West Newbury Fire and Police Departments Discuss Staffing and Response Procedures During COVID-19 Crisis

WEST NEWBURY — Fire Chief Michael Dwyer and Police Chief Jeff Durand would like to provide an update regarding the status of West Newbury Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services for the town.

The West Newbury Fire and Police Departments, as well as Cataldo Ambulance Service, are adjusting staffing based on the needs of the town and are prepared to respond to any emergency. 

Until further notice, the West Newbury Police and Fire Departments at 401 Main St. are suspending walk-in, non emergency services, and instead are asking residents to contact the police and fire business lines or send an e-mail for non-emergencies. 

• West Newbury Police Department business line: 978-363-1212.
• West Newbury Fire Department business line: 978-363-1111.
• Residents looking to fill out a burning permit can do so by clicking here.
• Member of the public can also submit public records requests, LTC renewals and first-time applications by emailing police@westnewburysafety.org.
• The West Newbury Fire Department can also be reached by email at fire@westnewburysafety.org.

Residents are reminded to call 911 in an emergency. Police, firefighters and EMS will respond to calls for service as they normally would.

Out of an abundance of caution and safety first responders may appear different. They may be wearing additional personal protective equipment (PPE) when responding to calls. The 911 Dispatcher may ask further questions regarding signs and symptoms, this is to protect both the first responder and residents.

If emergency fire or medical services are needed, residents should call 911 and inform the Dispatcher if the person they are calling for or anyone else in the home has been in contact with are experiencing signs and symptoms consistent with the COVID-19 virus. Please tell the 911 Dispatcher if the sick person has been asked to self-quarantine, or anyone has been in contact with has been asked to self-quartine, or tested positive to COVID-19 virus.   another person in the home, or a person that has had contact with the person, have been asked to self-quarantine.

First responders throughout the nation are practicing social distancing when responding to emergency calls. When responding to a call for service, first responders will ask residents to do the same, which entails keeping separated by approximately 6 feet if possible.

COVID-19 is the illness associated with the novel coronavirus. It has led to declarations of a Global Pandemic by the World Health Organization, a national emergency by President Donald Trump and a state of emergency for Massachusetts.

At this time, there is one confirmed case of COVID-19 in West Newbury. The patient has been isolated and is being supported and monitored according to public health guidelines.

Chief Dwyer and Chief Durand shares the following public guidelines, which have also been circulated widely by public health professionals and physicians:

• If you do not have an essential reason to go out, stay home
• If you are sick in any way, stay home
• If you are over age 60 or have a preexisting medical condition, stay home
• If you have a fever, aches, a cough, or sore throat, stay home and isolate yourself from others
• If you can do your job from home, stay home and do so

Residents should continue to follow recommendations made by the Massachusetts Department of Health (DPH) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

• 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.

Public Safety Officials are continuing to work with Emergency Management Director Lee Ann Delp, Board of Health Agent Paul Sevigny and Town officials to monitor the situation.

Town officials will share updates as they become available on the town website. Residents are encouraged to sign up for CodeRED, the Town’s Emergency Communication sytem.

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