Print
Share page with AddThis

Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree Announces Precautions to Mitigate the Potential Spread of COVID-19 

Municipal Buildings Closed to the Public Starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020 
Posted on: March 16, 2020 - 7:04pm

(Saugus, MA) March 16, 2020 – Upon evaluating COVID-19 (Coronavirus) recommendations by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree announces that all municipal buildings in Saugus will be closed to the public starting on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 out of an abundance of caution in order to help mitigate the potential spread of the virus and to ensure the safety of the residents of Saugus. 

The following municipal buildings will be closed to the public: Town Hall, Town Hall Annex, the Senior Center, Saugus Public Library, the Department of Public Works, Youth and Recreation and Saugus Public Schools. 

Residents can still call or email all Town departments during normal business hours. Residents are also encouraged to use online services during this time. 

As has been widely reported, the number of cases in Massachusetts and nationally increases daily. Public health professionals advise dramatic action to slow the spread of this virus and to minimize the impact on the most vulnerable segments of the population. 

On Sunday, March 15, 2020, Governor Baker announced that gatherings of over 25 people are prohibited throughout the Commonwealth. “Gatherings subject to this 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,” state Baker’s Orders. 

Governor Baker’s Orders also state that, “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 they follow the social distancing protocols set forth in Department of Public Health Guidance.”

In compliance with these orders, the Town of Saugus has joined numerous surrounding communities in making the decision to close municipal buildings to the public during this time in an effort to combat this pandemic through social distancing, community mitigation, and public health intervention.

The Town of Saugus has hired an additional public health nurse for Saugus and has increased the hours of the Town’s current public health nurse.  In addition, we have hired another individual, a former Director of Public Health, to assist the Saugus Board of Health and health department during these extraordinary times. 

In order to best protect residents and employees, the Town is undertaking the following steps:

  • Saugus Town Hall: Town Hall will be closed to the public beginning on Tuesday, March 17, 2020.
    • Town Clerk:
      • The Town Clerk’s office will be processing all Vitals Records via mail.  Please submit a mail-In request form or a letter requesting Birth, Death or Marriage Certificates and enclose a check or money for $10.00 (each copy) with a self-addressed stamped envelope.  The Mail in request form can be found on the Town’s website under the Town Clerk’s page. The vital records request will be processed and mailed back to you.  
      • The Town Clerk’s Office will be processing Dog Licenses via mail.  Please submit your dog application and a copy of your rabies certificate with a check with the appropriate fee of $12.00 or $15.00 per dog and with a self-addressed stamped envelope.  The dog license will be processed and mailed back to you.   
      • The Town Clerk’s Office will be accepting Marriage Licenses by appointment only.  If you are getting married within the next 60 and require a marriage license, please call the Town Clerk’s office during Town Hall hours at 781-231-4102/4103/4104 to schedule an appointment to come to Town Hall to complete the forms.   Cost is $30.00 cash or check only.
      • All voter registration can be down on line at https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/
      • Please call the Town Clerk’s office for any other questions.
    • Treasurer/Collector: Bills can be paid online through the Town website at https://www.saugus-ma.gov/treasurer-collector/pages/bill-pay or drop off in the white mailbox out front of Town Hall. 
  • Senior Center: The Senior Center will be closed through Sunday, March 29, 2020, unless otherwise announced.  Senior Center staff will remain available by phone during normal Senior Center hours, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., to assist Saugus seniors in any way possible. Call 781-231-4178 with any questions or for assistance.  
  • Saugus Public Library: The Saugus Public Library will be closed through Saturday, March 28, 2020, unless otherwise announced. Item due dates and fine accruals were frozen as of 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2020. Patrons may return Library items to the drop boxes located adjacent to the Central Street and Taylor Street entrances. Staff will be available to answer phone calls and respond to voicemails and emails as they come in. For assistance, please call 781-231-4168. 
  • Department of Public Works: The Department of Public Works will be closed to the public starting on Monday, March 16, 2020. For assistance, please call 781-231-4145. 
  • Youth and Recreation: The Youth and Recreation Department will be closed through Friday, March 27, 2020, unless otherwise announced. All sports activities are suspended for a minimum of 30 days. The Summer Parks Program, Middle School Summer Program, and various summer sports activities are still planned; however, that is dependent on the evolution of the current health situation. For assistance, call 781-231-4022. 
  • Saugus Public Schools: Governor Baker announced on Sunday, March 15, 2020, that all schools throughout the Commonwealth are to close for a three-week period, beginning Monday, March 16, 2020. Saugus Public Schools will be closed beginning Monday, March 16, 2020 until Monday, April 6, 2020, unless otherwise announced. Contact the Superintendent’s office at 781-231-5000 x117 with any questions or concerns. 

Residents are reminded of the following preventative measures recommended by the state that they should take:

  • Wash hands often;
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
  • Clean things that are frequently touched;
  • Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze;
  • Stay at home if you are sick;
  • Older adults and those with health issues are urged to avoid large crowds. Individuals who live in households with vulnerable people, like elderly parents, should also consider avoiding crowds;
  • Think ahead about how to take care of yourself and loved ones if the virus starts spreading in the community.

The Health Department, Police, Fire, Emergency Management and our Emergency Medical Services are here to assist the residents of Saugus.  If you have any questions please contact the Saugus Health Department at (781) 231-4117. Anyone in need of emergency services should contact Saugus Emergency Management at 781-231-4175, or call 911.

This is an evolving situation, and we will adjust our response as circumstances require.  Town Officials will continue to update the community as new information becomes available.  The public’s patience and cooperation is greatly appreciated.

For more information, contact the Town Manager’s office at 781-231-4111.

 

About The Town of Saugus

The Town of Saugus, Massachusetts, is a family-friendly, historic neighborhood Town located along the north shore, ten miles north of Boston. First settled in 1629, Saugus is home to historic sites, top-tier public services, and a thriving business community. Strong community support, a forward-thinking approach to town government, rich recreational opportunities, affordable choices, and easy access to all the amenities that Boston has to offer – they all contribute to make Saugus a Town where businesses flourish and families make their home. For more information, visit www.saugus-ma.gov. 

###