Braintree Public Schools to be Closed Friday, March 13th
BRAINTREE — Mayor Charles C. Kokoros wishes to provide the community with important information and updates on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in our town.
Superintendent Frank Hackett announced Thursday night that all Braintree Public Schools will be closed on Friday, March 13, 2020. The closure of schools is a proactive step by the school district to limit the potential spread of COVID-19.
Additionally, Mayor Kokoros announces that all events in town buildings and properties will be postponed until further notice.
“These are proactive measures the town is taking to help halt the spread of the coronavirus and keep our residents healthy and safe,” Mayor Kokoros said. “The coronavirus situation is a rapidly changing and fluid issue that every community is dealing with and we want to thank our residents in advance for their patience and understanding while we work through this situation together.”
Town Hall, town offices and the school administration building will remain open during normal business hours until further notice.
Town officials are continuing to closely follow guidance from the Braintree Health Division, Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the virus, as well as steps the Town can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath and respiratory illness, including pneumonia in severe cases.
Local, state and federal health officials are encouraging residents to take the following precautions to prevent infectious diseases, such as the flu and COVID-19, from spreading:
- Washing hands with soap and water, scrubbing hands for at least 20 seconds before rinsing or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%-95% alcohol.
- Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces, including phones, tablets, keyboards, doorknobs, light switches, faucet handles, toilet flushers, countertops.
- Avoid sharing personal items such as ChapStick, water bottles, eating utensils, etc.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing and then wash hands.
- Community members should stay home and avoid contact with others when experiencing flu-like symptoms, including a fever of 100.4 and should remain home until symptom-free and/or fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
- High-risk residents should consider not attending social gatherings with large groups, particularly if you are over the age of 60, have underlying health conditions, a weakened immune system or are pregnant.
The DPH is in regular communication with local boards of health, healthcare providers, hospitals, long-term care facilities, schools and local government officials. COVID-19 information is posted on the DPH website and updated regularly. In addition, the DPH has created a Public Health Fact Sheet.
The CDC also provides up-to-date information regarding confirmed cases and travel advisories on its website.
Braintree officials will continue to closely monitor this situation and will provide new updates and information when it becomes available.
Locally, residents may contact the Braintree Health Division at 781-794-8094.
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