MARION — Town Administrator James McGrail wishes to provide residents with the latest information regarding the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as federal and state officials continue to monitor the virus domestically and internationally.
There are currently 108 confirmed or presumptive positive cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, according to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). Gov. Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, March 10.
There are no confirmed or suspected cases of the virus in Marion at this time.
Out an abundance of caution and in an effort to avoid the transmission of COVID-19, all upcoming public meetings for boards and committees in the Town of Marion are cancelled. The cancellations are effective immediately and will continue through Sunday, March 22.
On Thursday, March 12, the state of Massachusetts made dramatic changes to its Open Meeting Law, and Marion officials are reviewing those revisions to determine how they will be implemented. The Town will reassess this decision over the upcoming week and provide regular updates.
The following changes to the Town’s Council of Aging are also in effect:
- Programming at the Community Center is suspended for the week of March 16. Call the office at 508-748-3570 for further updates.
- Transportation to doctor appointments only will still take place.
- Any resident who would like to have a home delivered meal, please call 508-748-3570 to make arrangements.
- Anyone needing further assistance is asked to call 508-748-3570.
The Marion Council of Aging is collecting nonperishable food items. Donations can be dropped off at the Police Station, Fire Station, and Community Center.
The Marion Natural History Museum will be closed next week and all programs for the week of March 16-21 are cancelled.
The Elizabeth Taber Library is suspending programs and group meetings at the library until April. The library will remain open for normal hours, and patrons should refer to the library’s website and Facebook page for updates, or call the library for more information at 508-748-1252.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of the virus appear 2-14 days after exposure. The DPH reports that symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath and pneumonia in severe cases.
The DPH recommends that residents continue with good hygiene practices including:
- Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, including under your fingernails. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content) can be used when soap and water are not available.
- Keep your hands away from your face.
- Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with a tissue and discard it immediately. Cough into the sleeve over your elbow instead of your hand. Wash your hands often when coughing and sneezing.
- Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.
For more information, visit the DPH website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.
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