UPDATE #3 ( 6:30 p.m.) Easton Officials Announce Closures and Cancellations Related to Coronavirus

No Confirmed or Presumptive Cases in Easton

EASTON — The Easton Emergency Management Agency (EEMA) out of an abundance of caution and in an effort to promote best public health practices of social distancing and limiting non-essential gatherings of vulnerable populations, are closing the Town Offices and Frothingham Hall to the public for one week, March 16-20. Easton Public Schools will be closed for two weeks, March 16-27. Parents, families and staff will receive additional School related information directly via email from the Superintendent in the coming days. All Easton Council on Aging and Recreation Department programs are cancelled effective immediately.

The closures are a proactive step by Town and School leadership to limit the potential spread of COVID-19 while we await clear guidance on a statewide level.

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

Beginning Monday, March 16, Easton’s town offices at 136 Elm Street and Frothingham Hall at 15 Barrows Street will be closed to the public. Essential administrative offices will operate with minimal staff in order to maintain core municipal services and be reachable in a reduced capacity by phone. Because departments will have reduced customer service staff and capabilities for the week of March 16th, they will return time sensitive voicemails as soon as they are able, but response times will likely be slower than during typical business operations. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work together to promote the public health.

Public Safety and the Department of Public Works (DPW) will continue to operate, but the administrative offices of DPW on Center Street and the Water Division on Bay Road will be closed to the public.

EEMA will reassess operations on a daily basis and will continue to provide updated information on town government office hours, service alterations, and program cancellations as they become available. Please subscribe to these press releases for the latest information or visit www.easton.ma.us

On Thursday, March 12, the state of Massachusetts made dramatic changes to its Open Meeting Law, and Easton officials are reviewing those revisions to determine how they will be implemented. At this time, only essential boards and committees preparing for town meetings or that have statutory/regulatory responsibilities to fulfill will take place and will operate in accordance with the Governor’s Emergency Open Meeting Law.

The EEMA Leadership Team continues to meet on a regular basis and will continue to closely monitor regional, state and national developments with COVID-19. Other potential mitigation activities are being considered based on the daily information that is being received from federal and state officials.

As always, 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 or local public health department.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health 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.
• Consider not attending social gatherings with large groups, particularly if you are over the age of 60, have underlying health conditions, a weakened immune system or are pregnant.

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

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