Town of Weymouth COVID-19 Updates - March 16, 2020

As an extension to Mayor Hedlund’s emergency declaration last week and in accordance with new guidance from Governor Baker and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), the town is taking the following measures at this time. These measures are being taken in an effort to balance the ability to continue to provide important services and to protect the health and safety of the residents of Weymouth. These measures can be extended, shortened, or changed as the town receives additional guidance from the state and federal government.

As of the close of business on Monday, March 16, 2020 services and closures are as follows:

TOWN BUILDINGS/OFFICES

ALL Weymouth Town Buildings will be closed to the public until at least Monday, April 6.

This includes Town Hall, the McCulloch Building/Senior Center, the DPW Building, the Teen Center, and all Public Libraries. Access will be limited to staff only.

Essential services will continue but are subject to change as circumstances change. Town business hours will remain the same, but residents and others must call or utilize online resources at weymouth.ma.us for services. Additionally, residents can utilize the existing drop box located outside of Town Hall for payment of bills. Any envelope-sized documents directed to Town Hall departments may be left in the drop box. Staff will be available by phone and email in all departments during regular business hours to provide information and answer questions. General questions about ongoing operations should be directed to the Mayor’s Office at 781-340-5012.  After-hours calls may be directed to the Mayor’s 24hr hotline at 800-335-8606.

BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS

The Town Council Meeting scheduled for 3/16/2020 is postponed.

All future events and meetings in town buildings and properties will be postponed until further notice.

The Governor’s Executive Order suspended portions of the Open Meeting Law to allow for remote participation for boards and committees. The Town is actively working to provide boards, committees and residents with remote capability that allows for participation at home. We will provide information on how to access future meetings when it becomes available.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Police and Fire emergency response will continue to operate as usual. However, administrative services have been amended as follows:

            1. Fire Stations are closed to the public. Please call 781-337-5151.

            2. Police Station will remain open. However, we ask that if you need to visit the police     station you call first at 781-335-1212.

            In the event of an emergency please call 9-1-1

SCHOOLS

In accordance with Governor Baker’s order on March 15, all Weymouth Public Schools will be closed until Monday, April 6, 2020. School Buildings and playgrounds are closed to the public.

Student Nutritional Needs: Beginning Tuesday, March 17, 2020 student meals will be available for pick up between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at Seach Primary School and Abigail Adams Middle School.  Each student meal will consist of a bagged lunch each day. This program will be available each week day, beginning Tuesday 3/17/2020, during this closure.

Residents with questions are asked to contact the Superintendent’s Office at 781-335-1460. More information on school plans and resources, including learning opportunities during school closures, can be found at https://www.weymouthschools.org/

SENIOR CENTER

Activities and events at the Senior Center continue to be postponed until at least April 6. In addition, the McCulloch building is closed to the public.

Senior Tax appointments have been cancelled by AARP indefinitely.

Weymouth Elder Service SHINE Appointments have been cancelled indefinitely.  If you need to reach a SHINE representative over the phone, please call 781-784-4944.

Senior Center transportation will continue to provide essential medical appointments only.  Please call 781-682-3824. 

Outreach appointments will be conducted via phone:  781-682-3817

For more information or if you’re a Weymouth Senior in need, please call the Senior Center directly at 781-682-6140.  We will respond to all inquiries within 24 hours. 

LIBRARY

Weymouth public library buildings will be closed to the public until April 6, 2020.

Understanding the inconvenience this causes to patrons, the Library has implemented measures to allow for the continued use of services during this time. This includes:

• Extending the loan period for items up to four weeks. We would also like to remind our patrons that materials belonging to the Weymouth Public Libraries do not accrue any overdue fines.
• On-Line services (of which there are many) remain available at: www.weymouth.ma.us/libraries

In addition, Weymouth Public Libraries will be offering curbside delivery of holds at this time at Pratt Library only. This service will ONLY be provided between Tuesday, March 17 and Friday, March 20. To use this service, you must do the following:

1. Place your hold via the online catalog (www.ocln.org) or place up to 10 items on hold via telephone (781-340-5002, ext. 1) between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM Tuesday, March 17 Thru Thursday, March 19 (No holds allowed on Friday, March 20, only previously ordered holds).
2. You will be notified by phone or email when your hold is ready for pickup at Pratt Library.
3. You must bring your library card or number with you when you come to pick up your holds.  Library staff will not be able to handle your license to verify your identity.
4. When you arrive at the library, call 781-340-5002 ext. 1 and staff will deliver the items to your vehicle. No other services will be offered via curbside delivery.

Items will be automatically checked out for four weeks. Please do not return items while we are closed. We will be putting the book drops inside the libraries. There are no overdue fines on Weymouth Public Libraries materials.     

For more information, contact the Library at 781-340-5002

PARKS AND RECREATION

Per Massachusetts Department of Conservation (DCR), the Connell Pool and Rink remains CLOSED until at least April 1. 

All organized events and activities permitted through the Recreation Department remain postponed until April 6.

As of Tuesday, March 17, 2020, all Town playgrounds will be closed until at least April 6. This is done in line with Governor Baker’s order to limit gatherings in a single area to less than 25 individuals, and out of an abundance of caution due to the amount of time a virus could remain on the play equipment and the Town not having the resources to ensure constant cleaning.

If you use an open passive recreation area, please be sure to adhere to social distancing guidelines - remain at least 6-feet away from others.

The Parks and Recreation Department office is closed to the public, but may be reached at 781-682-6124 or WeyRec@weymouth.ma.us.

YARD WASTE SITE – EARLY OPENING

Given that many residents may have time to start yard work early this year, as of Tuesday, March 17, the yard waste drop-off site at 55 Hollis Street will be open Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 3:00 pm. Please note it will be closed from 12:00 to 12:30 pm for lunch. 

CONTINUED PRECAUTIONS

The Board of Health, along with Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to recommend the following actions to limit the spread of COVID-19:

1. Practice social distancing – when in public spaces try to remain at least 6-feet away from others.
2. Actively Promote Social Distancing – encourage children to practice social distancing and good hygiene when interacting with family and friends of all ages.
3. Wash your hands with soap and water, scrubbing hands for at least 20 seconds before rinsing or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%-95% alcohol.
4. Frequently clean/disinfect commonly touched surfaces, including phones, tablets, keyboards, doorknobs, light switches, faucet handles, toilet flushers, countertops.
5. Cover your mouth – when you cough or sneeze use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
6. Stay home if you are sick – and avoid close contact with others.

If you have recently traveled to any countries of high level transmission and have symptoms of respiratory illness and/or fever or if you have come in contact with someone who meets these criteria, you should contact your health care provider, the Massachusetts State Epidemiology line at 617-983-6800, or the Weymouth Health Department at 781-340 5008. Please call first; do not go to any medical facility without calling and informing them of your medical condition. The health care facility will determine if you are eligible to be tested for COVID-19.

For more information, please contact Chief of Staff Ted Langill, Office of the Mayor, 781-853-8821.