- Home
- Government
- Departments
- Health
- Coronavirus 2019 (COVID19)
- COVID-19 Past Updates
COVID-19 Past Updates
March 12, 2021
Eligible people who live, work, or study in Massachusetts can preregister for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment at a mass vaccination location: Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Reggie Lewis Center, DoubleTree Hotel-Danvers, Eastfield Mall-Springfield, Natick Mall, former Circuit City-Dartmouth.
Starting today, Appointments for mass vaccination sites are now done through a new pre-registration system that calls, texts, or emails you directly and provides you with a unique code to sign up for an appointment. After you preregister, you will receive weekly status updates on your preferred contact method and will be contacted when an appointment is available. You have 24 hours after being contacted and receiving the code to sign up for your appointment. The website to use is vaccinesignup.mass.gov or visit mass.gov/vaccine and the website link and additional information can be found on the page.
If you are not comfortable using the internet, you can call 211 and have a representative assist you with pre-registration.
Vaxfinder.mass.gov can still be used to find appointments at non-mass vaccination sites such as clinics with health care centers.
March 9, 2021
Effective March 11, 2021 Educators, Child Care Workers, and School staff are eligible to be vaccinated.
We encourage you to continue to look at vaxfinder.mass.gov for appointments for all those who are eligible. Appointments on Vax Finder are updated frequently for health care locations and on Thursdays for mass vaccination sites.
People who are eligible to receive a vaccine and are not comfortable using the internet can call 211 and follow the prompts for help scheduling COVID vaccine, representatives are available to assist every day of the week.
February 26, 2021:
The Town of Concord will be hosting a small clinic on Tuesday March 2nd at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center from 9am-12pm, for Concord residents age 75 and older for COVID-19 vaccination. Registration will be through the following link which is immediately available for registration. Please note, there are only 60 appointments available.
The Town will not be receiving any more vaccine at this time and is unable to schedule future clinics. Please do not call the COA or Health Division as they have no additional information and there is no wait list for future clinics. If you receive an appointment, please do not arrive before your appointment time.
We encourage you to continue to look at vaxfinder.mass.gov if you are not able to get an appointment for the Town’s clinic this Tuesday. Appointments to Vax Finder are updated frequently for health care locations and on Thursdays for mass vaccination sites.
People who are eligible to receive a vaccine and are not comfortable using the internet can call 211 and follow the prompts for help scheduling COVID vaccine, representatives are available to assist every day of the week.
Beginning March 1st, 2021, Massachusetts will move into Phase 3, Step 2. This means that
· Indoor performance venues such as concert halls, theaters, and other indoor performance spaces will be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity with no more than 500 persons
· Indoor recreational activities with greater potential for contact (laser tag, roller skating, trampolines, obstacle courses) will be allowed to reopen at 50% capacity
· Capacity limits across all sectors with capacity limits will be raised to 50% and exclude employees
· Restaurants will no longer have a percent capacity limit and will be permitted to host musical performances; six-foot social distancing, limits of six people per table and 90 minute limits remain in place
For additional information, please visit mass.gov/reopening or the announcement which can be found here.
February 24, 2021
Everyone in Phase 1, individuals age 75 and older, individuals age 65-74, individuals with 2+ certain medical conditions, & residents and staff of low income and affordable senior housing are all now eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccinations are available at Mass vaccination sites at Gillette Stadium, Fenway Park, the DoubleTree in Danvers, the Eastfield Mall in Springfield, the Natick Mall, and the former Circuit City in Dartmouth. These vaccination sites are high volume, large venue sites offer the most appointments, and their appointment availability is updated every Thursday.
General vaccination sites include health care locations, pharmacies and grocery stores. There are fewer appointments at these sites but availability is updated daily.
Appointments can be found by visiting vaxfinder.mass.gov or calling 211 if you are not comfortable or unable to use the internet.
If you are a senior 75 or older who received their first dose through the Concord COA’s clinic on February 10th, you will receive a call to schedule your second appointment.
February 18, 2021
The State announced that beginning today, February 18th, people aged 65 and older are now eligible to be vaccinated. In addition, people with 2 or more of the following health conditions are also eligible to be vaccinated:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Down Syndrome
- Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant*
- Obesity and severe obesity
- Pregnancy**
- Sickle cell disease
- Smoking
- Type 2 diabetes
- Moderate to severe Asthma
More information on who is eligible can be found by visiting mass.gov/vaccine
Appointments can be found by using the State’s locator tool at https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/. People who are eligible to receive a vaccine and are not comfortable using the internet can call 211 and choose the option for “help scheduling COVID vaccine”, representatives are available to assist every day of the week.
Please note, you will never be asked for a credit card number to make an appointment.
General information about vaccination from the State can be found at www.mass.gov/vaccine. For information from the Town, we ask that you continue to review the information line recording at 978-318-3033 and visit the website for updates.
February 12, 2021
The State has announced that Individuals accompanying a 75+ resident to their vaccination appointment at 1 of 4 mass vaccination locations can make an appointment to also be vaccinated at the same location on the same day.
