Hopkinton COVID-19 update for Aug. 21

by Hopkinton Independent | Aug 21, 2020 | News

Editor’s note: This is the town of Hopkinton’s COVID-19 update for Aug. 21.

COVID-19 Updates and Precautions
August 21 update

Previous updates and additional information and resources can be found here:
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. As we work on plans to reopen Town Hall and other municipal buildings, we are prioritizing efforts to keep the community safe and help our local businesses reopen.

As of Aug. 20, Hopkinton’s Health Department is reporting 138 total confirmed COVID-19 cases; three of those cases are active, with 122 recoveries and 13 deaths. You can see historical tracking and updates on Hopkinton’s Community Impact Dashboard.

Primary Election Voting info — REMINDER
The new election law passed by the General Court and signed by the governor has significantly expanded early voting, by-mail and in-person. Due to occupancy issues at Hopkinton Town Hall, the Board of Registrars voted on Aug. 4 to move early voting in person for the primary to the Hopkinton Senior Center at 28 Mayhew St. Voters will not use the main entrance and will enter through the library door and will exit through the side door once they have voted. Mask wearing as well as social distancing will be required.

The hours at the Senior Center will be as follows:
● Saturday (Aug. 22) and Sunday (Aug. 23) — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
● Monday (Aug. 24), Wednesday (Aug. 26) and Thursday (Aug. 27) — 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
● Tuesday (Aug. 25) — 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
● Friday (Aug. 28) — 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This will serve as an addition to mail-in early voting and in person voting at the polls on the day of the primary to better spread out voting and limit potential exposure.

Annual Town Meeting
At their meeting Tuesday night (Aug. 18), the Hopkinton Select Board voted to reschedule Annual Town Meeting to Saturday, Sept. 12, at 9:30 a.m. Details will be forthcoming.

Town Hall Reopening Plan
On Monday, Aug. 10, Town Hall reopened to the public by appointment only. This is due to the state’s COVID-19 limits on building occupancy. Click here for more information.

Hopkinton Youth and Family Services
Youth and Family Services is here for you. They can be reached by phone at 508-497-9781. Struggling with the ongoing nature of the pandemic can lead to natural stress and for some a trauma response. Feeling more irritable, withdrawn, consistently sad or anxious? First responders, medical personnel and people with behavioral health needs prior to the pandemic are especially sensitive, and difficulty with processing all that is happening can be real for anyone. Please know our office is open and we are working with families and individuals to get needs met as they arise. If you leave a message, we will get back to you.

Helpful resources:
● Advocates Emergency Service (available 24/7) for mental health crisis at 800-640-5432
● HYFS Facebook page has helpful information for general coping and webinars that might be helpful facebook.com/hopkintonyouthandfamilyservices
● MassSupport http://riversidetraumacenter.org/our-services/masssupport/ is offering crisis support and referral for individuals and families. 888-215-4920
● INTERFACE Referral Helpline https://interface.williamjames.edu/ will help any resident connect with outpatient behavioral healthcare and virtual practitioners during COVID-19. If you have been thinking about talking with a counselor, a call to INTERFACE and a 20-minute intake later could have you on your path to finding a clinician, psychiatrist or group therapist that matches your insurance, location and specialty need (diagnosis, cultural competency, and other special requests). 888-244-6843
● (More found here: Y&FS Basic Needs Resource Sheet for COVID19)

Hopkinton Senior Center
The Senior Center, with a grant from the MetroWest Health Foundation, has begun a limited take-out lunch program (Tuesday-Friday) for Hopkinton seniors, particularly those who are homebound and/or have relied on the center for their daily main meal in the past. While we have limited quantities, if you know of a senior who might benefit from this program please call the Senior Center at 508-497-9730. Cost is $2 per meal.

COVID Safe Practices Concern Form
If you have a concern about a workplace’s compliance with the commonwealth’s workplace safety standards and protocols, you may report it to the Department of Labor Standards. Click here for more info. The Department of Public Health or the Hopkinton Board of Health may follow up with you if you include your contact information.

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