Editor’s note: This is the town of Hopkinton’s COVID-19 update for April 28.
COVID-19 Updates & Precautions
April 28, 2020, PM update
Previous updates and additional information and resources can be found here:
https://coronavirus-hopkintonma.hub.arcgis.com
While Town Hall and municipal buildings are physically closed to the public, we are open for business. Many transactions can be completed online, and we are available via phone and email to assist during regular business hours. A full Town Directory can be found here. A box at the front door of Town Hall may be used to drop off correspondence, applications, etc., and they may also be mailed or emailed. Parks, playgrounds and playing fields are closed.
As of 11 a.m. on April 28, Hopkinton’s Health Department is reporting 92 total confirmed COVID-19 cases; 68 of those cases are active, with 18 recoveries and six deaths. You can see historical tracking and updates on Hopkinton’s Community Impact Dashboard. We are in “the surge” (expected peak) period. During this time, and as testing increases, we expect to continue to see an increase in active cases both in Hopkinton and throughout the commonwealth.
To reduce asymptomatic spread throughout the community, the Health Department urges the residents of Hopkinton to utilize face coverings that cover the nose and mouth, whenever you are in public buildings and spaces, where social distancing may be difficult. The use of face coverings and the practice of social distancing are likely to be components of the exit strategy that will be deployed by the commonwealth. Frequent hand washing, avoiding hand contact with your eyes, nose and mouth, is critical. If you are ill or symptomatic, stay home.
Massachusetts Extends Non-Essential Business Closures – NEW UPDATE
Today, the Baker-Polito administration extended the essential services emergency order to May 18 and launched a Reopening Advisory Board that will produce a plan to the governor by May 18. The administration also announced that the Department of Public Health’s stay at home advisory remains in effect and gatherings of 10 or more people remain prohibited until May 18. Read more here: https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-extends-non-essential-business-closure s-to-may-18th-announces
Show Us Your Heart, Hopkinton! – NEW UPDATE
Show Us Your Heart, Hopkinton! In these trying times of social distancing, our hearts are what connect us to our family, our friends and our community. Please join the Hopkinton Public Library and other town departments in a project to show our connection while having to stay apart by displaying a heart at your house or business. Be creative! Be colorful! Feel free to write a message of thanks or hope! Keep an eye out for hearts all over town, and share your photos on social media with the #HeartHopkinton hashtag.
Virtual Town Hall Office Hours – NEW UPDATE
The Town Manager’s Office will continue to offer virtual Town Hall office hours. During this time, residents are invited to discuss transactions or conduct business with the Town Manager’s Office as you would normally be able to do in-person at Town Hall. The next scheduled time is Thursday, April 30, from 2-3 p.m. Click here for more info. Click here for more information.
The library continues to schedule new programming for all ages. Check out “YA Lit Bits” segments and Sherlock Holmes read-alouds posted to our Facebook page, as well as our new virtual cookbook club this Thursday, April 30. Explore local flora and fauna in our ”Backyard Birds, Beasts, and Blossoms” Facebook group. See more upcoming events on our calendar.
Library staff remain available to answer questions and offer help via our chat-a-librarian service (linked at the top of our homepage) weekdays 10-5, as well as by e-mail at hopkintonlibrary@hopkintonma.gov and by phone at 508-497-9777.
Youth & Family Services Update – NEW UPDATE
Updates to our resource page are added routinely: Y&FS Basic Needs Resource Sheet for COVID-19. The most recent update came to us from Hopkinton Police Department:
Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan has announced the launch of a
new dedicated text line for victims. This line will provide victims with direct access to a
victim witness advocate via text message. For complete information see the full announcement here: Middlesex District Attorney’s Office Launches Non-Emergency Text Line for Victims – Final.pdf With the launch of the dedicated line, victims can now reach an advocate during regular office hours (8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) via text message at 781-281-4066. The line is not monitored 24/7 and is NOT an emergency line. Recognizing that the criminal justice system can be complicated, advocates monitoring this line will be able to help:
● Guide those impacted by crime through the criminal justice system as the COVID-19 process continues to evolve;
● Ensure that victims of crimes understand their rights;
● Help victims of stalking and harassment file Harassment Prevention Orders;
● Provide assistance to victims of domestic violence; and
● Provide referrals to community resources and connect people to trained sexual assault and domestic violence advocates who can provide free and confidential services regarding safety, options and resources.
Stay Updated & More Resources
You can find many resources and more information at
https://coronavirus-hopkintonma.hub.arcgis.com.
Hopkinton also posts frequently on social media. Our Twitter is the best place to keep up with all happenings Hopkinton. You don’t need an account to see our twitter feed: https://twitter.com/HopkintonMA
Complete list of Emergency Orders and Guidance from Mass.gov
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-state-of-emergency
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