- Mass vaccination locations have the most appointments and update their schedules every Thursday. Mass vaccination locations include the vaccination site at Gillette Stadium, Fenway Park, the DoubleTree in Danvers, and the Eastfield Mall in Springfield.
- Only one caregiver is permitted to schedule an appointment with each 75+ resident.
- If a 75+ resident already has their first appointment booked, caregivers can schedule an appointment to receive their first dose when they accompany for the second dose appointment.
More information can be found by visiting mass.gov/covid75
Appointments can be found by using the new locator tool at https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/.
People who are eligible to receive a vaccine and are not comfortable using the internet can call 211 and choose the option for “help scheduling COVID vaccine” Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm, to have a representative assist them in signing up for an appointment. If there are no available appointments, they can be placed on a call-back list for when appointments become available.
February 10, 2021
The VA Bedford Healthcare System has expanded scheduling to additional categories based on federal guidance and are actively calling enrolled Veteran patients who get their care at VA Bedford to schedule COVID-19 vaccinations in the following categories:
- Community Residential Care (CRC) homes
- All VA Bedford employees, including tenant units
- VA outpatients 50 and over and those determined by their care provider to be at high risk for a COVID-19 infection
The COVID Vaccination Clinic appointment line for the VA Bedford Healthcare System is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, and appointments are available seven days a week, starting at 7:00 a.m. with the last appointment at 4:45 p.m. For more information and appointments please call 1-781-687-4000.
If you are a Veteran enrolled in VA healthcare and on the Bedford campus for an appointment, ask your healthcare provider if you are in one of the current categories to receive the vaccine or call 1-781-687-4000.
If you are a Veteran who is not enrolled in VA healthcare, but interested in getting the vaccine, please visit the Eligibility page to determine your eligibility for VA healthcare.
First Responders who are Veterans--with proper ID as determined by the State of Massachusetts and who are enrolled in or eligible for VA Healthcare--may walk in to the vaccination clinic, daily from 7:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Please visit our Eligibility page if you have questions about healthcare enrollment.
To get the latest updates and sign up to stay informed about COVID-19 vaccines through the VA visit the VA's vaccine information page.
February 5, 2021
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced today that a Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line is now available for the 75+ community who do not have access to or do not feel comfortable using the internet. Please note, this call line does not have access to additional appointments and people who feel comfortable using the internet should continue to look for appointments using the maimmunizations.org website.
To use the vaccine scheduling call line:
Call 211, press prompt for "help scheduling COVID vaccine"
- The Hours of operation for this helpline are Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm
- There are more than 500 representatives staffing phone lines daily and operators are available who speak English, Spanish and have more than 100+ languages available via translators.
- Representatives will be scheduling appointments at mass vaccination sites through the www.maimmunizations.org website
- If no appointments are available, the caller can be added to a call-back list and will be contacted when the mass vaccination sites have additional availability.
Please know that as this is a new resource from the state and it is likely that wait times will be significant.
General information about vaccination from the State can be found at www.mass.gov/vaccine. For information from the Town, we ask that you continue to review this recording for updates or visit concordma.gov/covid19.
February 3, 2021
We are pleased to announce that the Board of Health will hold a COVID-19 vaccination clinic for the Concord 75+ community in the auditorium of the Harvey Wheeler Community Center on Wednesday, February 10th from 1-4pm. There will be only 100 vaccination appointments available as this is the amount of vaccine that we have received from the state. Registration will be by phone. You may call 978-318-3042 beginning at 10:00am on Thursday, February 4th to try to secure an appointment. Once the 100 appointments are taken, you will hear a recording indicating that there are no more appointments. This is the only number you can call to sign up, please do not call the Board of Health or the COA or other Town offices, they will not be able to sign you up. Once again, the number to call to sign up is: 978-318-3042.
If you have health insurance, please have your card ready when you call, if you do not have insurance you can still receive the vaccine; the vaccine is free for everyone.
Please continue to listen to the Town’s COVID information line at 978-318-3033 for the most up to date information on any future clinics that the Town is able to schedule. As vaccine is in short supply as we have only received 100 doses, we strongly encourage residents to reach out to their primary care physician and visit the State’s vaccine information website: www.maimmunizations.org to see about getting vaccinated at one of the many other places the State has set up. We know that these too are in short supply for appointments, please be patient.
January 28, 2021
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced that Phase 2 of vaccinations will begin on February 1st. This means that people age 75+ are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning February 1, 2021. However, the State also advised local communities that it was limiting the amount of vaccines it would supply for municipal clinics to 100 doses per week.
We understand and share your frustration but please be assured that the Town is doing what it can within its control to get our community vaccinated. At this time, we are waiting to receive the first 100 dose allocation and then will begin to host micro-clinics for the 75+ community each week contingent upon receiving the vaccine from the State. We are not accepting appointments or maintaining a wait list but there will be public outreach when the clinics are scheduled and instructions provided at that time. The Council on Aging will be doing a robo call to community members who are 75+ once registration is open, do not expect the call until at least the middle of next week. There will be a dedicated phone line for registration and this phone number and any additional information will be included on the COVID-19 information call line’s message.
