To: Town of Avon Residents, Businesses & Visitors
From: Gregory Enos, Town Administrator
Re: Corona Virus Update: Town Buildings Closed to the Public
Today, March 16, 2020, the Town has declared a local state of emergency in response to the actions to be taken to address the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the difficult decision has been made to close all town buildings to the effective March 16, 200 at 4:30 PM, until further notice. The town will continue to evaluate the situation each week.
All town activities/programs are cancelled as well. This decision has been made from an abundance of caution to practice social distancing while continuing to provide basic services to residents and business owners.
There are currently no confirmed on presumptive COVID-19 cases in Avon.
The public buildings and facilities that will be closed to the public include:
- Town Hall
- Council on Aging
- Civic Center
- Avon Public Library
- All public parks and playgrounds
Per order of the Governor, all Avon Public Schools will be closed through April 6, 2020.
Though closed to the public, the offices will be staffed. However, members of the public may experience longer lead times than normal in the process of certain requests. Some services will be limited during this time.
We are asking that the public use our on-line resources for on-line payment and contact us via email and telephone with any questions that you may have for us. Essential business with the Town requiring an in-person transaction must be conducted by appointment through each department. Residents are encouraged to use the on-line services and the drive up drop box in the parking lot of Town Hall for bill or permit payments.
Again, other business will be conducted by phone or email. Please visit the town’s website for a current list of telephone/email contacts for various departments. Some examples of transactions available online via the website includes licensing your dog, pay water bill, pay motor vehicle excise tax and request a birth certificate, death certificate or marriage license.
Yesterday, Gov. Charlie Baker announced new guidelines for all Massachusetts residents to promote social distancing and help to prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- No gatherings of any kind of more than 25 people at one time, in one place.
- All public and private schools in Massachusetts will close on Tuesday, March 17 until at least April 6.
- All bars and restaurants will only be able to serve takeout customers.
Some Important Updates:
- Trash collection will continue its normal schedule.
- The Superintendent of Avon Public Schools, in cooperation with its Food Services staff, will be preparing Grab and Go Meals to be picked up starting Tuesday, March 17.
- These meals will be prepared by our food service staff and available for any APS student or senior resident of the Town of Avon in need. Pick up location will be at front parking lot near the main entrance of Butler Elementary School.
- Pick up hours will be from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. There is no cost for any student. Food service staff will be available and on-site during distribution time to support the nutritional needs of our families.
- The Council on Aging will be making arrangements to deliver Grab and GO lunches to senior residents of Avon not able to make it to the Butler Elementary School as well as medical appointment transportation and grocery store trips. Meals on Wheels deliveries will continue its normal distribution schedule. COA staff will be conduction outreach to our seniors in the upcoming week to assist.
- All Park and Recreation activities and events have been canceled until further notice.
- The Massachusetts 2-1-1 is active for residents to contact for up to date information. Please visit www.211info.org for more information.
Latest Health Guidance
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) recommends that residents continue with good hygiene practices including:
- 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.
As always, if anyone displays symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, they should not go to work or school and are advised to contact their primary care physician and/or the Avon Health Department.
For more information, visit the DPH website by clicking here and the CDC website by clicking here.
To provide up to date information, the Town has created a specific page on the town’s website. Please find the page here. You may also visit the DPH’s website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.
The Town of Avon understands that these are unprecedented and challenging times for everyone and we appreciate your support and understanding as we move forward. If there is assistance you need from the town, please do not hesitate to contact town officials via email or phone.
Additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.
