Town of Dracut Provides Update on Coronavirus Response

DRACUT — The Town of Dracut wishes to inform residents that in an effort to assist with containment and ensure the health and well being of the public and town employees regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, the following measures are being taken:

All town buildings, including schools, are closed to the public effective immediately.

• Buildings are be staffed and phones will be answered.
• Residents are asked to call the dispatch center to file reports and for all non-emergencies. Dispatch can be reached at 978-957-2123 and then by pressing 5. Written statements and photographs for minor incidents, property crimes and other similar reports will be accepted by email.
• Emergency calls will continue to be investigated immediately.
• Firearm licensing services and fingerprinting services will not be provided until further notice.
• Meals on Wheels will continue until otherwise notified.
• All public meetings are canceled until further notice.
• All extracurricular activities are canceled until further notice.

Residents can conduct most town business online at here. Town officials will continue to asses the situation and determine alternative solutions to gatherings that require physical interaction.

Town officials will make every effort to handle as much business as possible via phone and electronic platforms.

The Dracut Emergency Team, consisting of the Board of Selectmen Chairman, Town Manager, Fire, Police, Board of Health and other town officials, are meeting regularly to asses the situation and determine next steps.

More information can be found on the town website here and will be shared on Dracut social media platforms.

The COVID-19 situation is very fluid, and new information and guidelines are being posted by the CDC on a regular basis. The CDC offers the following guidance for how COVID-19 spreads. 

If anyone displays symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, they should not go to work or school and are advised to contact their primary care physician. According to the CDC, symptoms of the virus appear within 2-14 days of exposure.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) 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.

For more information, visit the DPH website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here. Information will be posted on the town’s website as well: www.dracutma.gov.

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