 were present, according to Fire Chief Chris Whytock. 

Whytock presented this finding during an online video conference with members of City Council, Monday, March 30, as he, Police Chief Chris Young, and City Manager Tom Luttrell provided updates regarding the City’s response efforts.

Whytock referred to those cases as “suspected cases” since symptoms can also be attributed to other afflictions, and because EMS providers don’t make official diagnoses.

However, though an uptick has been detected, Whytock also said that the last couple of weeks have been “eerily quiet” in Knox County, as well as throughout the state. 

“It’s a bonus,” he said. “That’s kind of telling us that people are heeding the warnings and listening to the advise of the CDC and the governor. My hope is that it lasts. That’s our worry, that people are going to start to get restless and want to venture out and explore and do things. That’s not in the best interest of the state.”

Because of the past weekend’s emergency calls, personnel burned through a lot of emergency protective equipment.

Area businesses and individuals have provided a lot of help with PPE.

“I definitely want to reach out and say a personal and heartfelt thank you for that,” he said. 

Rockland Fire and EMS has approximately 495 masks, which is about triple what the department owned before the threat of COVID. Another request has been submitted to the CDC from the stockpile to get more PPE, according to Whytock, yet he is not hopeful that his request will be granted. 

“We’re just being resourceful with what we have, working on our SOP [standard operating protocol] to make sure that our people are safe, and trying to prevent any exposures happening here in the City with our employees,” he said.

Using resources

Rockland department heads are meeting daily through video conferences, and in the process, are attempting to bridge the brainstorming and availability beyond traditionally independent offices. From those conversations came a dialogue regarding incident command.

For a couple of weeks now, Rockland ambulance calls in which flu-like symptoms are known – courtesy of dispatch questioning – a Rockland Fire utility truck responds to the scene, as well. That third person presents as incident command, verifying that proper PPE is available to the ambulance crew at that moment. 

During the department head meetings, Whytock presented a further idea. Why not designate one City department head to act as incident command for all departments. From this suggestion, Harbor Master Matt Ripley has become the City’s resource for personal protective equipment and related concerns. 

Police Department, Chief Chris Young

Patrol strategies have shifted. Though officers are out in the community, maintaining a visual presence, there is more telephone contact with non-priority circumstances, initially. Following those initial calls, officers then reassess the information provided before deciding whether face-to-face follow-up is necessary.

The Police Department is operating with normal staffing levels, and have plans in place so that they can operate with up to seven officers down.

The department continues to update its protocols with the assistance of the Maine CDC and the Maine Chiefs Association, and recommendations from Rockland Fire Chief Chris Whytock. 

A plan is in place for the continuity of command should Chief Young get sick.

The department is also working with local businesses affected by State-required closures. Through an educational approach, police have been sitting down with business owners as they encounter them, providing them with documentation and educating them on what they can and can’t do.

“That seems to be pretty effective at this time,” said Young.

City of Rockland, City Manager Tom Luttrell

Though the City offices remain closed to the public, personnel are still at work. 

“If you need some type of service, please give us a call,” said Luttrell.

Two people in the Code Office. Virtual inspections are on the horizon, allowing for staff to only go out to project sites when absolutely necessary.

Two in the Clerk’s Office, getting mail, taking payments, dealing with customers on the phone and emails, doing registrations, tax payments and more

One in the finance department, processing accounts payable, payroll, answering questions

The General Assistance Office open daily, checking messages hourly scheduling virtual appointments for applicants

Public Services

Transfer Station is open and accepting trash and demo. The department is asking that people limit their trips to the Transfer Station. 

“We’re noticing that we have some people, in this time of isolation, that they probably need to get out and see people, so we’re seeing some people three times a day,” said Luttrell.

The department would like to have people only make trips once a week, if possible. 

Public Works continues as close to normal as possible. However, they are trying to allow only one employee in a vehicle at a time, and that the interior is wiped down between drivers. 

Library is fully staffed, though that may change in the future. In the meantime, Luttrell urges people to find the Library’s programs on Facebook and Youtube. 

The Harbor Master is processing mooring payments, as well as streamlining services in the role of incident command. 

Wastewater is working with a skeleton crew. Don’t flush wipes or other un-permitted items down. 

Rockland parks are open. People are encouraged to use them while maintaining physical distancing. The City doesn’t want to have to close those parks due to people congregating.

“We appreciate your patience in dealing with this COVID-19 situation,” he said. 

More thoughts for the community

The City encourages residents to check on their home-bound neighbors, reach out and offer assistance.

There’s also been an uptick in summer residents returning early, according to Luttrell.

The City is asking that those recent arrivals self-isolate for 14 days, practice physical distancing, and get neighbors to do their shopping for them. 

“Not that we don’t want you here,” said Luttrell. “It’s just that we want to protect the area and make sure that everybody is safe, and that we keep Knox County safe.”

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com