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TranslationTranslation of this update is available: Call 978-929-6600 Ke genjù yaoqiú tígong
Una transacción de este documento está disponible a pedido
is dastaavez ka ek lenaden anurodh par upalabdh hai
Uma transação deste documento está disponível mediante solicitação
call 978-929-6600 |
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Confirmed CasesIt has been reported to Acton Public Health that at this time there are 975 cumulative cases of COVID-19 in Acton with 6 individuals in isolation, 937 recovered and 32 fatalities. Above is a chart showing the cumulative number of cases in Acton in blue and the daily trend in current cases in red. The chart below shows the daily trend in current cases as red bars.
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Baker-Polito Administration to Lift COVID Restrictions May 29, State to Meet Vaccination Goal by Beginning of JuneCommonwealth Will Adopt CDC Face Covering Guidance
BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that the Commonwealth is on track to meet the goal of vaccinating 4.1 million residents by the first week of June and all remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted effective May 29.
The Commonwealth’s face covering order will also be rescinded on May 29. The Department of Public Health will issue a new face covering advisory consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance. Face coverings will still be mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings.
Governor Charlie Baker will end the State of Emergency June 15.
The Administration also announced updates that will be effective May 18 to revise face covering requirements for youth and amateur sports and other guidance relating to childcare programs and K-12 schools. The Administration will release updated guidance for summer camps effective May 29.
The Administration is able to take these steps to reopen the Commonwealth’s economy because Massachusetts is on track to meet the goal set in December to fully vaccinate over 4 million individuals by the first week of June. The Commonwealth leads the nation in vaccinating residents, with 75% of adults receiving at least one dose. To date, over 4 million residents have received a first dose, with 3.2 million fully vaccinated.
New cases have dropped by 89% since January 8. COVID hospitalizations are down 88% since January 1 and the positive test rate is down by 88% from peaking at 8.7% on January 1 to 1% today.
Effective May 29
Effective May 29, all industries will be permitted to open. With the exception of remaining face-covering requirements for public and private transportation systems and facilities housing vulnerable populations, all industry restrictions will be lifted, and capacity will increase to 100% for all industries. The gathering limit will be rescinded.
All industries will be encouraged to follow CDC guidance for cleaning and hygiene protocols.
On May 18, 2020, the Administration published the reopening phases, which called for ending restrictions when vaccines became widely available. Today, there are over 975 locations for Massachusetts residents to access vaccines without delay.
Face Covering Guidance
In line with updated CDC face covering guidance, the Administration will rescind the current face covering order and issue a new face covering advisory effective May 29.
Non-vaccinated individuals are advised to continue wearing face masks and to continue distancing in most settings. The advisory will also recommend fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a face covering or social distance indoors or outdoors except for in certain situations.
Face coverings will still be required for all individuals on public and private transportation (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), healthcare facilities and providers, congregate care settings and health and rehabilitative day services.
Face coverings will also remain required indoors for staff and students of K-12 schools and early education providers.
Link to mask guidance
Youth and Amateur Sports Face Covering Guidance
Effective May 18, the youth and amateur sports guidance will be updated to no longer require face coverings for youth athletes 18 and under while playing outdoor sports. Effective May 29, all youth and amateur sports restrictions will be lifted.
Link to youth sports guidance
K-12, Early Education and Summer Camp Guidance
Effective May 18, guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Early Education and Care will be updated to no longer require masks for outdoor activities like recess and to allow for the sharing of objects in classrooms, in both K-12 and childcare settings. This guidance will remain in effect beyond May 29.
The Administration will release updated guidance for summer camps, effective May 29, which will include no longer requiring masks for outdoor activities.
Link to DESE guidance
Link to EEC guidance
State of Emergency Order
Governor Baker will end the State of Emergency June 15, and the Administration will work with legislative and municipal partners during this period in order to manage an orderly transition from emergency measures adopted by executive order and special legislation during the period of the State of Emergency.
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Acton Transfer Station to Return to Tuesday through Saturday Schedule Starting June 1, 2021
The Acton Transfer Station will revert back to normal operating hours of Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. It has been open for an additional day on Mondays for the last year during the pandemic and this will end on May 24th.