Until then, we strongly encourage residents to reach out to their primary care physician and visit the State’s vaccine information website: www.maimmunizations.org to see about getting vaccinated at one of the many other places the State has set up. We know that these too are in short supply for appointments, please be patient.
General information about vaccination from the State can be found at www.mass.gov/vaccine
We request that you do not call or email the Health Division as they do not have any additional information about vaccination sites other than what is provided here and on the MDPH webpage.
January 26, 2021
The State of Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced that Phase 2 will begin on February 1st. This means that people age 75+ are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine beginning February 1, 2021. Vaccination locations can be found by using the following map from the State's website: mass.gov/CovidVaccineMap. This map is updated frequently and includes what pharmacies may be offering vaccine.
Most primary care physicians associated with Emerson Hospital and the Partners-affiliated hospitals will be getting vaccine in coming weeks. Check with your primary care physician about when they expect to be able to provide vaccine and see if you can get on their list. In addition, Emerson Hospital plans to hold vaccination clinics; check their website frequently for information.
We request that you do not call or email the Health Division as they do not have any additional information about vaccination sites than what is on the MDPH webpage. We are unable to maintain lists of people who want to be vaccinated. We are not holding clinics at this time, and will likely not be able to do so until at least the 3rd week of February; there will be extensive public outreach when clinics are scheduled.
Looking for a new way to get COVID-19 information from the Town of Concord? Use the COVID-19 information call line! This line plays a recording of information about COVID-19 and vaccination and is updated as needed. The phone number for the information line is 978-318-3033.
January 20, 2021
Per MDPH, effective tomorrow, vaccination eligibility is open to include the next two priority groups in Phase 1.COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Timeline: Phase Overview | Mass.gov
Home-based health care workers and Health care workers doing non-COVID-facing care (including office staff) will be eligible to get vaccinated at locations that are open to provide these vaccinations. Vaccine locations for those currently eligible can be found at COVID-19 vaccine locations for individuals currently eligible to be vaccinated | Mass.gov
January 4, 2021
The Town of Concord’s Emergency Management Staff and Health Officials have been hard at work planning for the rollout of the much anticipated COVID-19 vaccine here in Concord. We understand that many people are anxiously awaiting information about when vaccines will be made available and where they will be able to obtain them. Please know that the Town is working with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) who will determine when vaccines will become available to different segments of the public and how it will be made available to these groups. This plan, with timelines for arrival of the vaccine can be found on the MDPH webpage.
The Town has partnered with the towns of Bedford, Carlisle, Lincoln, Maynard, and Sudbury for a Phase 1 Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic for first responders vaccination clinic in the participating towns. This vaccination clinic will take place at the Concord Carlisle Regional High School in an outdoor temporary structure in the next few weeks.
As information becomes available, the Town will send out notifications and updates via News and Notices, the Town’s COVID-19 webpage, and on social media.
Please know, the Town does not have the ability to purchase additional vaccines or speed up the process. The phased approach which is being followed across the State has been developed by medical and health professionals at MPDH to best deliver the vaccine in a coordinated effort across the State. We want to remind you to wear a mask whenever outside of your home, wash your hands frequently, avoid gatherings, and continue to take precautions as we continually battle this virus.
COVID-19 UPDATE AS OF MAY 11TH
Text from this evenings’ robocall from Town Manager Stephen Crane:
Good Evening. This is Town Manager Stephen Crane calling once again to give you an update on the Town’s response to the COVID 19 pandemic. Governor Baker has issued new orders including the extension of the closure of nonessential businesses until May 18 as well as a new requirement that face coverings that cover your nose and mouth must be worn in public when social distancing cannot be maintained, when inside certain businesses, and while using public transit. The Concord Board of Health also adopted an order on face coverings that incorporates the Governor’s order and further clarifies its application in town. Both orders are posted on the Town’s website.
The Governor also made several changes to non-essential businesses allowing for some remote purchases and has announced a four phase plan to reopen the state’s economy. The Town will closely monitor the development of the plan and incorporate it into local efforts to reopen including Town offices. Information on the Governor’s plan is also on the Town’s website.
Town Moderator Carmin Reiss has also announced that the Annual Town Meeting continued to June 22 will be further continued, at least until late July, and ideally until late September. The Moderator’s decisions on Town Meeting are made in consultation with the Select Board and Town public health and safety officials, and based upon local public health conditions, restrictions ordered by the Governor, the Town’s ability to ensure everyone’s safety, and the Town’s ability to continue operations while delaying town meeting appropriations.
The Town Election remains scheduled for June 11. Any voter wishing to vote by mail needs to send to the Town Clerk by mail, email, or in the drop box outside the Town House, a signed and dated request for an early ballot, including their name, address and where the ballot should be sent. We strongly encourage voting by mail for the health of both voters and election workers.
