HOLBROOK — Chief of Police and Emergency Management Director William J. Smith wishes to convey to the residents and business owners of Holbrook the status of the Holbrook Police Department’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 public health crisis.
The Holbrook Police Department remains fully staffed and prepared to respond to any emergency.
All police department stations and lobbies are currently closed to the public. Residents are encouraged to call the police business line at 781-767-1212 for most inquiries. Always dial 911 in case of emergency.
Residents are asked not to dial 911 for questions about COVID-19 or coronavirus. The state has set up the phone number 211 to answer questions that residents may have concerning COVID-19.
Police officers in town may appear different and may be wearing additional personal protective equipment (PPE) when responding to calls. This is being done out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of first responders.
If police services are needed, residents should inform the 911 dispatcher if they or anyone they have been in contact with is experiencing signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19. The dispatcher should also be alerted if individuals or anyone they live with or have come into contact with have been required to self-quarantine.
“We must all do our part to slow the spread of this deadly disease. As such, members of the Holbrook Police may look different during this time by wearing masks and other pieces of protective equipment,” Smith said. “It is important our officers take extra precautions when responding to calls and interacting with members of the community. Seeing a police officer in a mask does not mean they have recently come in contact with someone who has tested positive for the disease or that there is any immediate threat to the community.”
Health Guidance
On Sunday, March 29, President Trump called for an extension to the nationwide social distancing guidelines. All residents must continue to avoid nonessential travel, going to work, eating at bars and restaurants and gathering in groups of more than 10 through the end of April.
Chief Smith shares the following public guidelines and preventative steps from DPH:
- 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.
- Anyone who experiences symptoms and believes they may have the virus is advised to contact their health care provider. For more information from the CDC for those who may have the virus, click here.
COVID-19 Information Resources
Holbrook officials encourage everyone to stay informed regarding COVID-19. The following websites are recommended for the most up-to-date information:
- Town of Holbrook website: Click here
- Holbrook Police Department website: Click here
- Holbrook Police Emergency Management website: Click here
- Massachusetts Department of Public Health: www.mass.gov/covid-19
- Massachusetts 211 general COVID-19 information: Click here or dial 2-1-1 (24/7)
- To sign up for the Massachusetts COVID-19 Text Message Notification System to receive important updates, text “COVIDMA” to 888-777
- United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov
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