Hopkinton COVID-19 update for July 1

by Hopkinton Independent | Jul 1, 2020 | News

Editor’s note: This is the town of Hopkinton’s COVID-19 update for July 1.

COVID-19 Updates and Precautions
July 1 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. 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 July 1, Hopkinton’s Health Department is reporting 125 total confirmed COVID-19 cases; four of those cases are active, with 108 recoveries and 13 deaths. You can see historical tracking and updates on Hopkinton’s Community Impact Dashboard.

Updated Travel Guidelines — NEW UPDATE
Effective today, Wednesday, July 1, all travelers arriving to Massachusetts, including residents returning home, are instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days. This guidance does not apply to travelers from Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, New York or New Jersey. Additionally, workers designated by the federal government as essential critical infrastructure workers are exempt from this directive. More info here.

Massachusetts Department of Public Health COVID-19 weekly Public Health Report — NEW UPDATE
The Weekly COVID-19 Public Health Report includes enhanced, more granular information to be updated on a weekly or biweekly basis, including town-by-town case and testing information, cases and deaths in long term care facilities, updates on nursing facility audit results and more. https://www.mass.gov/doc/weekly-covid-19-public-health-report-july-1-2020/download

July 4th Holiday — NEW INFO
Town Hall and municipal offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. The Hopkinton Recycling Center will be closed on Saturday, July 4.

Library Now Accepting Returns, Beginning Curbside Pickup — NEW INFO
We are pleased to announce that we will now be accepting returns on a limited basis! The book drop will be open for returns Monday-Thursday this week, from 9:30-4:30. We will close the book drop at 4:30 on Thursday for the entire Fourth of July weekend and will reopen it from 9:30-4:30 weekdays beginning Monday, July 6. Click here for more information about returning your materials.

Starting on Monday, July 6, we will be launching curbside pickup for patrons with new holds requests. You may request items for pickup by placing holds through the library’s online catalog. We can only fill holds on items owned by, and currently available at, the Hopkinton Library (no inter-library loans). We will call you to arrange a time for pickup when your items are ready. We anticipate a high volume of requests as we launch this service; please bear with us. We will work as quickly as we can to get your items to you! Click here for full information about our curbside pickup service, including instructions on finding items and placing holds.

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Releases Initial Fall School Reopening Guidance
On Thursday (June 25), the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) released initial guidance for the reopening of schools in the fall. This guidance was developed through extensive input from the medical community, educators and parents and reflects the clear goal of supporting the safe return of students and staff to our schools. Click here for the full document.

Behavioral Health Crisis Care at MassSupport
The Baker-Polito Administration has announced MassSupport, a new crisis counseling program to support the behavioral health needs of Massachusetts residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Riverside Trauma Center will deploy its trauma response and crisis intervention expertise in a statewide initiative to bring behavioral health resources, information and referrals directly to individuals and communities. The program will offer counseling services in English and Spanish and can be reached at 888-215-4920 or via email at masssupport@riversidecc.org. Click here for the full press release and more information.

Parks/fields/playgrounds

Town athletic fields are now open under certain guidelines. More info can be found here. Playgrounds at Sandy Beach, Center School and EMC are open to the public. Face coverings are required when social distancing isn’t practical. Playground signage listing the use requirements will be posted soon.

Hopkinton Temporary Outdoor Dining Rules and Regulations
Anticipating the reopening of restaurants for customer seating outdoors, the Select Board adopted Temporary Outdoor Dining Rules and Regulations at its meeting on June 2. Restaurants must comply with the State’s COVID-19 requirements, and the town will expedite and streamline its associated review process. Click here for guidelines.
Business owners/managers: Click here for the application.

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