Additional confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 have been identified in South Hadley. The town’s first confirmed case was identified on Wednesday, March 25. More confirmed cases are likely to follow due to the nature of this outbreak and an increase in testing. The best way to fight this is for residents to stay home as much as possible and practice social distancing.
In keeping with guidelines from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, infectious disease preparedness training and best practices, the confirmed positive individuals are in self-isolation and their close contacts have been located and self-quarantined, according to Public Health Director / Emergency Management Director Sharon Hart.
These documented cases in our community bring 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 - particularly if you are feeling sick, and if your symptoms are mild.
It will take each community member, working together, to bring this pandemic under control.
New as of Friday, March 27:
- Recreation areas / Playgrounds / Parks: Signs are being installed at public parks, playgrounds and recreation areas reminding the public not to gather in groups of more than 10, to wipe down benches/playground/athletic equipment before use, and to not use the areas if feeling ill. 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.
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Service updates already in place:
- 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. Green bags are still required for trash pick-up.
- 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.
STAY INFORMED:
For all COVID-19 impacts to South Hadley and its services, please visit southhadleyma.gov/covid19.
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