Confirmed COVID-19 Cases
It has been reported to Acton Public Health that at this time there are 203 cumulative cases of COVID-19 in Acton with 2 individuals in isolation, 180 recovered and 21 fatalities (many of these at congregate care facilities). Here is a chart showing the cumulative number of cases in Acton.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts publishes a dashboard on its website with daily updates regarding COVID19 cases https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting
Statewide Guidance
Governor Baker signed an updated gatherings order, effective Tuesday, August 11, with the following changes to statewide guidance:
- Reduce the limit on outdoor gatherings from 100 to 50 people (indoor gatherings limit will remain at 25 people)
- Apply these limits to all types of gatherings, on both public and private property
- Require face coverings where more than 10 people from different households will be mixing.
Due to the recent increase in positive cases, step two of phase III of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan has been postponed indefinitely.
Restaurant rules have been updated to state that alcoholic beverages may only be served for on-site consumption if accompanied by orders for food prepared on-site. The administration will be taking measures to ensure that bars masquerading as restaurants will be closed.
Public safety officials, including state and local law enforcement, have the jurisdiction to enforce these orders and event hosts in violation of these orders will be subject to fines or cease and desist orders.
To read the gatherings order, click here.
To read the updated restaurant protocols, click here.
To read the full August 7th Press Release, click here.
COVID-19 Travel Order - Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Governor Baker announced on July 24th a travel order requires all visitors and returning residents to fill out a “Massachusetts Traveler Form” unless they are coming from a state that has been designated a lower risk COVID-19 state or fall into an exemption category. The new travel order effective August 1, 2020, also provides that visitors and returning residents arriving in Massachusetts from any place other than a COVID-19 lower-risk state must quarantine for 14-days unless they can produce a negative COVID-19 test result administered on a sample taken not more than 72-hours prior to arriving in Massachusetts.
More details on this order are available at www.mass.gov/matraveler.
Town Hall Take-Out Window Service Now Available
Contactless town services for the Land Use Department and Collector’s Office will now be available for residents. The window service is now available at the front of Town Hall, 472 Main St. Staff will be available Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon, rain or shine. A face mask or cloth face covering will be required for all who wish to use these services.
Sample of services available are:
- Applying for and picking up building permits and septic records
- Submitting payments and requests for inspections
- Getting answers to questions regarding Building, Natural Resources, Planning and Health Divisions
- Making real estate, motor vehicle excise and sewer payments, and receiving a paid stamp.
- Purchasing a resident commuter lot sticker.
- Receiving a copy of your property assessment card.
- Picking up or dropping off an absentee ballot application.
The Acton Town Services Hotline remains open to help with general questions regarding town services and helping residents connect to the correct person or department. Translation services are available as well. To access these services, please call 978-929-6619. The Hotline is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to noon.
Wear a Mask
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Reopening Plan
Baker-Polito Administration is implementing the Commonwealth’s four-phase reopening plan, Reopening Massachusetts. For more details on this phase of reopening go to: http://www.mass.gov/covid19
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 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. 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
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.