Finally, I want to thank Concord residents for your continued patience in this difficult and uncertain time. The pandemic has already impacted all of us and will continue to do so for months to come. It’s more important than ever to fight the spread of the virus, treat each other with kindness and respect, and support local businesses whenever possible. Stay safe and be well.
____________________
The above Four-Phase Approach to Reopening Massachusetts was announced May 11th, the details provided about the phased reopening can be found on mass.gov.
UPDATE AS OF MAY 5TH
On Monday, May 4th, Governor Baker made changes to non-essential business restrictions. The changes can be seen in the Essential Services FAQ, the text of which is available on the Massachusetts State Government website.
UPDATE AS OF MAY 4TH
Answering the Phone to Help the MA COVID Team Trace & Slow the Spread of COVID-19
If someone tests positive for COVID-19, staff from the state’s new Community Tracing Collaborative will reach out by phone to that person, and their close contacts, to slow the spread of the virus. Contact Tracers will make sure residents are getting the medical attention and support they need during isolation and quarantine.
The caller ID will show the call is coming from “MA COVID Team”. If you receive a call with this ID, please answer the call. Information shared during the call is strictly confidential and is treated as private medical information. Learn More about the Community Tracing Collaborative: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/learn-about-the-community-tracing-collaborative
UPDATE AS OF MAY 1ST
Earlier today, Governor Maker issued an order to help slow the spread of COVID-19 by requiring face masks to be worn in public. This order goes into effect Wednesday May 6th and will remain in effect until further notice. For information on the order, please read the official language which can be found here.
__________________________
In response to the good weather which is being forecasted for this weekend the Concord Police Department has issued some precautions which will be taken in order to assist with keeping our community safe during the time of COVID-19 social distancing necessity. Please view the memo from Police Chief Joseph F. O’Connor to Town Manager Stephen Crane below or by clicking the link here.
CONCORD POLICE DEPARTMENTAs a result of the Governor Baker’s issuance of the State of Emergency declaration on March 10, 2020; and the local declaration by the Select Board on March 19, 2020 due to the COVID-19 situation, the Police Department has continued to ensure the safety of the community while collaborating with key stakeholders to assist with public health issues. Social distancing is vital for reducing risk of transmission of COVID-19. The Concord community overall has been compliant with the Governor’s order; however, we have seen increased usage of conservation areas, the Bruce Freeman Trail and other locations. Although the areas are thought of as open spaces people sometimes come within close proximity of each other. The risk in these open spaces is low; however, some people experience some anxiety especially when masks are not being worn. This Sunday, May 3, 2020 the weather is expected to sunny and approximately 70 degrees. It is anticipated that people will feel the need get outside and enjoy the weather. It is expected that an increase of people in the fore mention locations will increase and the Police Department will be putting the following in place to assist with safety
|
__________________________
The Finance Committee Public Hearings have been rescheduled for Monday May 4th and Wednesday May 6th. The article information and more can be found in the agendas below.
May 4th Finance Committee Public Hearing Agenda
May 6th Finance Committee Public Hearing Agenda
_________________________
Concord Public Works (CPW) is pleased to inform you that throughout this COVID-19 response period, curbside trash and recycling continues to be picked up reliably and on schedule.
As you may recall, because Town offices had been forced to close un-expectedly during the regular subscription renewal period, accommodations were made to allow for on-line procurement of barrel stickers and disposal tags. While many customers have successfully been able to renew their subscriptions online and by mail and obtain updated barrel stickers and disposal tags, we wish to remind those who have not yet been able to do so of the following:
There are two payment steps required to ensure uninterrupted service of municipal curbside trash and recycling. This involves (1) payment of your 6-month subscription fee and (2) purchase of barrel sticker or disposal tags.
Barrel stickers and disposal tags may continue to be purchased locally at Concord Lumber, Crosby’s Market, CVS, West Concord Pharmacy or West Concord 5&10. (Cumberland Farms sells tags only).
You can also now purchase your Barrel Sticker and Disposal Tags online. Those residents who cannot get to one of our vendor locations can purchase a barrel sticker ($46.80) which covers April 1 – Sept. 30 or single use disposal tags ($1.80), by clicking here. Please allow two weeks for these to be received in the mail.
You can also renew your subscription for that same time period online via the same link. You will need to enter your bill number (six digits preceded by “0”s) and enter the year 20211. If you cannot locate your bill you may use the “search option” on the online application.
Another method of renewal subscription can be achieved by sending your check payable to “Town of Concord” for $141.00 along with a note indicating you are paying your curbside subscription – stating your address and mail to “Treasurer’s Office, Town of Concord, 22 Monument Square, Concord, MA 01742”. If you have already sent this to the PO Box listed on the bill, that is okay, it just takes a little longer to be processed.
If you have, any questions feel free to contact us via email at cpw.info@concordma.gov or by leaving us a voicemail message at 978-318-3240. We will respond as soon as possible.
We appreciate your patience and understanding and hope you and your family stay well.
Please visit the program webpage at any time for the most up-to-date information at www.concordma.gov/recycle.
UPDATE AS OF APRIL 15TH
The Town Moderator, Carmin Reiss, has issued a declaration of recess and continuance for Concord’s Annual Town Meeting. Please see the notice here.