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. |
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Limited Opening of Town Buildings The Town of Acton is open for limited in-person use services. Town Hall was reopened on Monday, May 3, after closing on March 13, 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Public spaces and town offices will open with the following restrictions: • Visitors must wear a face mask at all times. • Visitors must maintain a physical distance of six feet. • Visitors must follow a modified traffic flow that will be marked with signs and floor markings. Those wanting to do business with the town in-person are asked to: • Sanitize their hands upon entering Town Hall, and to wash hands frequently. • Refrain from shaking hands with others or with town employees, and to use hands-free greetings. • Please limit their stay to 15 minutes or less, or request an outside meeting. • Stay home if they are not feeling well or exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. Making appointments for in-person business is recommended to reduce wait times. Town Hall hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Tuesday, 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; and Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Town Hall workspaces will be operating under reduced capacity, so in-person visitors may face unexpected wait times. The Town is still operating the Town Service Hotline at 978-929-6600 for any questions about town services.
Public meetings of government bodies will remain closed to in-person attendance and will continue to be available live on Zoom. No community programs will be held in town buildings, though outdoor programs will continue. Acton Memorial Library will continue to operate with limited hours. The first floor of the library is open for browsing on Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 2-5 p.m.; and Monday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Patrons are asked to spend no more than 30 minutes inside. No appointment is necessary, but occupancy is capped so patrons may have to wait to enter. Books on hold may be picked up during curbside hours, Tuesday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Policies for in-person use of town buildings will be changed when best medical advice and state guidance allow.
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More Information about COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics
Where and How to Book an Appointment: Last week, the state launched a preregistration system for its mass vaccination sites, and through the system appointments are offered based on eligibility and available, nearby appointments.
Residents are advised that the system only accounts for appointments available at mass vaccination sites, and more sites are expected to be added to the preregistration system in April. More vaccination sites can be also be found by clicking here and residents are also encouraged to reach out to local pharmacies to identify other potential vaccination opportunities.
To preregister: • Eligible residents will complete the online form at mass.gov/COVIDVaccine to request to book an appointment at a mass vaccination site nearby. • After completing the form, residents will get a confirmation via their preferred method of contact (text, e-mail, phone) and receive a weekly update about their status. Residents may opt out of preregistration at any time if they secure an appointment elsewhere. • When an appointment becomes available at a mass vaccination site, the resident will be notified and will have 24 hours to accept the appointment once it is offered. If an appointment is not accepted after 24 hours, the resident will go back into the queue to wait for another appointment. The COVID-19 Vaccine Schedule Resource 211 line remains available for those without internet access or who have difficulty using the internet for the preregistration process.
The 211 line can be accessed by dialing 2-1-1 and selecting the prompt for “Help Scheduling a Vaccine Appointment.” The hotline is only available for residents eligible for the vaccine without internet access or who otherwise cannot use the appointment site, and will take calls Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Translators will be available to help through the 211 line. Callers will be able to speak with a live representative who will help them find a nearby vaccination location and make an appointment. For more information about the 211 line, click here.
Vaccinations for Homebound Individuals Acton’s Vaccine Task Force is working to identify homebound residents to ensure that they are able to receive their COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccines are still very limited in Massachusetts, and there is no guarantee that the Town will be receiving more. However, if the Town able to obtain vaccine, officials want to be sure to vaccinate those that may find it difficult to obtain the vaccine by traditional methods. Homebound individuals includes those that need the help of another person or medical equipment such as crutches, a walker, or a wheelchair to leave their home, or their medical provider believes that their health or illness could get worse if they leave their home, and they typically do not leave their home. They may be those who have a permanent condition that prevents them from getting vaccinated, even if transportation were available. Examples of this include those who are bedbound, those who are extremely frail and weak, those with a chronic cognitive decline (dementia) and those who need one or two people to physically help them get out of the home. If you or someone you know may qualify, regardless of age, please contact the Council on Aging at 978-929-6652, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or at seniorcenter@actonma.gov.
