COVID-19, the illness associated with the novel coronavirus, was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization this week.

At this time, there are no confirmed or presumptive cases of the virus in Acton. 

Government operations for the Town of Acton will continue while all offices in the above mentioned buildings will be closed to the public.  Residents are encouraged to utilize the Town of Acton’s website, http://www.actonma.gov, to access Town services. 

The Board of Health is scheduled to meet Monday (March 16th) evening  to discuss the COVID-19 situation and the Board of Selectmen is posted to attend the meeting.  This meeting will be broadcast live on Acton TV and streamed lived on YouTube on the ActonTV channel and public participation will be virtual in accordance with Governor Baker’s recent order suspending certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law.  Here is the a link to the order: https://41g41s33vxdd2vc05w415s1e-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/OpenMtgLaw_ExecOrder_Mar32020.pdf  Check www.actonma.gov for further updates and instructions for how to access the virtual meeting.

While the Human Services and Senior Center will remain closed to the public, Meals on Wheels operations will continue along with limited meal take out service and certain medical appointments at Acton Nursing. 

The Town’s transfer station will remain open, but residents are encouraged to practice appropriate social distancing at the facility, as the virus is believed to spread when those who have the virus come into close contact, within six feet, of other people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

While the Acton Memorial Library remains temporarily closed to the public, all fines will be waived for items that become due while the building is closed. All physical items, including museum passes, will not be available to check out while the facility is closed, and residents are encouraged to explore the digital content available through the library. Those with questions about those services can still contact a library representative on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 978-929-6655. 

This is a challenging and evolving situation, and we have made the decision to close facilities and cancel certain events in an effort to reduce the risk of this virus spreading.  As always, it is crucial for residents to continue washing their hands, practice social distancing, cover your coughs and sneezes, and, if you feel sick, stay home. If you feel you may have this virus, contact your health care provider.

If anyone displays symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, they should not come to work or school and they are advised to contact their primary care physician. 

Town leaders continue to monitor information provided by the state, and advise residents to practice social distancing and avoid group activities and events. 

Governor Baker issued several orders today including closing all public schools until April 7th.  Please review some of these orders below and find additional orders at www.mass.gov

GATHERINGS & RESTAURANTS: On March 15, Governor Baker issued an emergency order limiting gatherings to 25 individuals and prohibiting on-premises consumption of food or drink at bars and restaurants, beginning on March 17 and effective until April 6. PRESS RELEASE | ORDER | GUIDANCE

ELEMENTARY & SECONDARY SCHOOL OPERATIONS SUSPENDED: On March 15, Governor Baker has ordered a 3-week suspension of school operations for educational purposes at all public and private elementary and secondary (K-12) schools in the Commonwealth (not including residential and day schools for special needs students), beginning Tuesday, March 17 and continuing until Monday, April 6. PRESS RELEASE | ORDER

HOSPITAL VISITOR RESTRICTIONS: On March 15, the Department of Public Health issued hospital visitor restrictions. ORDER

ASSISTED LIVING VISITOR RESTRICTIONS. On March 15, the Department of Public Health issued visitor restrictions for assisted living facilities. ORDER

The DPH recommends that residents continue with good hygiene practices including:

• Practice good hand hygiene! Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds including under your fingernails. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content) can be used when soap and water are not available. 
• Keep your hands away from your face. 
• Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with a tissue and discard it immediately. Cough into the sleeve over your elbow instead of your hand. Wash your hands often when coughing and sneezing. 
• Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick. 

For more information, visit the DPH website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here

Additional updates will be published regularly on the Town of Acton website and residents are encouraged to sign up to receive notifications directly to their email inbox at the following link: http://actonma.gov/subscribe