The Town of Concord’s Fire/EMS Department has donated six PAPRs (powered, air-purifying respirator) and accessories (batteries and chargers) to Emerson Hospital to aid in their fight against COVID-19. The Department’s PAPR is compatible with Emerson’s machines and filters and will provide additional support to the hospital. The Town is working to provide what we can to Emerson Hospital as one of our community’s critical stakeholders and partners.
A Select Board Meeting will be held tomorrow at 4:00PM; the meeting can be watched live by visiting minuteman.media/govt or on channel 9 on cable.
We want to thank our community for your efforts to stop the spread of this virus which has taken hold of all of our lives. Please continue to do your part and social distance, wear a cloth mask as recommended by the CDC when out of your home, and practice good hygiene.
As a reminder, please be responsible when visiting our conservation lands and trails. Help us keep our community healthy by following the guidelines below when visiting our shared open spaces.
UPDATE AS OF APRIL 10TH
A message from Town Manager Stephen Crane:
Hi, this is Town Manager Stephen Crane with an update for you on the coronavirus impacts in Concord. I hope this message finds you well. To begin, I want to help everyone understand how the Town is evaluating conditions and making decisions about modifications to services including access to Town facilities. Our only goal is to limit the community spread of COVID-19 so we can keep our community healthy and return to normal as soon as possible.
While most people are doing a good job with social distancing, there are some who are not taking these precautions seriously and are placing others at risk. Unfortunately, decisions will need to be made to address the few who are not doing their part that will have an impact everyone else.
As many of you already know, we have closed all sport courts and playground equipment and will be strictly enforcing parking limits at Town schools, parks, trails and other outdoor amenities. The Town may be forced to take further action for the sake of public health if people continue to ignore the guidance to remain at home except for essential errands and keep disregarding the social distancing measures when outside.
Some simple things you can do during this crisis to minimize risk of exposing yourself and others, as well as help manage the anxiety many of us are feeling, include avoiding a site if the parking lot is full and staying at least six to ten feet from others, stepping aside as needed to allow others to pass. Additionally, please keep dogs leashed so they do not run at others. A dog bite would be an unnecessary and avoidable burden on our health care system during this pandemic. The better we do at these things, the faster this crisis will end.
I also want to update you on a few new policies that can reduce the financial impact of the pandemic on individuals and businesses. First, the Select Board has voted to waive interest and other penalties in the event of a late payment of taxes. Second, resources for local businesses are now posted on the Town website and Town staff are available to assist with the process. Finally, the State is now allowing beer and wine sales with takeout orders from licensed restaurants.
The Annual Town Meeting will be postponed until Monday, June 22. The Town Election will be on Thursday, June 11.
Finally, we want to remind everyone to sign up for News and Notices to receive email updates from the Town. Directions to sign up are on the front page of the Town’s website: concordma.gov
Please take care during these trying times and help our first responders and health care workers by doing your part to keep yourself and others safe and well.
UPDATE AS OF APRIL 7TH
The Town of Concord, like many communities across the country, has made the difficult decision to close all sports courts and play equipment within the Town of Concord beginning tomorrow, April 8th. This decision was made with the community’s best interest in mind as the nation continues to struggle containing the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Over the past several weeks, the Town (though the Police, Public Health and Town Manager’s Department) have received a number of complaints from residents about the use of parks and the lack of social distancing measures being properly followed. Therefore, effective immediately all basketball courts, tennis courts, batting cages, and other park amenities will be closed until further notice. Open spaces within the parks will be open for community use as long as proper social distancing measures are followed. As a reminder, the virus can spread on objects and surfaces making playing games such as frisbee (where an object is passed between people) an unsafe social distancing activity.
We encourage you to continue to practice healthy habits and to recreate outside. The Town will continue to evaluate what we are able to safely keep open but these decisions will be based on if social distancing measures are being followed. These measures will help us stop the spread of the virus. Remember, even if someone looks healthy, they could be an asymmtomatic carrier or you could be a carrier and unintentionally pass it to someone else. Please act as though all people you meet outside of your home are infectious and keep a safe distance. For more information and updates related to the Town’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including up-to-date information regarding office closures, business information all other health-related announcements, please visit the Town’s website at concordma.gov/coronavirus2019 or you can follow up on social media @TownofConcordMA
UPDATE FOR APRIL 6TH
The novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has affected all of us in different ways. The Town of Concord has been working tirelessly to try and keep the community safe which in large part means working with our State Government to provide the best service and information to our community. At the suggestion of the State, the Town took the “case counter” off of the COVID-19 webpage several weeks ago as it was found to be incomplete and suggested that COVID19 was not significantly present in Concord, which could create a false sense of security.
After hearing from our community that they would prefer to have the case counter posted with the understanding of our concerns with the completeness of the information, the Select Board indicated to the Town Manager that the counter should be placed back on the website to be updated once a week with the latest available number. The counter has been replaced on the website with a warning message explaining the need for social distancing and provides the number of cases who have been tested and reported by the State. There has been widespread community transmission throughout Massachusetts and we ask that you please assume that everyone you come into contact with may be infected with the virus.
