Author: Debby Dane

On March 15, Governor Baker issued an emergency order closing public & private schools for 3 weeks. Elementary and Secondary Schools: suspend educational operations from March 17 until April 6. Full order available here.

Gatherings & Restaurants: Governor Baker issued an emergency order limiting gatherings to 25 individuals and prohibiting on-premises consumption of food or drink at bars and restaurants, beginning on March 17 and effective until April 6. The full order is available here.

Health Care: The Department of Public Health issued guidance today that includes the following:

• All commercial insurers, self-insured plans, and the Group Insurance Commission are required to cover medically necessary telehealth services related to COVID-19 testing and treatment. The full order is available here.

On March 10, Governor Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency, giving the Administration more flexibility to respond to the outbreak. Read more about the declaration.

The latest information and guidance regarding COVID-19 is always available at mass.gov/COVID19.

For the latest on case counts in the United States, visit the CDC website.

Gov. Baker announced 3 wk school closing, restaurant and bar restrictions, limits to gatherings at 25, unemployment status updates on Sunday evening, March 15…watch here..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=0rJr_jmPZ6g&feature=emb_logo

https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-emergency-actions-to-address-covid-19

THIS LETTER TO THE COMMUNITY FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE CLARK: “As we continue to assess the current conditions surrounding the coronavirus outbreak, we have made the decision to temporarily close our galleries and exhibitions to the public effective tomorrow, March 14. The health of our entire community is of paramount importance and we feel that it is our civic responsibility to move swiftly to support public health initiatives to stem the spread of this disease. While we have been proactive in implementing numerous preventive measures as advised by federal, state, and local officials, we now feel that the most responsible action is to temporarily pause our normal operations. Although there have been no confirmed cases of coronavirus connected to the museum, we will use this hiatus period to continue our rigorous cleaning protocols and will assess all building systems to ensure peak effectiveness in maintaining a safe and healthy environment. We will continue to monitor developments and will make a further announcement on April 1 regarding the duration of the closure. In the meantime, our beautiful campus and walking trails remain open and we hope you will find some pleasure in enjoying nature, fresh air, and the first signs of spring. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Clark soon!” Olivier Mesley

The Retirement Party for the retired Town Treasurer Janet Sadler, Town DPW Director Tim Keiser & Town Clerk Mary Kennedy on March 23 at the Williams Inn has been cancelled.  Tickets will be refunded.  Deb Turnbull in the Town Manager’s office will be returning checks in the mail.  Please don’t come to Town Hall for refunds, rather email Deb Turnbull at:   dturnbull@williamstownma.gov

Thanks for patience on refunds!

 

CLICK HERE for info from the MA Department of Public Health. They are working closely with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to provide updated information about the novel coronavirus outbreak. CLICK HERE.