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Acton COVID-19 Vaccine Interest Form
The Town of Acton has created a COVID-19 Vaccine Interest Form. Acton residents or those who work in Acton who meet the eligibility criteria for Phase One or the first two priority groups of Phase Two (individuals age 75+ and individuals age 65+ or with two or more comorbidities) and are interested in receiving the vaccine are asked to complete this form. The form will be used to notify respondents of their eligibility only. It is not a form for reservations, a waitlist or appointments. Not all subgroups are currently listed on the Vaccine Interest Form. The town will update the form regularly as new subgroups are identified by the state and become eligible for the vaccine. You may fill out the form on behalf of someone else. If you are inquiring about the eligibility of more than one person, please fill out one form for each person. Eligibility notifications and updates will be sent via email. If you don't have access to email and don't have someone who can submit the form on your behalf, the town will call you at the number provided on the form. If you do not have access to the internet to submit the form, please contact the Acton Town Services Hotline at 978-929-6600. Town officials will continue to monitor the situation and share updates, such as specific dates of when the vaccine may become available to more people, as that information becomes available. The Acton Public Health Department encourages everyone to stay informed regarding the COVID-19 vaccination process. The following resources are recommended for the most up-to-date information: |
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Childcare Subsidy Program AvailableNew Childcare Subsidy for Income-Eligible Local Families Childcare Subsidies are available for low to moderate-Income families in Acton.Participating families will receive $3,000 for children preschool aged or younger and $2,000 for children in Kindergarten to age 13 towards their daycare or after school costs so that parents and guardians may work, go to school or seek employment. Funds will be allocated to income qualified families on a first come, first serve basis by each Town using the income limits below with a maximum award during the grant year not to exceed $5,000 per child. Interested residents should contact the Laura Ducharme lducharme@actonma.gov or (978) 929-6651.
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Businesses in Acton Encouraged to Apply for Forgivable Loans After Cap Raised to $25,000 Per BusinessACTON -- Acton Town Manager John Mangiaratti, Boxborough Town Administrator Ryan Fererra, Littleton Town Administrator Anthony Ansaldi, Maynard Town Administrator Gregory Johnson and Westford Town Manager Jodi Ross are pleased to announce that additional funding is now available for qualifying businesses through the five communities' micro enterprise grant program that launched in January to support businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program, which initially made $10,000 forgivable loans available to businesses is now able to provide up to $25,000 per business to support them amid the pandemic recovery. The loans are meant to help cover costs such as rent, staffing and utilities for small businesses with five or fewer employees (including any owners), whose owner or owners meet low to moderate household income qualification as designated by United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in all five towns.
The micro enterprise grant program is the result of a partnership between the five communities and TRI, The Resource, Inc. The program is funded by a $1.6 million Community Development Block Grant. It has granted 15 forgivable loans since launching in January. The program has the capacity to provide many more grants for businesses in need. Loans were made possible by a $1.6 million in Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus Funding awarded to the Town of Acton through the CARES Act. For more information and to see if your business qualifies, visit www.trimicroeloans.org and choose the appropriate tab for Acton, Boxboro, Littleton, Maynard and Westford for the easy step-by-step pre-application questionnaire. Once submitted you will receive an email with further instructions. Pre-applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
"This funding has been set aside for businesses in our area who need help as the pandemic recovery continues," Maynard Town Administrator Johnson said. "I'm glad to know that businesses in Maynard have already benefitted greatly from this program, and I'm hopeful other businesses will take advantage of the opportunity to be supported in this way." "The last year has been difficult on all of us, and especially for small businesses, but this grant can serve as a critical lifeline that I hope others will utilize," Littleton Town Manager Ansaldi said.
"Several Acton businesses have already taken advantage of this invaluable program, and I hope more do as it's a critical safety net for businesses who have been hit hardest by the challenges of the last year," Acton Town Manager Mangiaratti said. "I encourage all businesses to explore this opportunity and utilize it as a way to secure critical funding for essential expenses."
Those with questions may contact TRI at trimicroloans@gmail.com for more information.
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Testing InformationThe Commonwealth of Massachusetts provides comprehensive information about COVID-19 testing including an updated list of testing locations. More information is available at https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing. An interactive map showing testing locations is also available using the link on the left.
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Updates from Board of Selectmen MeetingUse the following link to view the latest updates from the Board of Selectmen Chair.
http://www.actonma.gov/bos |
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Town Services Hotline (978) 929-6600The 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 town meetings, financial relief programs for residents and business owners, and Town reopening plans. The Acton Town Services hotline number is 978-929-6600 and is open on Monday through Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
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Java with John ProgramFor the latest COVID information other updates from Acton Town Manager John Mangiaratti and guests tune into the Java with John program Fridays at 10am. View previous episodes using the link shown to the left. This program is produced by the Acton Council on Aging in collaboration with ActonTV. The weekly program is also broadcast live on local FM radio at Acton's station WAEM 94.9 FM.
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