_________________________
Most departments, including the Concord Municipal Light Plant, are working with minimal staffing during limited hours. Concord Municipal Utilities is committed to delivering reliable electric, water/sewer, and broadband service, and we are adapting to support our residential and business customers during this difficult time.
We have scaled back our operations and adjusted how we handle essential services, to learn how things may have changed, please see our page here: https://concordma.gov/2577/COVID-19-Important-Utilities-Information
UPDATE FOR APRIL 4TH
Please note that as we begin to settle into our temporary "normal," the COVID-19 updates from the Town may be less frequent but will continue to be sent as needed.
Updates from the State
The following is a summary provided by the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) of the key sections of An Act to Address Challenges Faced by Municipalities and State Authorities Resulting from COVID-19. The text of the bill can be seen by clicking here:
- Town Meeting Delay Beyond June 30. Allows Town Meetings to be delayed beyond June 30 if Governor has declared a state of emergency related to public health or safety. (Section 1).
- Recess and Continuance of Town Meeting. Allows the Moderator to recess and continue an already-called Town Meeting during (and until 5 days after) a public health, safety or weather emergency for up to 30 days, renewable for up to 30 days at time during the emergency, but not to a date more than 30 days following the rescission of the state of emergency. If a town does not have a moderator, the Select Board may recess and continue Town Meeting accordingly. A public safety or public health official designated by the Select Board shall submit a report to the Attorney General providing justification for the recess and continuance. These changes are effective as of March 10, 2020. (Sections 2, 3 and 4).
- Adoption of Temporary Fiscal 2021 Budgets. If Town Meeting is unable to adopt an annual budget by June 30 due to a declared emergency, the Select Board shall notify the Director of Accounts at DLS, and the Director may approve expenditures from any appropriate fund or account of an amount sufficient for the operations of the Town during the month of July of not less than 1/12 of the total budget approved in the most recent fiscal year, pursuant to a plan approved by the Select Board, with such authority continuing for each successive month that the emergency prevents the adoption of a budget by Town Meeting. (Section 5).
- Use of Free Cash and Undesignated Fund Balances. If a Town is delayed from adopting an annual budget due to the COVID-19 emergency, the Director of Accounts may authorize the Town to appropriate (for use in fiscal 2021) from the available undesignated fund balance or free cash certified by DLS as of July 1, 2019, including undesignated fund balances in enterprise funds or special revenue accounts. (Section 6).
- Amortization of Fiscal 2020 Deficits. Allows cities and towns to amortize its fiscal 2020 deficit resulting from the COVID-19 emergency over fiscal years 2021 to 2023, to be funded in equal or more rapid installments, such amortization to be adopted prior to setting the fiscal 2021 tax rate. (Section 7).
- Use of Revolving Funds. Allows cities and towns that are unable to adopt their fiscal 2021 annual budget due to the COVID-19 emergency to expend amounts from revolving funds not to exceed the authorized expenditure in fiscal 2020. The legislative body shall vote on the total amount to be expended from each revolving fund when the annual budget is adopted. (Section 8).
- Tolling Required Action on “Chapter” Lands. Suspends the time period that municipalities are required to act, respond, effectuate or exercise an option to purchase Chapter 61 forest land, Chapter 61A agricultural land, or Chapter 61B recreational land until 90 days after the governor’s March 10, 2020 emergency declaration is terminated. (Section 9).
- Option to Delay Property Tax Due Date to June 1. Allows the municipal chief executive to delay the due date for municipal property tax bills to June 1. (Section 10).
- Option to Waive Interest and Penalties for Late Payments. Allows the municipal chief executive to waive the payment of interest and other penalties on late payments that were due after March 10, 2020 and paid before June 30, 2020, for any excise, tax, betterment assessment, water or sewer bill, or other charge added to a tax. (Section 11).
- Non-Termination of Services to Residents Due to Late Payment. Cities and towns shall not terminate an essential service of a resident, including water, trash collection or electricity, for nonpayment of taxes or fees due on or after March 10, 2020 and paid after the due date but before June 30, 2020, if the nonpayment resulted from a demonstrated inability to pay due to the COVID-19 outbreak or the March 10, 2020 emergency declaration by the governor, provided that the inability to pay shall include a demonstrated financial hardship of a resident, including but not limited to loss of employment, serious illness or death of someone within the home. (Section 11).
- State Income Tax Deadline Delayed. Postpones the deadline for filing Massachusetts state income tax returns and payments from April 15, 2020 to July 15, 2020. (Section 12).
- Sale of Alcohol by Take-Out Restaurants. Allows restaurants licensed to sell alcoholic beverages on-premises may sell sealed containers of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption as part of take-out food transactions. (Section 13).
- Facilitating Return to Service by Retirees. Allows state and municipal employees to return to work for the state or a municipality regardless of mandatory retirement ages or a statutory limit on hours worked and earnings received, to help with workforce needs. Those on disability retirement are not eligible. (Section 14).
