Notice to the Auburn Community
The Auburn Town Manager along with the Director of Public Health and Town Officials are monitoring the current evolving health concerns around the Coronavirus (COVID19). As you may know, Governor Baker declared a State of Emergency in Massachusetts due to COVlD19, and we are supporting the statewide effort to mitigate the further spread of Coronavirus.
In an effort to reduce the risk of spread of the virus, effective immediately, all non-essential Town of Auburn sponsored group programs and events are suspended for thirty days, until April 11, 2020, and will be re-evaluated at that time.
This means that non-essential programs and events at the Senior Center, Library, and DPW Parks & Recreation Department will not take place in the next month. The critical service needs, such as the nutrition/lunch program, prescription assistance, tax assistance, senior outreach functions and similar activities will continue without any changes. The Senior Center and the Library will remain open during normal operating hours. If you have any questions about a particular event, please do not hesitate to contact the respective department directly.
Additionally, we encourage organizations and members of the community to take similar action to reduce groups of individuals congregating, especially for vulnerable populations at-risk of getting sick from the virus.
We also encourage non-regulatory, non-statutory committees (advisory) to postpone their meetings for 30 days unless there are time-sensitive issues or items to discuss.
This action is being taken out of an abundance of caution to protect public health and reduce the risk of individual’s exposure to COVID19. While this adjustment in schedule is unusual, we feel it is the best way to reduce exposure and mitigate the spread of COVID19 .
We ask that each individual take preventative steps to protect themselves from the risk of this disease by washing their hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds; use sanitizer whenever you are not immediately able to wash hands; cover coughs and sneezes with your arm; clean and sanitize commonly touched surfaces often; and stay home if you are not feeling well. These steps will help keep you and your loved ones safe.
Our officials are actively working together to ensure the health and safety of the community. Town departments are meeting regularly to share information, put measures into place, and respond to any concerns that may arise from this matter. We are connected with our State partners to stay informed about this rapidly changing process. There are emergency plans in place that have been developed over many years across all departments, and the Local Emergency Management Planning Committee meets routinely to discuss emergency response plans and protocols. We are taking steps to keep the community informed, and we will continue this effort going forward.
For more information about Coronavirus. please visit these website hyperlinks below:
For any questions regarding this notice, please contact the applicable departments:
- Board of Health at 508-832-7703 Darlene Coyle, Director; Eileen Alexander, Asst. Director
- Auburn Senior Center at 508-832-7799 Cheryl Westerman, Asst. Director
- Auburn Library at 508-832-7790 Jean Collins, Director
- Auburn DPW at 508-832-7814 Kenneth Fairbanks, Parks & Recreation Superintendent
- Auburn Recreation (Pakachoag Golf Course) at 508-755-3291 Kristen Pappas, Recreation Director
- Massachusetts State Helpline 211
Thank you for your attention to this evolving situation, we appreciate your cooperation in moving forward together towards this commitment to community health.
Regards,
Julie A. Jacobson, Town Manager
Darlene Coyle, Director of Public Health