BRIDGEWATER — Town Manager Michael Dutton and Health Agent Eric Badger report that the Town of Bridgewater was designated by the Commonwealth today as a high risk community for COVID-19 and public access to Town Hall offices will transition to appointment-only beginning next week.
According to the public health data released on Thursday, Dec. 10, the Town’s designation is now “red,” indicating a “high risk” in the community. This designation indicates more than or equal to 10 average cases per 100,000 residents and more than or equal to a 5% positivity rate.
According to today’s data, there have been 178 new confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Bridgewater over the past two weeks, and 787 cases since the start of the pandemic. The town’s average daily incidence rate has risen to 44.43 per 100,000 residents, up from last week’s rate of 23.2.
Residents are strongly encouraged to avoid high risk activities, especially indoor social gatherings, and all Massachusetts residents are under orders from the Governor to wear masks at all times while in public. In addition, beginning Sunday, Dec. 13, all communities in Massachusetts will revert back to Phase 3, Step 1 of Gov. Charlie Baker’s four-phase approach for reopening. Phase 3, Step 1 guidelines can be found here.
Town Hall Transitioning to Appointment-Only Access
Beginning Monday, Dec. 14, the Bridgewater Town Hall building will restrict public access to an appointment-only basis.
This decision was made out of an abundance of caution due to the town’s new designation as high risk, several successive weeks of rapidly increasing positive cases in town, rising case counts in surrounding communities and state guidance.
In addition, many town employees will transition to remote work based on the Governor’s updated guidance this week restricting capacity limits to 40%.
Town Hall staff will continue to perform their duties and be present to assist residents via telephone or e-mail during normal business hours.
Many transactions can be conducted online through the town’s online payments portal, which is accessible here. Residents who need to conduct town business in person must make an appointment with the individual department. A department directory is available at bridgewaterma.org/Directory.
These changes will remain in effect for at least one week. Updates will be provided as they become available. The decision to fully reopen Town Hall will be based on the town’s risk level, local case counts and public health guidance.
“This decision was made out of an abundance of caution as COVID-19 cases continue to rise in our community and in the region, and our goal is to continue to keep town employees and residents as safe as possible,” Town Manager Dutton said. “Though access to town hall will be restricted for the foreseeable future, we want to ensure residents that our staff will continue to be available to assist them however is needed.”
The Senior Center and Bridgewater Public Library buildings remain closed to the public at this time. The library is offering curbside pickup Monday through Saturday. More information on curbside pickup can be found here.
Residents are encouraged to visit the town’s website, Facebook page or public health and emergency management website for the latest updates on the town’s response to COVID-19.
Stay Safe
Bridgewater public health officials continue to urge residents to practice social distancing, wear face coverings in public and limit their interactions with anyone who lives outside of their household. Residents are also encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 if they have any symptoms (abdominal pain, chills, cough, headaches, fever, diarrhea, loss of appetite, loss of taste/smell, muscle aches/pains, shortness of breath, sore throat or vomiting) or if they have been a close contact of a positive case.
Residents are reminded that the closest Stop the Spread testing sites are located in Brockton. For information about testing availability nearby through the Stop the Spread initiative, click here.
For more information about COVID-19 prevention and symptoms, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website here and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website here.
Bridgewater residents with questions may additionally contact the Bridgewater Board of Health at 508-697-0903.
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