Editor’s note: This is the town of Hopkinton’s COVID-19 update for May 1.
COVID-19 Updates & Precautions
May 1, 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 May 1, Hopkinton’s Health Department is reporting 101 total confirmed COVID-19 cases; 73 of those cases are active, with 19 recoveries and nine deaths. You can see historical tracking and updates on Hopkinton’s Community Impact Dashboard. Information from health officials is that Massachusetts is still 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.
Face Covering Order – NEW UPDATE
Today, Friday, May 1, Gov. Baker released an order requiring face coverings in public places where social distancing is not possible. The order is effective as of Wednesday, May 6. Read more here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/may-1-2020-masks-and-face-coverings/download
Reopening Advisory Board – NEW UPDATE
Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and Housing and Economic Development secretary Mike Kennealy are co-chairing a newly formed Reopening Advisory Board that includes public health officials, municipal officials and leaders from the business community. The board will advise the commonwealth on strategies to reopen the economy in phases based on health and safety metrics, meeting with key stakeholders and soliciting input from a variety of constituencies. A report will be submitted by May 18 that will include MDPH approved workplace safety standards, industry frameworks and customer protocols and guidelines, including enforcement mechanisms and coordination with municipal leaders. Comments are accepted and will be reviewed and considered. Click here to submit comments.
Recycling Pickup – NEW UPDATE
In light of the temporary suspension of the operation of the Recycling Center, Hopkinton residents that participate in curbside trash and recycling collection may place additional recycling material at the curb for EL Harvey’s normal curbside collection provided that the recycling material is in a sturdy cart that can be grabbed and lifted by EL Harvey’s mechanical arm that will not crush under the arm’s hydraulic pressure, and the sturdy cart is clearly marked RECYCLING. Click here for examples of sturdy carts.
Please feel free to contact the DPW at 508-497-9740 with any questions.
Show Us Your Heart, Hopkinton!
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.
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
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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