Franklin Matters: Updates on coronavirus (COVID-19) from Senior Center, Franklin Police, Representative Roy, and Senator Spilka

Friday, March 13, 2020

Updates on coronavirus (COVID-19) from Senior Center, Franklin Police, Representative Roy, and Senator Spilka

Senior Center Cancellation of Events and Activities

"As older adults and those with chronic medical conditions are the most vulnerable population with regard to the COVlD-19 outbreak, we will be cancelling most of our events and activities to reduce the risk of infection at the Franklin Senior Center for the next two weeks and possibly longer should conditions warrant. Our goal is to take all possible measures to prevent illness in older adults who attend the Senior Center, while maintaining activities that do not put participants at risk for exposure."

Read the full text including what services will still be offered mostly via appoint or phone https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/alerts/scclosing.pdf

Franklin Police

Dear Residents, Businesses, and Visitors to the Town of Franklin,

As Chief of Police I have enacted several new policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While many of these are internal and deal with how officers will continue to work and provide public safety, there are a few which the public should be aware of. These are effective immediately and will continue until further notice.

Effective March 10, 2020, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has declared a state of emergency and has urged other agencies to take action to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. As a police department, it is impossible for our employees to cut off all contact with the public, and because our role in the community is so vital, we must respond to this situation with some changes. In response to the state of emergency, and to protect the members of the Department and the public, the Franklin Police Department will implement the following changes until further notice.

Read the full text including what protocols were changed
https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/2020-franklin-police-response-covid-19

Representative Roy

I know there are many concerns about the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and I appreciate all of the calls and messages I have received over the last few days. New information is coming out regularly so please check the special state website for latest updates at https://www.mass.gov/covid19. In the meantime, here is the latest info I have:

Read the full text from Rep Roy
https://mailchi.mp/8562866a70a2/ux2l17im8a-2477749

Senate President Karen Spilka

Greetings,

I am writing to you to provide information and resources about coronavirus and COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, in Massachusetts. This is a rapidly-evolving situation, and I know that there is a level of uncertainty in our communities. I can assure you, however, that I am working closely with state and local leaders to take steps to address the public health, economic and civic impacts of this pandemic.

I have added a page to my website, Coronavirus Updates, that I will keep updated with the latest information. Please feel free to bookmark it and check it often for the latest updates and guidance.

Senator Spilka's update page
https://karenspilka.com/updates/2020/3/13/covid-19-updates

The joint memo from Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Superintendent Sara Ahern

Based on the evolving conditions associated with the COVID-19 outbreak occurring throughout the state, in consultation with the Franklin Board of Health, town emergency management officials, we have made the decision to close the Franklin Public Schools and most town buildings, beginning today, Friday, March 13, 2020. As the situation remains fluid, we anticipate remaining closed for approximately two weeks (through March 27, 2020) resuming operations March 30th where the Town will resume business; however, this may change based on direction from state and local health officials as more information becomes available.

We realize this decision has a significant impact and far-reaching ramifications for our community and understand the disruption and uncertainty that is created for everyone. However, we believe these steps are necessary given the current realities. We encourage all families to take a step back, please follow best hygiene and prevention practices as instructed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and to be patient. We do not make this decision lightly, but making decisions to help prevent transmission of the virus is paramount.

We encourage every Franklin resident, business and visitor to follow the latest guidance from local authorities on our Coronavirus Information Portal here on the Franklin homepage. More information on each departments level of service will continue to be updated here:

https://www.franklinma.gov/