Previous Updates
CURRENT UPDATES:
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Baker-Polito Administration to Lift COVID Restrictions May 29, State to Meet Vaccination Goal by Beginning of June - posted 5/17
More Info: https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-to-lift-covid-rest...
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Town Office Re-Open to the Public - posted 5/17/21
Town Offices have re-opened to the public as of 5/17/21. Please verify hours on each office/department's individual web page.
Listings of Departments and Boards:
https://www.mendonma.gov/departments
https://www.mendonma.gov/boards
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Phase 4 Updates - posted 5/3/21
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-plans-fo...
BOSTON — Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that Massachusetts will reopen some outdoor Phase 4, Step 2 industries effective May 10th and put plans in place for further reopening on May 29th and August 1st. The Administration continues to take steps to reopen the Commonwealth's economy with public health metrics continuing to trend in a positive direction. This includes drops in average daily COVID cases and hospitalizations. Massachusetts remains first in the nation for first vaccine doses and total doses administered per capita, among states with more than 5 million people. The Administration will also relax the Face Coverings Order for some outdoor settings, effective April 30th.
Phase IV, Step 2 Industries and Gathering Changes:
On March 22, Massachusetts loosened capacity restrictions and advanced to Step 1 of Phase IV of the reopening plan. Since then, case rates dropped by 20%. The positivity rate has dropped to the lowest levels recorded since last summer.
Effective Monday, May 10th:
Large venues such as indoor and outdoor stadiums, arenas and ballparks currently open as part of Phase 4, Step 1 at 12% will be permitted to increase capacity to 25%.
The Commonwealth will reopen some outdoor Phase 4, Step 2 industries including amusement parks, theme parks and outdoor water parks that will be permitted to operate at a 50% capacity after submitting safety plans to the Department of Public Health.
Road races and other large, outdoor organized amateur or professional group athletic events will be permitted to take place with staggered starts after submitting safety plans to a local board of health or the DPH.
Youth and adult amateur sports tournaments will be allowed for moderate and high risk sports.
Singing will also be permitted indoors with strict distancing requirements at performance venues, restaurants, event venues and other businesses.
Effective May 29th:
Subject to public health and vaccination data, gathering limits will increase to 200 people indoors and 250 people outdoors for event venues, public settings and private settings.
Subject to public health and vaccination data, additional Phase 4, Step 2 industries will be permitted to open including:
Street festivals, parades and agricultural festivals, at 50% of their previous capacity and after submitting safety plans to the local board of health.
Bars, beer gardens, breweries, wineries and distilleries, will be subject to restaurant rules with seated service only, a 90 minute limit and no dance floors.
Subject to public health and vaccination data, the restaurant guidance will be updated to eliminate the requirement that food be served with alcohol and to increase the maximum table size to 10.
Effective August 1st:
Subject to public health and vaccination data, remaining industries will be permitted to open including:
Dance clubs, and nightclubs
Saunas, hot-tubs, steam rooms at fitness centers, health clubs and other facilities
Indoor water parks
Ball pits
All industry restrictions will be lifted at that time, and capacity will increase to 100% for all industries, with businesses encouraged to continue following best practices. The gathering limit will be rescinded.
Depending on vaccine distribution and public health data, the Administration may consider re-evaluating the August 1st date.
The Department of Public Health will also continue to issue guidance as needed, including guidance to still require masks indoors.
Face Coverings Order:
Effective April 30th, the Face Coverings Order will be relaxed for some outdoor settings.
Face coverings will only be required outside in public when it is not possible to socially distance, and at other times required by sector-specific guidance.
Face coverings will still be required at all times in indoor public places. Face coverings will also continue to be required at all times at events, whether held indoors or outdoors and whether held in a public space or private home, except for when eating or drinking.
At smaller gatherings in private homes, face coverings are recommended but not required. The $300 fine as an enforcement mechanism will be eliminated.
For more information, visit mass.gov/reopening.
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COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic - posted 3/20/21
The Mendon Board of Health, Mendon Fire Department, and Mendon Emergency Management have been working with area towns to support the start up of the regional vaccination clinic in Uxbridge. As part of this clinic, 25 percent of the vaccinations are reserved for the local communities participating in this. Residents will have to register for this clinic separate from the State registration site as the State site is only for going to the larger mass vaccination centers. You can register on both sites, and will have the ability to get whatever open time comes up first.
