South Hadley has identified its first positive case of a resident with COVID-19.
In keeping with guidelines from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, infectious disease preparedness training and best practices, the individual is in self-isolation and their close contacts have been located and self-quarantined, according to Public Health Director / Emergency Management Director Sharon Hart.
With the first documented case in our community, it brings home the need for every resident to be vigilant with social distancing and hand washing.
Utilizing state and federal guidelines, town officials are working to ensure they are doing everything possible to make South Hadley a safe community. To reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19, stay home if you are feeling sick, even if your symptoms are mild.
It will take each community member, working together, to bring this pandemic under control.
For all COVID-19 impacts to South Hadley and its services, please visit southhadleyma.gov/covid19.
Stay informed by signing up with the latest information with our “News & Announcements” section on the town website. Subscribe for automatic notifications, here: https://www.southhadley.org/list.aspx. Sign up for CivicReady “robo” calls and emails, here: https://ma-southhadley.regroup.com/signup.
As of Wednesday, March 25:
Meetings
All meetings of South Hadley boards, commissions and committees are canceled through Friday, March 27.
Police Services
In order to reduce the number of walk-ins to the police department and maintain the safety of both officers and the public, please call ahead to see if officers can assist you without coming in to the station. Requests for police reports can be made over the phone or by e-mail to records@southhadley police.org. Services including child safety seat installations, firearms licensing, community outreach programs, courtesy transports and the lobby drug collection are temporarily suspended.
Emergency situations and crimes in progress will continue to receive a prioritized response. Other calls will be assessed to determine whether a response will be made in person, by telephone, or by e-mail. Response decisions will be made in accordance with department guidelines with supervisory oversight. In-person responses may require our officers to don personal protective equipment.
Transfer Station
The South Hadley Transfer Station and the compost area are closed until further notice to comply with the state social distancing order and to minimize possible contamination/exposure to both residents and staff. Please DO NOT leave green bags or other items at the gate.
Curbside pick-up by Republic Services will continue as scheduled. Contact Republic Services directly to coordinate an additional weekly pick-up and subsequent subscription fee, if needed.
Recreation areas / Playgrounds / Parks
While the town has not yet closed public parks, playgrounds and recreation facilities, we strongly encourage residents who choose to use these facilities to practice social distancing and good hygiene at these locations, including the Beachgrounds, Buttery Brook Park, athletic fields/courts, and town/school playgrounds.
Libraries
The South Hadley Public Library and Gaylord Memorial Library are closed until further notice. All library programs and public meetings are canceled.
Staff will be available by telephone (413-538-5045) from 9 - 5. Monday to Friday for help with: Accessing digital eBooks, eAudio, magazines, videos, streaming music and movies.
As a courtesy to library patrons:
- Items on loan will be renewed with no limits.
- Fines will not be charged for overdue items.
- Materials may be returned in the library book drop.
- Patron holds will be kept on the shelf until buildings re-open.
Council on Aging
The Council on Aging, located within St. Theresa’s Church, is closed until further notice. Please call 538-5042 for more information.
Transportation services have been suspended.
WestMassElderCare will deliver a daily, hot HMOW meal to any South Hadley senior who is 60 years old and over. Please call WestMass ElderCare directly at 413-538-9020.