COVID-19 TOWN OF SCITUATE UPDATE

Dear Scituate residents and businesses,

As a precautionary measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, effective Monday, March 16, 2020, the Town of Scituate will be closing the Scituate Public Library, Council on Aging and Recreation Departments to the public for a period of one week. All scheduled activities are cancelled. Employees will be available in these departments by phone and email to provide assistance to residents during normal operating hours.

Essential government services, such as Police, Fire, and Public Works services will continue.  Senior Center operations will be limited to the meals-on-wheels program and providing critical rides for medical appointments, medications, and groceries. 

All other Town departments will remain open at this time. We ask that you limit your visits to municipal offices as much as possible. Many of the tasks that people come to Town Hall to complete can be completed on line.  In addition, staff will be available by phone and email to answer any questions you may have. Our response to Covid-19 is changing on a daily basis as we receive more information from our partners in the state and federal governments.

We are implementing these measures as a proactive step to minimize the risk of COVID-19 to employees and residents.  The Scituate Health Department remains in daily communication with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.  As of today, March 15, there are no confirmed COVID-19 cases in Scituate.

We continue to encourage residents to take everyday preventive actions, including:

Clean your hands often by using soap and water for at least 20 seconds

If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol

To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc.

Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something

Cover your mouth with your elbow when you cough or sneeze

Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.

Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks, and cell phones)

If you must go out, to the extent possible, avoid large crowds and gatherings. Minimize contact outside your family if possible

Watch for symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of breath.  If you feel like you are developing symptoms, contact your doctor.

This is a rapidly changing public health situation.  Please call the Scituate Health Department at (781) 545-8725 with any questions or concerns or visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website or Centers for Disease Control website for the latest information on COVID-19. 

WE ALL NEED TO HELP

In addition to your Town staff acting, public help is also needed.  First and foremost, we must all recognize that because of the extraordinary circumstance there will be impacts and disruptions to our daily routines. This can be stressful.  If ever there was a time when we must extend a bit more patience and understanding towards our friends, neighbors and even folks we don’t know this is the time. 

Also, this is the time to be extra vigilant with your own health, hygiene and taking common sense precautions.  If you or a family member does contract the virus and you need emergency service, PLEASE TELL THE 911 OPERATOR.  Your care will still be top priority, but that notification will allow our paramedics to come better prepared and protected, so they can stay in service for the next call.

Please remember that the elderly and individuals with preexisting health conditions are at particular risk for Covid-19. Check in on them by phone or email.

Lastly, stay calm and positive.  This will pass if we all continue to pull in one direction. Scituate has been at its best when things are tough. Working together and staying prepared will get us through this.

Sincerely

Scituate Board of Selectmen

Scituate Town Administrator