Register for the Uxbridge Clinic at: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/bbb9U61
Southern Worcester County COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic - Informational Video
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COVID-19 Vaccine Survey - posted 1/28/21
If you are interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine please fill out this SURVEY so that we can contact you when it becomes available to your group.
As more information becomes available the Board of Health will contact you with updates.
For current information on the vaccine roll out in Massachusetts click HERE.
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Baker-Polito Administration Announces Statewide Rollback to Phase Three, Step One, Additional Restrictions Effective December 13th - posted 12/8/20
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-statewid...
BOSTON — Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that effective Sunday, December 13th, all communities in Massachusetts will return to Step 1 of Phase 3, of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan. This will reduce indoor capacities across a broad range of sectors of the economy and tighten several other workplace restrictions. The Administration announced the roll-back to respond to an increase in new COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations since the Thanksgiving holiday that is straining the health care system in Massachusetts.
The return to Step 1 will also require the closure of certain businesses designated as Step 2 industries. These include indoor performance venues and certain high-contact indoor recreational businesses. In addition, capacity limits will be reduced to 40% statewide for most industries, and the limit on outdoor gatherings will be reduced statewide from 100 persons to 50 persons. Additional safety measures will be applied to restaurant dining as well.
These new measures are designed to prevent infection and viral spread, especially in indoor settings. They will create stronger mask compliance, more social distancing, and limits to the time spent with people outside of your immediate household.
The Administration also announced additional guidance for certain sectors including restaurants, office spaces and gyms, to address activities where mask wearing is not possible at all times.
Phase III, Step I:
Effective December 13, all communities will roll back to Phase 3, Step 1 of Massachusetts’ re-opening plan, including the following restrictions:
Outdoor gatherings at event venues will be limited to no more than 50 people
Hosts of outdoor gatherings of greater than 25 people will be required to provide advance notice of the gathering their local board of health
Indoor theaters and performance venues and higher contact indoor recreation businesses will be required to close to the public
Outdoor theaters and performance venues will be limited to 25% capacity, and no more than 50 people
In all communities, capacity will be reduced from 50% to 40% for the following sectors:
Arcades/Indoor and Outdoor Recreational Businesses
Driving and Flight Schools
Gyms/Health Clubs
Libraries
Museums
Retail
Offices
Places of Worship
Lodging (common areas)
Golf facilities
Movie Theaters (Maximum 50 people per theater)
This new capacity limit will not apply to sectors that do not currently have a percentage-based capacity limit, including restaurants, laboratories and close contact personal services.
Click here to read the revised gatherings order.
Click here to read the order rolling Massachusetts back to Phase III, Step 1.
Restaurants and Venues
The Administration also announced new guidelines for restaurants and other venues with seated dining, including:
Patrons must wear masks at all times except when eating and drinking
Restaurants must seat no more than six patrons per table
Restaurants must impose a 90-minute time limit on tables
Musical performances at restaurants will no longer be permitted
Food court seating must be closed in malls
Customers are encouraged to dine only with members of the same household.
Offices and Gyms
The Administration announced new guidelines for workplaces and gyms, including:
In offices, employees must wear masks at their place of work when not in their own workspace and alone
Employers are encouraged to close or limit the use of break rooms
Patrons must wear masks at all times in gyms
The Administration continues to encourage all employers to offer teleworking to their employees when possible.
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Previous Updates - Click HERE
Baker-Polito Administration Announces Targeted Measures To Curb Rising COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations - posted 11/3/20
BOSTON — Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced a series of targeted measures to disrupt the increasing trend of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations. Governor Charlie Baker announced these changes at a time where public health data has indicated that cases are rising, with cases up by 278% and hospitalizations up by 145% since Labor Day. These measures are meant to disrupt rising trends now, so the Commonwealth can keep the economy and schools open for residents and to prevent the need to roll back to Phase I or Phase II of the reopening plan.
All orders and advisories will be effective Friday, November 6th at 12:01 AM.
Halloween During Covid-19 - posted 9/30/20
Tips for a Safe and Healthy Halloween
As a reminder, the following COVID-19 prevention and mitigation standards apply to all activities in Massachusetts, including Halloween activities. Residents should adhere to each of the following:
- Wear a face mask or face covering. For more information on face masks and face coverings, please see the state’s Mask Up MA webpage.
