Wareham MA: COVID-19 Coronavirus Announcement & Closings

TOWN OF WAREHAM
54 Marion Road
Wareham, MA  02571

Dear Wareham Residents,

The Emergency Management Team and team members have been meeting throughout the last two weeks to go over the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation. 

There have been multiple meetings, conference calls and guidance from the Governor’s Office, Department of Public Health, MEMA, Southcoast Health Group and Federal Advisories.  After reviewing the information, the Town of Wareham has decided to take precautionary measures to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Beginning Monday, March 16^th, the Town will take the following temporary actions:

1. The Council on Aging will be closed to the public and Social Day Programs will be canceled.  The meals on wheels program will continue to function.  COA staff will be available to receive calls for GATRA passes and to provide guidance to seniors.  Please contact COA staff at (508) 291-3130. 

1. The Wareham Free Library will be closed to the Public. 

1. Town Hall will remain open to the public.  We ask that if you require a Town service you call to see if it can be accomplished without a face to face interaction.  All non-Town meetings and non-essential committee meetings are canceled.  The general number for Town Hall is (508) 291-3100 and when prompted press 1 to hear the departmental directory.

1. To adhere with social distancing advisories, we are urging those that are able to pay their tax bills online to do so through the Town’s website.  The Town uses City Hall Systems as the bill processing vendor:  Online Payment Link

You may also call in payments to City Hall Systems phone pay number (508) 381-5455.  Phone payment processing may be experiencing high call volume, so the best way is to pay online.  There is no charge if you use a checking or savings account.  The vendor charges 2.95% for credit and debit card payments

1. The Town is working on adhering to the emergency order issued by Governor Baker regarding modifications to public meetings.  The order was issued to help achieve the guidance of social distancing while allowing the Town to carry out essential functions and operations.  The order can be seen here: Governor Baker's Order.  A separate guidance document will soon be released.
2. The Municipal Maintenance Department Garage located on Charge Pond Rd. will be closed to the public.  All operations will continue at the facility.

1. Assistant Town Administrator, Dorene Allen-England has been named the Public Information Officer.  All official statements and releases will only come from Ms. Allen-England.  All media inquiries should be directed to her email:

dallen-england@wareham.ma.us

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
• 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)

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

Here are some useful links for additional information:

Massachusetts Department of Public Health website

Centers for Disease Control website

Southcoast Health COVID-19 website

The response to COVID-19 will be fluid and the Town will continue to provide updates and take actions as deemed necessary.  Our primary concern is the health and safety of our residents. 

We appreciate everyone’s help and patience during this time.

Respectfully,

Derek D. Sullivan
Town Administrator