Governor Baker Doubles Down on COVID-19, All "Non-essential" Businesses in State Ordered Closed
Schools, Day Care Centers Closed through May 4
On Monday, March 23, Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker issued an order strengthening the restrictions already in place statewide to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus. All businesses not providing COVID-19 Essential Services were ordered to close their physical premises to the public, staff and employees. Businesses and organizations that could continue to operate via remote means (employees working and networking from home, customers or clients served over phone or internet) were encouraged to continue doing so.
Essential businesses include those handling health care, law enforcement, public safety, food production and distribution, energy, waste and wastewater, transportation, public works, communications and information technology, community and government operations and essential functions, critical manufacturing, hazardous materials, financial services, chemicals and defense. (Read the full list and explanation of essential services here.)
The order also reduced the maximum number of people allowed to congregate in an indoor space to ten (10), down from the previous restriction of 25. This limit does not apply to people in an outdoor space. However, congregating in outside spaces is discouraged, and people should maintain a minimum distance of six feet from each other, both indoors and outside.
Governor Baker also directed the Department of Public Health to issue a stay at home advisory outlining self-isolation and social distancing procedures. This means that persons should stay at home and refrain from all unnecessary travel and activities that involve physical proximity to other people. Persons over 70, or who have health conditions that increase the danger of a serious respiratory illness should limit in-person social interactions with other people as much as possible.
"I do not believe I can or should order U.S. citizens to be confined to their homes for days on end," Gov. Baker said, explaining why he did not give a shelter-in-place order like those in California or New York City.
The order went into effect at noon on Tuesday, March 24 and continues for two weeks, until April 7.
In Winchendon, this meant that businesses which had been staying open while limiting numbers of people on their premises, and/or following social distancing and sanitation protocols, were now forced to close entirely. These include barber shops, offices, some retail stores and small manufacturers.
On Thursday, March 26, Governor Baker extended the order closing all public and private schools and day care centers in Massachusetts an additional month, until May 4. Previously, they had been ordered to close until April 6. This order also required grocery stores to set aside hours exclusively for elderly and other high risk persons to shop.
Despite measures taken to prevent social interaction and slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, the number of cases statewide continues to increase at an exponential rate. The Department of Public Health announced that as of Thursday, March 26, there were 2,417 confirmed cases in Massachusetts, with 25 fatalities.
On Thursday, March 26, Governor Baker submitted a request to the federal government for a Major Disaster Declaration for Massachusetts. If approved, this would make Massachusetts eligible for additional federal assistance, including assistance from FEMA's Public Assistance and Individual Assistance Programs, which provide financial aid, unemployment assistance and crisis counseling.
Below is an updated list of the COVID-19 arrangements made by town community services, centers, organizations and businesses, as far as the Courier was able to determine as of Thursday, March 26. Changes have been happening very quickly and without notice, so call or check the websites or Facebook pages of a business or organization for the most up to date information.
All restaurants and bars are still banned from serving customers on premises. Restaurants may sell takeout meals for pickup or delivery. Retail stores selling food, liquor stores and pharmacies are open, but are restricted to a maximum number of 10 customers at a time. Customers must stay at least six feet away from each other. Some stores have marked their floors with tape or signs to keep people in line at the correct distance (so remember to look down).
Winchendon Public Schools
All schools closed until at least May 4. A continuously updated page of information may be found here.
There will be no school-related events on or off campus, including sports events.
The school year will not be extended for COVID-19 closings. The last day of school will be June 19.
Online home schooling, learning and study programs are available from the schools and many other sources. A FAQ of detailed information can be found here (the situation may change rapidly so keep checking back).
Town Hall
Closed to the public. Most staff has been sent home, but are responding to emails and phone calls (expect a delay). Most bills can be paid and applications submitted online, and payments can be dropped off in the dropbox by the Front Street entrance to the building. Board and committee meetings are rescheduled or meeting virtually (see individual pages for each Board or committee on the town website). You can watch the a video update by Town Manager Keith Hickey here.
The transfer station is OPEN for regular hours. Residents using the transfer station should complete their visit quickly and maintain a six-foot distance from each other and from attendants.