- Observe good hand hygiene, including hand washing and use of alcohol-based sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol. Carry hand sanitizer and use it often, especially after coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces and before eating candy.
- Refrain from touching your face.
- Stay home and refrain from Halloween activities, including handing out Halloween treats, if:
- you feel unwell;
- you have tested positive for COVID-19;
- you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19; or
- you have traveled to or from a state that is not classified as lower risk within the last 14 days. For more information on lower risk states, please see the state’s COVID-19 Travel Order webpage.
- Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet of physical distance from all other participants who are not members of the same household.
Halloween Activities
Residents and communities should follow the Halloween activity guidance released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to understand alternative ways to participate in Halloween that may limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19. As a reminder, any Halloween activities are subject to the current gathering size limits as well as applicable sector-specific workplace safety standards.
RE-OPENING GUIDELINES Temporary Extension of Premises
Outdoor Dining Area/Outdoor Table Service On Premise Alcohol/Common Victualler Expansion Application - posted 6/9/20
This guidance provides step-by-step instructions if you would like to temporarily extend your dining area outside of your restaurant, in accordance with Governor Baker’s COVID-19 Order No. 35 in a safe and responsible way during the COVID-19 pandemic.
LINK: Application Form
Reopening Massachisetts: Baker-Polito Administration Initiates Transition to First Phase of Four-Phase Approach - posted 5/27/20
Press Release: Reopening Massachusetts: Baker-Polito Administration Initiates Transition to First Phase of Four-Phase Approach
BOSTON — Today, the Baker-Polito Administration released Reopening Massachusetts, the Reopening Advisory Board’s report, which details a four-phased strategy to responsibly reopen businesses and activities while continuing to fight COVID-19. The Administration also released a new “Safer At Home” Advisory, which instructs residents to stay at home unless engaging with newly opened activities, as a way to continue limiting the spread of COVID-19. Starting today, based on current public health data and trends, Massachusetts will begin Phase 1 of a cautious reopening, and workplaces that are permitted to open are required to follow new safety protocols and guidance.
Additional info and links on re-opening: COVID-19 Re-Opening Info Page
Baker-Polito Administration Orders Use of Mask or Face Covering in Public - posted 5/5/20
BOSTON — The Baker-Polito Administration today issued an order requiring the use of masks or face coverings in public places where they cannot socially distance from others. The Administration also announced expanded community health center COVID-19 testing capacity at centers throughout the Commonwealth.
Mask and Face Covering Order: The Baker-Polito Administration has ordered all residents over the age of two to use a face covering or mask in public places where maintaining proper social distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are not possible. This statewide order goes into effect on May 6th and supersedes previously issued guidance relative to mask use.
This order applies to all workers and customers of businesses and other organizations that are currently open to the public and permitted to operate as COVID-19 Essential Businesses, such as grocery stores, pharmacies and other retail stores. Residents are also required to wear a mask or face covering at all times when using any means of transportation service or public mass transit.
A face covering may include anything that covers your nose and mouth, including a mask, scarf or bandana. Health care masks should not be used and should be preserved for health care workers and first responders. Cloth masks should not be worn by young children under the age of two, persons with difficulty breathing, or those who are unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance. Instructions on how to make a cloth mask are available from the CDC here.
Further guidance from the Department of Public Health is available at mass.gov/coveryourface.
Update from the Board of Health - posted 5/1/20
Catherine Katrenich - Simple Recycling
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Update from the Treasurer/Collector's Office - posted 4/24/20
The Mendon Selectboard recognizes that some residents are facing financial hardships and will need relief from taxation deadlines. At their meeting April 21, 20202, they adopted Chapter 53 regarding State and Local Taxes. This action will allow the following types of relief-
- Extending the due date for real estate and personal property taxes, to June 1, 2020
- Extending the date an application for exemption of taxes is due from April 1 to June 1, 2020
- Waiving the payment of interest and other penalty for any late payments with a due date on or after March 10, 2020 as long as payment is made before June 30, 2020.
Further detailed information may be found HERE
Tax payments may be mailed, dropped off in the new black mailbox located on the front of the Town Hall at 20 Main Street or through our online payment system at mendonma.gov/pay
For further questions, please contact Jenn Welch, Treasurer/Collector at (508) 634-2413 or by email at treasurer@mendonma.gov.
