Town of Tyngsborough Provides Update on Coronavirus Response

TYNGSBOROUGH — Town Administrator Matthew Hanson wishes to provide residents with the latest information regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and the following measures being taken by the Town:

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

• Buildings will be staffed and phones will be answered.
• All public meetings will be postponed for the next two weeks while officials continue to monitor the situation. These meetings will be rescheduled as soon as it is deemed appropriate.
• Council on Aging Meals on Wheels, AARP Tax Prep Appointments, Medical Equipment Loaning program and Senior bus program will continue to run and the Center will be staffed for the foreseeable future.
• 911 calls will continue to be investigated immediately.
• Residents are asked to call the Tyngsborough Police dispatch center to file reports and for all non-emergencies. Dispatch can be reached at (978) 649-7504. Written statements and photographs for minor incidents, property crimes and other similar reports will be accepted by email.
• The department will continue to receive firearm license applications, however fingerprinting and photographing will be discontinued until at least April 6

Events not canceled at this time

• Town Election (5/12/2020)
• Town Meeting (5/19/2020)
• Memorial Day Parade (5/25/2020)

Residents can conduct most town business online here. Town officials will continue to assess 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.

This evening, Gov. Charlie Baker announced new guidelines for all Massachusetts residents to promote social distancing and help to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• No gatherings of any kind of more than 25 people at one time, in one place
• All public and private schools in Massachusetts will close on Tuesday, March 17 until at least April 7.
• All bars and restaurants will only be able to serve takeout customers.

Residents, business owners and community members are asked to abide by these newest guidelines from the Governor’s office.

The Tyngsborough Emergency Management Team, consisting of the Board of Selectmen Chairman, Town Administrator, Fire, Police, Board of Health and other town officials, are meeting regularly to assess the situation and determine next steps.

More information can be found on the town website here and will be shared on Tyngsborough 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: http://www.tyngsboroughma.gov/.

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