I want to start by thanking Governor Sununu for his leadership during these unprecedented times. I also want to thank the members of the task force for their time and commitment to reopening NH.
I reside in Manchester which has a different set of needs than other parts of our state. I am extremely concerned about the parks, splash pads, beach, and swimming pools being closed here in our city.
We have a large number of at-risk youth and these opportunities for play provide a place for the children to go, to be active, and to avoid the dangers that they may encounter if left without safe places to be. Swimming pools in particular provide a place to play and to cool off in a supervised environment. The CDC has stated that there is zero evidence of COVID 19 spreading in pools.
I understand that there is a concern about people gathering. The fact is that children will gather once school is out. Our city summer camp and our parks are closed which will leave them to gather on the streets. This will lead to vulnerable children falling under the influence of people that are not safe. It is also a prime opportunity for gang recruitment. This is a scenario in which children will seek out ways to spend their time that could prove to be harmful to them and to other citizens of our city.
I appreciate that the health and safety of the citizens of NH have remained at the forefront of the decisions made during this pandemic. That being said, children deprived of play, sunlight, and productive outlets for their energy are at risk of a decline in their physical and mental well being.
I ask that the children become the priority of the task force as you continue to put forward your guidelines.
In regard to beaches, inner city children need a place to cool off and they need time outside of the city. Residents have been encouraged to hike trails which have now become very crowded. Opening beaches provides a relief for those trails and increases the outdoor opportunities for people. I do not understand how sitting on a beach is more dangerous than passing someone on a trail. I believe that people will begin to defy orders in regard to the beaches which will result a very difficult situation for our law enforcement officers, our Governor, and our health officials. It is time that sensible guidelines be put in place for the return to normal use of state beaches.
The final issue I would like to discuss is the indoor seating of restaurants. It is my understanding that some restaurants do not want to offer indoor seating. I know that some restaurants absolutely do want to offer indoor seating. My suggestion is to allow indoor seating for all. Just as some stores chose to stay closed even after they were allowed to re-open, restaurants that are not comfortable yet may still offer only outdoor service. Please leave the decision up to the business and customers.
Again, I thank you for your time and for the work that you have done.
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