Update from the Economic Development Committee posted 4/18/20
Town of Mendon Board of Health Phone Number 508-634-2656 – Fax Number 508-478-8241 Email boh@mendonma.gov
Advisory: Face Coverings for Everyone
The Mendon Board of Health recommends all residents wear cloth face coverings when they are outside of their home or dwelling for any reason. This applies to everyone in indoor and outdoor places regardless of whether they are publicly or privately owned. Wearing a cloth face covering should be done in addition to maintaining the minimum six (6) foot social distance.
Why? This advisory is aligned with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; COVID-19 can be spread by people with no symptoms but who have the virus. It is especially important to wear cloth face coverings where social distancing is difficult, such as during essential trips to grocery stores or pharmacies.
How? Residents may make masks from bandanas, T-shirts, napkins, and other spare cloth that has been cleaned and dried on high heat. These cloth face coverings are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators, which should be reserved for healthcare workers and medical first responders.
Importantly, please wash hands immediately after removing face coverings, masks, and gloves.
When? Any time residents are outside of their home or dwelling, masks are recommended until further notice.
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Town of Mendon Board of Health Phone Number 508-634-2656 – Fax Number 508-478-8241 Email boh@mendonma.gov
Leonard Izzo, Health Agent Mendon Board of Health
Hello….the following is a public service message from the Board of Health:
The Board of Health is advising its residents that positive test results for COVID-19 have been confirmed in the Town of Mendon. In addition, the Board of Health is also strongly advising the continuation of following the protocols of social distancing and proper hygiene specifically related to proper handwashing techniques. If you are sick, please stay home. Also, please remember to cover your coughs and sneezes in the proper manner even at home, as these steps will go a long way in reducing the spread of viruses.
This is an opportunity for all of us to show our resolve in supporting one another, especially those that are at greatest risk in contracting this disease. This situation is evolving daily and we will make every effort to continue to provide service to the residents of Mendon, while keeping everyone safe and healthy.
For more information please visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-public-health as well as the Centers for Disease Control at https://www.cdc.gov/. Residents can also call 211.
On March 24, 2020, at a duly posted Select Board meeting, the Board unanimously voted to approve the postponement of the Mendon Town Election as per the following.
Pursuant to An Act Granting Authority to Postpone 2020 Municipal Elections in the Commonwealth and Increase Voting Options in Response to the Declaration of Emergency to Respond to COVID-19, after consultation with the Town Administrator and the Local Election Official, that the Mendon Municipal Town Election currently scheduled for May 12, 2020 be postponed to June 9, 2020.
On March 24, 2020, at a duly posted Select Board meeting, the Board unanimously voted to approve the postponement of the Mendon Annual Town Meeting as per the following.
Additionally, Governor Baker’s Emergency Order limits gatherings to 25 individuals and prohibits on-premises consumption of food or drink at bars and restaurants, beginning March 17th and effective until April 6th. These establishments may continue to offer food for take-out and by delivery, provided that they follow the social distancing protocols set forth in the Department of Public Health guidelines. The Board of Health will be offering support where needed to assist these establishments during this difficult period.
We understand that this situation will put unwanted strain on many of our residents and those individuals & groups seeking to do business in the Town of Mendon. This is an opportunity for all of us to show our resolve in supporting one another, especially those that are at greatest risk in contracting this disease. This situation is evolving daily and we will make every effort to continue to provide service to the residents of Mendon, while keeping everyone safe and healthy.
For more information please visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-public-health as well as the Centers for Disease Control at https://www.cdc.gov/.
Effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020 all Town of Mendon buildings will be closed to the public until further notice. These buildings include the senior center, library and town playgrounds. We highly encourage all residents to utilize the towns’ website www.mendonma.gov as well as email, and phones during this time. Appointments in person can be held only if necessary.
We encourage all Boards and Commission to meet virtually and to postpone non-urgent matters.
We understand that this situation is evolving daily and we will make our best efforts to continue to provide service to the residents of Mendon while also keeping everyone safe.
For additional information please visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website at www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-public-health as well as the Centers for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov.
Town of Mendon Board of Health
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Phone Number 508-634-2656 – Fax Number 508-478-8241 Email boh@mendonma.gov
- Follow the same protocol as for the flu
- If anyone has flu-like symptoms, stay home
- Under no circumstances should you medicate a child and send them to school; they need to stay home and be fever free for 24 hours
- Practice good hand washing
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Get a seasonal flu immunization
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