Schools, Senior Center and Library to Close to Public for Two Weeks
METHUEN — Mayor Neil Perry, Superintendent of Schools Brandi L. Kwong and Health Agent Amy Ewing are today announcing a number of actions designed to maintain the functionality of City government while limiting exposure risks for vulnerable populations and minimizing the negative opportunities associated with large public gatherings. Those actions include:
- All school buildings in Methuen will be closed for this two-week period through at least March 27. School-sponsored events and activities during this period are also canceled or will be postponed. Community-based rentals of school facilities are also canceled. High school sports are cancelled by the MIAA through at least March 30.
- The K-8 Before and After School Ranger Program is also canceled.
- For students needing meals, starting Wednesday, March 18, grab-and-go breakfasts will be available from 7-9 a.m. at the upper school side of the Tenney Grammar School, 75 Pleasant St. Lunches will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Given the inherent vulnerability of senior citizens, the Methuen Senior Center will be closed to all visitors beginning on Monday, March 16, for an anticipated two-week period.
- The Senior Center staff will be at work during normal business hours and available to assist seniors via telephone and e-mail.
- The Meals on Wheels program will continue without interruption.
- All recreation, library and senior center programming are suspended as of Friday afternoon, until further notice.
- The Library staff is hard at work to find ways to continue to serve the community during this time. The Library has a large variety of online information sources, as well as e-books and magazines for all ages, available at the library web site and through their on-line catalog, at www.nevinslibrary.org. The building will be staffed each day, and residents can call to check in if there is anything they need. Contact the Library at 978-686-4080, or 978-722-2666 or email [email protected] .
- The 2020 Baseball and Softball Clinic has been cancelled
- City Hall will remain open; however, anyone who is experiencing any symptoms associated with the virus should refrain from visiting any City department. Citizens are encouraged to utilize online services available on the City website www.cityofmethuen.net.
“We are asking residents to practice healthy hygiene habits and social distancing,” Mayor Perry said. “We will continue to act locally and make the decisions we feel best protect the health and safety of our residents by limiting risks associated with unnecessary large public gatherings.”
Mayor Perry is conducting regular emergency management meetings with key City officials. Every department is actively engaged in planning to respond in the event of an emergency situation, including communicating with their peers throughout the region.
The Board of Health will be reaching out on Monday to every licensed food establishment with specific information and guidance.
The Methuen Public Schools Central Office will be open between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. everyday starting on Wednesday, March 18. Parents are urged to contact the office at 978-722-6001 for any questions or concerns.
“We know there are many events in the spring for students like the prom,” Kwong wrote. “No decisions can be made about those events at this time. We ask all of our students and their families to remain safe and follow the health guidelines and updates issued by local, state and federal authorities.”
For ongoing information, Superintendent Kwong will communicate with staff and families via email, phone and the school district and town website during the closure. Monday and Tuesday, March 16 and 17, will be used to clean all buildings, and custodians will continue to work through the two-week closure period to keep all school buildings clean and disinfected.
For more information, visit the City of Methuen website at www.cityofmethuen.net.
School families should also check the school district’s website www.methuen.k12.ma.us for the latest information.
Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.
###
