Shrewsbury Fire Department Discusses Staffing and Response Procedures During COVID-19 Crisis

SHREWSBURY — Chief James Vuona wishes to convey to the residents and business owners of Shrewsbury the status of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Medical Services in the Town.

The Shrewsbury Fire Department and town EMS services are fully staffed and prepared to respond to any emergency.

All fire department stations and lobbies are currently closed to the public. Residents are encouraged to call the Fire Department business line at 508-841-8522 for most inquiries. Always dial 911 in case of emergency. 

Residents are asked not to dial 911 for questions about COVID-19 or coronavirus. The state has set up the phone number 211 to answer questions that residents may have concerning COVID-19.

Firefighters and medics may appear different and may be wearing additional personal protective equipment (PPE) when responding to calls. Their interactions with the public will be different, and are being done out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of first responders.

If emergency fire or medical services are needed, residents should inform the 911 dispatcher if they or anyone they have been in contact with is experiencing signs and symptoms consistent with the COVID-19 virus. The dispatcher should also be alerted if individuals or anyone they live with or have come in contact with have been required to self-quarantine.

“We know these are challenging times for everyone, and many things are not business as usual, but the Shrewsbury Fire Department remains fully equipped to respond to any resident in need,” Chief Vuona said. “We must all do our part to flatten the curve and slow the spread of this deadly disease. This includes members of the Shrewsbury Fire Department taking extra precautions when responding to calls and interacting with members of the community.”

Health Guidance

On Sunday, March 29, President Trump called for an extension to the nationwide social distancing guidelines. All Shrewsbury residents must continue to avoid nonessential travel, going to work, eating at bars and restaurants and gathering in groups of more than 10 through the end of April.

Chief Vuona shares the following public guidelines and preventative steps from DPH:

• 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.
• Anyone who experiences symptoms and believes they may have the virus is advised to contact their health care provider. For more information from the CDC for those who may have the virus, click here. 

COVID-19 Information Resources

Shrewsbury officials encourage everyone to stay informed regarding COVID-19. The following websites are recommended for the most updated information:

• Town of Shrewsbury website: Click here
• Town of Shrewsbury Emergency Management page: Click here
• Massachusetts Department of Public Health: www.mass.gov/covid-19
• Massachusetts 211 general COVID-19 information: Click here or dial 2-1-1 (24/7)
• To sign up for the Massachusetts COVID-19 Text Message Notification System to receive important updates, text “COVIDMA” to 888-777
• United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov

###