The Police Station and Fire Station are fully staffed but closed to walk-in visits by the general public. Call 911 for emergencies only and the business numbers for general questions and calls (Police: 978-297-1212; Fire: 978-297-2324). See each department's Facebook page for ongoing updates and information.
Old Murdock Senior Center
Closed to the public. Staff are at work and delivering lunches to seniors. Contact them if you're a senior and need groceries or medications. 978-297-3155.
Beals Memorial Library
Closed to the public, all programs, events and meetings cancelled through April 7. Staff has been sent home for the next two weeks for their safety. You can borrow library e-resources through the Beals website. (If you have a library card, you can use the Libby app to borrow ebooks via your cell phone.) Library materials can be returned in the outside drop box. Overdue fines are waived for the time being.
BealsCon, scheduled for May 16, has been postponed to a later date to be determined.
Clark Memorial YMCA
All programs are cancelled until further notice, including regular after school programs and day care. The Emergency Child Care program for grades K-5 is available to families of essential workers, and families at risk who lack other options. See below for more details. Email Kyle Scrivines at k.scrivines@clarkymca.org with questions.
Winchendon Community Action Committee (CAC)
The building is closed to the public. Staff is at work and answering phones. Food, and some other supplies as available (for example, diapers) are being distributed curbside by appointment only--call to set up a pickup time. Their new hours for distributing food and other supplies are Monday through Thursday, 12:00-3:00 p.m. See their Facebook page for updates and information, or call 978-297-1667.
The Dance Center
Studio is closed for classes. There are online virtual dance classes and activities, see their Facebook page for more information.
RESTAURANTS
Christo's Place
Open for take-out only. Free delivery. Offering free lunches to Winchendon public schools students who qualify for free or reduced school lunch, contact them for information. 978-297-1142.
C & S Pizza
Open for take-out only.
Dunkin Donuts
Open for take-out only.
Friends Garden
Open for take-out only, regular hours and menu.
Gabby's Pizza
Open for take-out only. May close early, 8:00 p.m., some days--check their Facebook page.
The Glen Caffe
Closed, but preparing take-out meals for sale at Not Just Produced, 290 Central St., until further notice.
Gourmet Donuts
Open for take-out only. No refills of reusable cups for sanitary reasons.
The Harbour
Open for take-out only, with a select menu: see their Facebook page.
Hometown Cafe
Open for take-out only. Menu posted on their Facebook page.
Little Anthony's & Little Lizzie's
Open for take-out only, pickup at Little Lizzie's ice cream window. Menu and online ordering may be done here.
Ruschioni's Cruisin' 12 Diner
Open for take-out only. See their Facebook page for menus.
Subway
Open for take-out only, see Facebook page for hours and ordering information.
RETAIL BUSINESSES
Belletetes Winchendon
Store closed to customers but open for sales. Call or text an order, payment by credit card or store account only. Pickup at door or by delivery. Reduced hours, closed Sundays. For details, see the update on their Facebook page.
Cumberland Farms
OPEN.
CVS
OPEN.
Family Dollar
OPEN.
Not Just Produced
OPEN. New and additional inventory. Hosting the Winchendon Mobile Market on Fridays.
Rite-Aid/Walgreen's
OPEN.
Smith's Country Cheese
OPEN.
CHURCHES
The Chapel, The Chapel Downtown
All in-person worship, meetings and gatherings suspended until further notice. Virtual and video services and meetings being arranged--see their Facebook page or website for more information.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church
All public mass suspended until further notice; building closed. Church office closed to the public, staff at work and answering phones and emails. The community is encouraged to share streamed televised mass on worcesterdiocese.org. Contact the office at renee@heartofmary.com, Fr. Henry at pastor@heartofmary.com, or call 978-297-0280.
All events, including Our Neighbor's Kitchen suppers, are cancelled until further notice.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon
Our Neighbor's Kitchen suppers are cancelled until further notice. AA meetings on Monday nights are suspended until further notice. Contact the church via Facebook message with any questions.
United Parish of Winchendon
Worship services, programs and activities suspended until further notice. See their Facebook page for daily videos, Bible readings and prayers.
