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.

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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.