- Remote Meetings for Shareholder Corporations. Allows public corporations (private shareholder entities) to hold annual or special meetings of shareholders remotely for up to 60 days after the termination of the March 10, 2020 state of emergency. (Section 15).
- Provisions for Nonprofit Corporations. Allows nonprofit entities (incorporated under Chapter 180) to conduct or postpone necessary business and meet remotely for up to 60 days after the termination of the March 10, 2020 state of emergency. (Section 16).
- Tolling Municipal Requirements on Permits and Quasi-Judicial Public Meetings and Hearings (the “constructive approval” issue). Tolls required municipal actions on permits until 45 days after the termination of the COVID-19 emergency, and no permit shall be considered granted, approved or denied, constructively or otherwise due to the failure of a permit granting authority to act within timelines that would otherwise be in effect. This section also clarifies that permit granting authorities may conduct meetings and public hearings remotely during the COVID-19 emergency, consistent with the Governor’s March 12 Executive Order regarding the Open Meeting Law. This section also applies to the conduct of public meetings, public hearings or other actions taken in a quasi-judicial capacity by all local boards and commissions during the emergency declaration by the governor. (Section 17).
UPDATE AS OF MARCH 30TH
Annual Town Meeting will be postponed due to the COVID-19 public health and safety emergency until at least May 18, with further postponement possible. A formal Declaration on April 24, 2020 to Recess and Continue Annual Town Meeting to a date in May will be made on April 24, 2020. The press release can be viewed here.
________________________
With schools and many businesses now closed, we’re experiencing an unprecedented number of people using our treasured conservation lands, parks, and recreational areas. We understand the solace that people find being outdoors, and want to encourage your safe and responsible use of our community’s properties.
We ask your help to maintain the safety of our visitors and stewardship of our conservation lands and parks. Please, if a parking area for one property is full, choose another place or time to visit. If you bring your dog, bring your baggies and carry any waste out. And remember that your dog should also be physically distancing from other trail users.
We have temporarily suspended distribution of trail guides at trail heads, in an effort to minimize transmission of the virus. Trail guides can be viewed online at concordma.gov, under the Natural Resources Division webpage. All playscapes are closed until further notice.
Thank you for helping to steward our community space and keeping each other safe.
__________________
We understand that this is an extremely difficult time for our community members and we want you to know that you are not alone, if you find yourself in need of mental health and/or addiction help, we hope that these resources may be of assistance.
___________________
Is there a list of places where I can get tested for COVID-19 if I think I have symptoms?
If you think you may have symptoms, first call your health care provider. If your clinician thinks you should be tested but they are unable to offer a test at their own health care facility, they will provide a referral and you can be tested at test site near you. A physician’s Order is required for testing at all sites. An appointment is necessary at all sites; call ahead to make your appointment before you go.
Link to list of current Massachusetts Covid-19 Testing sites.
https://www.mass.gov/doc/ma-covid-19-testing-sites/download
UPDATE AS OF MARCH 28TH
Have you been wondering if you should seek testing for COVID-19? Try using the symptom checker from Buoy to help you decide if it’s time to call your physician: https://www.buoyhealth.com/symptom-checker/
For general information for residents about the coronavirus, see the "What you need to know" page here: https://www.buoyhealth.com/diagnoses-a-z/coronavirus/
As we as a community continue to deal with the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. You may be left with many questions and wanting as much information as possible. We recommend signing up for updates from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health text alerts by texting COVIDMA to 888-777 to get updates directly from the State.
UPDATE AS OF MARCH 27TH
We understand that we are in a time of unknowns and that our normal food handling practices may not seem like enough these days. This PSA video on bringing groceries and takeout into your home can help you answer some of these questions. The PSA can also be seen below.
Due to the ongoing concerns over COVID-19, the Spring Drop Off Swap Off has been cancelled. We look forward to seeing everyone in the Fall. In the meantime, please visit the program webpage https://concordma.gov/412/DropOff-SwapOff-Days for disposal resources.
We are asking that residents do their part to help keep Waste Management workers safe and healthy during the COVID-19 virus response by putting all household trash in bags before setting it out for curbside collection. Thank you for helping to keep our workers safe.
UPDATE AS OF MARCH 26th
A message from the Town Manager, Stephen Crane:
Good evening. This is Town Manager Stephen Crane calling you with another update on the Town’s response to the COVID19 outbreak. Since last week, there have been several major policy changes at federal, state, and local levels intended to limit the spread of the virus. Despite these changes, the number of cases continues to grow quickly and it is more important than ever to maintain hygiene and social distancing best practices.
Governor Baker has ordered all nonessential businesses to close and has asked for people to stay home unless absolutely necessary. A list of local essential businesses any special hours they may have is being prepared and will be posted on the Town’s website shortly. A state of emergency has been declared in the Commonwealth and in the town of Concord. The Governor has also prohibited the use of reusable shopping bags and imposed limitations on construction. Schools will also remain closed until at least May 4.
