In Massachusetts, effective from March 17, 2020 through April 5, 2020 (unless further extended), Governor Baker has ordered the following are prohibited.
Gathering of over 25 people are prohibited throughout the Commonwealth. Gatherings subject to the Order include, without limitation, community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based events, sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions, fundraisers, parades, fairs, festivals and any similar event or activity that brings together 25 or more persons in a single room or single space at the same time in a venue such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, theatre, gymnasium, fitness center, private club, or any other confined indoor or outdoor space.
Any restaurant, bar, or establishment that offers food or drink shall not permit on-premises consumption of food or drink; provided that such establishments may continue to offer food for take-out and by delivery provided that hey follow the social distancing protocols set forth in Department of Public Health guidance.
The Order shall not apply to any municipal legislative body or to the General Court or to the judiciary.
All schools are closed until April 6, 2020.
Effective Monday, March 23, 2020 Governor Baker announced the closure of all childcare facilities with exemptions for family of emergency personnel, medical staff and “other critical to fighting the COVID-19 outbreak.”
In Avon, effective from March 17, 2020 until further notice, the following are closed to the public:
- All municipal buildings (library, town hall, Council on Aging, Civic Center).
- All parks and playgrounds will be closed to the public.
- All Parks and Recreation trips have been canceled or postponed.
As of today, there are 218 positive cases for COVID-19 in Massachusetts. In Avon, there are zero (0) positive cases. The CDC, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), and other agencies are monitoring this situation.
If any cases have been discovered in Avon, the Avon Board of Health would be notified immediately through the Massachusetts Virtual Epidemiology Network (MAVEN) and the Homeland Health Alert Network (HHAN). These communication tools are used by the MDPH and the Avon Board of Health twenty-four (24)
hours a day, seven (7) days a week.
Continue to protect ourselves by social distancing and the following:
- Wash your hand often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If unable to wash, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Wash hands before eating.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, without first washing your hands.
- Clean things that are frequently touched (doorknobs, countertops) with household cleaning sprays or wipes.
- Cover your cough or sneeze into a facial tissue. Dispose of used facial tissues immediately into a trash can. If you don’t have a tissue, cover your cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow, not your hands. If you do sneeze into your hands, wash them immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If unable to wash your hands, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
- Stay home from work, seek health care, and avoid contact with others.
- Avoid close contact with others who are sick.
- Think ahead about how to take care of yourself and your loved ones if the virus starts spreading in the community. Visit https://www.mass.gov/know-plan-prepare for a preparedness checklist.
