Confirmed COVID-19 Cases
It has been reported to Acton Public Health that at this time there are 178 cumulative cases of COVID-19 in Acton with 5 individuals in isolation, 152 recovered and 21 fatalities (many of these at congregate care facilities). Here is a chart showing the cumulative number of cases in Acton.
Regarding Single-Use Plastic Checkout Bags
When the state lifts its suspension of the local plastic bag bans, Acton will resume our enforcement of our local plastic bag ban.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recently indicated that transitory contact with materials (e.g., takeout containers, plastic bags, boxes, et al.) is a low-risk concern for contracting coronavirus. The Town of Acton considers single-use plastic checkout bags to be wasteful and harmful to the environment. The Town has banned use of single-use plastic checkout bags at stores and restaurants; however, this ban is currently suspended because of the pandemic. Until the ban resumes, the Town recommends that residents use the following sustainable and safe practices, if possible:
- put purchases directly into shopping carts and transfer to bags or boxes in your cars
- wash reusable bags frequently
Step 1 of Phase 3
Baker-Polito Administration announced that Step One of Phase III of the Commonwealth’s four-phase reopening plan, Reopening Massachusetts, started on Monday, July 6 to allow additional industries to resume operations under sector-specific guidelines. For more details on this phase of reopening go to: https://www.mass.gov/news/reopening-massachusetts-baker-polito-administration-initiates-transition-to-step-two-of-second
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program will provide temporary rental assistance in the form of a grant and will be administered through a collaboration with the Regional Housing Services Office (RHSO). Please contact lducharme@actonma.gov for more information.
COVID-19 Emergency Grants for Residents
The Acton Boxborough United Way has announced further details on the COVID-19 Emergency funding now available for Acton and Boxborough residents. Frequently Asked Questions about the A-B United Way COVID-19 Emergency Grants for Residents. How to Donate to the COVID-19 Impact Fund from Acton-Boxborough United Way
Acton Memorial Library Curbside Pick Up is Now Available by Appointment
Acton Memorial Library staff are taking calls to schedule contactless curbside pick up for for materials currently on the shelf in the library. We are working with minimal staff in the building and ask for your continued patience while we work out the details of this new program. If you would like to place a hold for materials currently on the shelf please follow these steps:
More details available here: https://www.actonmemoriallibrary.org/about-the-library/aml-at-home
A Note from the Acton Water District (AWD)
Outdoor Watering Restrictions Ban: Ban on Lawn Irrigation in effect
" Due to the ongoing dry weather, and two of our sources currently being unavailable due to delays in maintenance activities caused by COVID-19 interruptions, AWD is implementing a ban on lawn irrigation effective immediately. This includes above ground sprinklers and automated inground irrigation systems. The remaining components of our seasonal outdoor water use restrictions remain in effect, including the limits on using water outdoors based on your address. As a reminder, this includes other outdoor water uses including but not limited to power washing, watering gardens, car washing, and construction related activities. AWD thanks you for your cooperation and any water conservation efforts that you observe. Updates in the status of our outdoor water use restrictions will be communicated on our website ww.actonwater.com and via Twitter @ActonWater."
Information about Testing Facilities
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides comprehensive information about COVID-19 testing including an updated list of testing locations. More information is available here. An interactive map showing testing locations is also available at the following link: https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=eba3f0395451430b9f631cb095febf13
Emergency Orders Requiring Face Coverings
The Acton Board of Health Emergency Public Health Order of May 5, 2020 requires that face coverings be worn in public. View the order here: https://actonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6367/Board-of-Health-Emergency-Public-Health-Order-of-May-5
Acton Town Services Hotline 978-929-6619
The Acton Town Services Hotline is available to connect residents with a live worker to receive information and answers to their questions about the latest government news, COVID-19, and Town services in general. Hotline workers also help answer questions related to the topics such as elections, town meetings, financial relief programs for residents and business owners, and Town reopening plans. The Acton Town Services hotline number is 978-929-6619 and is open on Monday, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Fridays from 8 a.m. to noon.
Town Offices and Facilities
All town buildings and playgrounds (except NARA Park playground) remain closed to the public while Massachusetts’s State of Emergency is in effect. The closures are being ordered out of an abundance of caution in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and promote social distancing. Town Hall services are still operational and staff is available during normal hours throughout the work week. Please call 978-929-6619 or use www.actonma.gov to contact staff.
Transfer Station Hours
The Acton Transfer Station will continue operating with the adjusted schedule for the initial reopening. The facility is currently open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. The first hour (7-8 a.m.) is designated for Seniors (65+). The Transfer Station will also begin to accept payments (checks only) at the office for bulky items by early June. Staff are continuing to look at how to re-introduce some recycling streams such as polystyrene in later phases.
The purchase of Transfer Station and Recycling Facility vehicle stickers are now available online.
For more information on the Transfer Station and Recycling Center, please call 978-929-7742.