ACTON — Town Manager John Mangiaratti, Emergency Management Director Mark Hald, Director of Acton Nursing Heather York and Health Director Sheryl Ball would like to provide an update on the town’s response to the COVID-19 global pandemic.
At this time, there are 22 reported cases of COVID-19 in Acton. Acton Public Health Nurses are working closely with the residents, and are conducting contact tracing to identify and provide guidelines to anyone who has been in close contact with these patients.
In order to protect the resident’s medical privacy rights, no additional information will be disclosed about the patients.
General information about the reporting of confirmed cases can be found here.
Tax Bill Deadline Extended
In accordance with the Act to Address Challenges Faced by Municipalities and State Authorities Resulting from COVID-19, signed on Friday, April 3, the Town is exercising the option made available by the legislation to extend the due date of tax payments.
The Board of Selectmen voted to extend the tax bill deadline from May 1, 2020 to June 1, 2020. If such tax bills are unpaid after June 1, 2020, all fees and interest shall be waived as long as the amount due is paid by June 30, 2020.
Bills can be paid:
- Online using City Hall Systems.
- By using the drop box at Town Hall, located at 472 Main St. Payments dropped in the drop boxes should be in the form of check or money order; please do not put cash in the drop boxes.
- By mailing the payment directly to Acton Town Hall, 472 Main St., Acton, MA 01720.
Residents who have questions regarding their bill can email collector@actonma.gov.
Federal Guidance Regarding Face Masks
On Friday, April 3, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that all individuals going out in public wear cloth face masks as precaution in situations where social distancing is hard to maintain, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing is the practice of keeping at least six feet between people while in public.
Information about how to properly remove and make your own face mask can be found on the CDC’s website here.
Town Offices, Facilities and Recreation Spaces
All town buildings, playgrounds, recreation fields, NARA Park, and the skate park remain closed to the public while Massachusetts’s State of Emergency is in effect.
The closures are being done out of an abundance of caution in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and promote social distancing.
Rail trails and conservation trails remain open, but residents are encouraged to practice social distancing and not congregate in groups if they are using the trails.
Town Hall services are still operational and staff is available during normal hours throughout the work week. Please call 978-929-6620or use the town website to contact staff.
Transfer Station Hours
The Acton Transfer Station has adjusted operating hours and is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. This adds Monday as a new day of service for residents. The first hour of operation (7-8 a.m. of each day) is designated for seniors only.
For more information on the Transfer Station and Recycling Center, please call 978-929-7742.
Restaurants and Non-Essential Businesses
Many of Acton’s restaurants remain open for takeout and delivery. Visit www.actonrestaurantweek.com for a current list of options.
On Tuesday, March 31, Gov. Charlie Baker extended the closure of non-essential businesses to the public until May 4.
Gatherings of more than 10 people are also prohibited until May 4.
The closures are being done out of an abundance of caution in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and promote social distancing. Essential businesses that remain open during time should promote this practice as well.
The Stay at Home Advisory Gov. Baker announced last month also remains in effect. This advisory encourages residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary, for example picking up groceries or medications. Residents may exercise outdoors, but are encouraged to practice social distancing when doing so. More information about the advisory can be found here.
Donations of Personal Protective Equipment
Town officials would like to express their gratitude for residents and local businesses who have donated masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to the Town.
Acton’s Public Safety Facility, 371 Main St., is ready to serve as a central drop-off point for PPE including home-made masks. Those looking to make a donation should call 978-929-7711 to coordinate a drop-off.
The Public Safety Facility remains closed to the public for all non-emergency business until further notice. Residents should continue call 911 during any emergency and first responders will respond as always.
Additional Information
The Annual Town Election as well as the Special State Election have been postponed to Tuesday, June 2, 2020. Early voting by mail is encouraged and is now available. More information can be found at actonma.gov/elections.
All Acton residents were mailed a letter this week from the Board of Health with important information about how to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Residents are encouraged to listen to the Town of Acton’s FM radio station WAEM 94.9, where town officials are broadcasting public meetings and other current information and programming.
Additionally, the Acton Senior Center’s “Java with John” program with Town Manager Mangiaratti will broadcast live this Friday at 10 a.m. on ActonTV’s Youtube channel and on radio 94.9 FM. If you have any questions send them in advance to manager@actonma.gov or 978-929-6611.
Information on COVID-19 is updated daily on the Town of Acton website, actonma.gov. The Town has also created a COVID-19 information center, which can be accessed at actonma.gov/covid19.
For more information, residents may also visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website here or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s (DPH) website here.
###
Discover more from John Guilfoil Public Relations
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.