The Annual Town Election planned for Tuesday, March 31 has been postponed until Thursday, June 11. Election materials from the original date will remain on the ballot and absentee ballots already cast will be counted on June 11.
Voters wishing to cast an absentee or early ballot may submit a written request either with an application that is available online through the Town Clerk’s webpage or any form of written communication that is signed and dated. The voter registration deadline for the June 11 postponed Annual Town Election will be Monday, June 1 at 8:00pm.
Also, given the projected public health situation, the Moderator expects to recess and continue Annual Town Meeting, currently scheduled to begin April 27. The Moderator will announce a determination on Monday, March 30. If the determination is to postpone Town Meeting, a formal Declaration will follow later in April with the new date.
Please know that town officials are closely monitoring this situation and doing all we can to keep essential services going without disruption. Town staff regularly check email, phone messages, and social media so please let us know if you have questions or needs. Please continue to check the Town’s website for updates on COVID19.
To end on a positive note, neighbors are really stepping up to help other neighbors throughout the community. These efforts will help us get through this crisis stronger than ever. Thank you and good night.
_____________________________
For a list of food and pharmacy locations in and around Concord, which were deemed COVID-19 Essential Businesses allowed to continue to be open, please see the COVID-19 page or click here.
UPDATE AS OF MARCH 25th
The Concord Public Health Division has received notification from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that a resident in Concord has tested positive for the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Following standard protocol from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Town is working with the resident to ensure precautions are taken for themselves, their family, and the community. They will be monitored by the Public Health Division.
“We are taking every precaution to ensure that the community is safe” said Susan Rask, Director of Public Health for Concord, “We want to remind everyone to practice physical distancing, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds regularly and to use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if hand washing is not an option. Please, limit your time outside the home to help us limit community spread.”
The Town has taken the COVID-19 virus very seriously and has limited Government functions to only essential services and closed all Town buildings to help stop the spread of the virus. Please remember that information on COVID-19 updates specific for Concord, community services, virtual entertainment services, and more are all available on the Town’s website by visiting concordma.gov/coronavirus2019.
UPDATE AS OF MARCH 24TH
As the COVID-19 virus continues to disrupt our daily lives, we hope that these resources can provide some much needed information and perhaps some virtual entertainment options.
Conservation Land Guidelines
While we are all physically distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus, we will have more time for each other and the outdoors. Getting outside can help boost you and your family’s resilience, too. Remember also that wildlife always need distancing from humans in order to carry out their normal life functions.
Our town conservation areas are currently open to provide much needed solace. We need you to help make sure that all visitors can experience a sense of calm and stress relief. And since the health, safety, and well-being of our visitors is our top priority, we have placed the following restrictions on the use of town conservation lands, based upon Governor Baker’s Emergency Order and the Department of Health’s and CDC’s guidance.
UPDATE AS OF MARCH 23RD
CDC Coronavirus self-checker
An interactive tool to help you make decisions about whether you may have COVID-19 and whether you should seek medical care.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html
___________________________
Governor Charlie Baker issued an emergency order requiring all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” to close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers and the public as of Tuesday, March 24th at noon until Tuesday, April 7th at noon. These businesses are encouraged to continue operations remotely.
To see the full text of the order and see the list of COVID-19 essential services, please click here.
____________________________
We would like to remind residents both who are connected to municipal sewer and those on septic systems, that only toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. Wipes of any type, even those that say they are "flushable", paper towels, cleaning rags, dental floss or other personal care items SHOULD NOT BE FLUSHED down the toilet. These items do not dissolve quickly, or at all, in water and can clog your household plumbing, the pipes in the street, and critical equipment at our wastewater treatment plant. They can also cause problems with your private septic system.
Please dispose of non-flushable items and other household waste properly.
UPDATE AS OF MARCH 22ND
A reminder that information on essential services can be found through the COVID-19 webpage.
Trash and recycling services will continue operate on the regular schedule. Concord Public Works is committed to picking up trash and recycling of all new and existing curbside subscribers no matter what color disposal tag or barrel sticker you use through the end of the month of April.
We understand that not all subscribers are able to leave their homes during the COVID response. CPW and the Town are working on alternative methods for purchasing and distributing disposal tags and barrel stickers (i.e. online payment and mailing of tags/stickers).
Thanks for your patience as we evaluate alternatives.
As we continue to see a need for supplies in health care, we are sharing what Emerson Hospital here in Concord is looking for to help fight COVID-19.
CURRENT NEEDS INCLUDE:
- Masks-surgical and n95
- Gowns-Tyvek suits or similar
- Eye protection-face shields of any kind
- Hand sanitizer
- We will accept home made mask donations to use in the event our mask supply is depleted. Download instructions here.
Emerson Hospital’s ways to give page.
UPDATE AS OF MARCH 21ST
We want to thank our community for continuing to support one another during this difficult time.
One of the best ways you can help your community is to stay home to stop the spread of COVID-19. Practice social distancing and stay home if you feel unwell. For more tips, please visit the CDC website and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
From our community partners at Emerson Hospital, "We stay at work for you, please stay home for us!"