Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

• At this time there are 144 cumulative cases of COVID-19 in Acton with 76 individuals in isolation, 59 recovered and nine fatalities (seven from congregate care facilities).  Acton Public Health Nurses are working closely with the residents, and are conducting contact tracing to identify and provide guidelines to anyone who has been in close contact with these patients.  As part of this update, we are including the number of people who have tragically passed away from this disease. All further updates regarding the number of cases will now include the number of deaths as we continue to remain transparent during these unprecedented times. 
• Note: Going forward, the Town of Acton will continue to announce positive cases, active cases, recovered cases and fatalities. Daily case reports and cumulative data on Massachusetts COVID-19 cases and testing, and weekly data on confirmed cases by city/town can be found online here.

Information Related to Congregate Care Facilities

Acton recently recorded a significant jump in the most recent reporting of COVID-19 cases due to extensive testing at the Life Care Center of Acton. Acton Nursing Services Director York reports that there are 59 cases of residents in isolation and 17 staff members overall that have tested positive and have been placed in isolation in their respective towns.  As testing and diagnosis of the residents was done two weeks ago, they are currently working with the epidemiologist assigned to the building to start moving recovered residents out of this unit. Testing is only being conducted as residents begin to show symptoms of COVID-19 now.  Director York Has been in regular communication with management at Life Care Center of Acton, their epidemiologist assigned to their building and the State Department of Health. The Town of Acton is confident that the facility is doing everything it can to manage this dangerous and often unpredictable pandemic.

Additionally, at the assisted living facility Benchmark at Robbins Brook there are four staff members and five residents with confirmed positive cases of COVID-19. All residents are currently quarantined to their rooms and have had no visitors other than staff and outside private care if they have it. Anyone entering the building is assessed for symptoms as they come in. Staff also has to self-identify if they have symptoms and stay home if they are sick.

Governor Baker’s Reopening Plan

• On Monday, May 18, Governor Baker will announce full details of the reopening plan. Per Governor Baker’s orders, the Massachusetts economy will be reopened using a four-phase approach, based on public health guidance. 
  • Phase 1 will be “Start” - Limited industries resume operations with severe restrictions
  • Phase 2 will be “Cautious” - Additional industries resume operations with restrictions and capacity limits
  • Phase 3 will be “Vigilant” - Additional industries resume operations with guidance
  • Phase 4 will be the “New Normal” - Development of vaccine and/or therapy enables resumption of new normal

    Public health metrics will determine when the first phase of reopening begins, as well as when it is safe to move into later phases. Residents should be aware of the possibility of a potential reversal of phases if public health worsens.

Java with John Program - May 15^th

• May 15th at 10am on youtube live and WAEM 94.9 FM radio
• The latest live broadcast of the Senior Center Program called Java with John will include a discussion with Town Clerk Eva Szkaradek. Residents are encouraged to send questions in advance to manager@actonma.gov or call in during the program at 978-929-6611.
• To view the recordings of previous Java with John programs go to ActonTV youtube channel.

Check out new feature "Acton at a Glance" 

This weekly video produced by the Acton’s Social Media Working group highlights the latest news and focuses on social media content you may have missed from our various social media channels.  View the video here: https://www.facebook.com/ActonMAGov/videos/924559194625034/

Emergency Orders Requiring Face Coverings

The Acton Board of Health Emergency Public Health Order of May 5, 2020 requires that face coverings be worn in public.  View the order here: https://actonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6367/Board-of-Health-Emergency-Public-Health-Order-of-May-5

• As of Wednesday, May 6, Massachusetts requires everyone over the age of 2 to wear a face covering in public when social distancing is not possible. View the full details of this order at: https://www.mass.gov/doc/may-1-2020-masks-and-face-coverings/download
• View a MassDPH message called How to Safely Cover Your Face Outside of Home at the following link: https://youtu.be/HtUJPizQVPI

COVID-19 Emergency Grants for Residents 

• The Acton Boxborough United Way has announced further details on the COVID-19 Emergency funding now available for Acton and Boxborough residents.  Frequently Asked Questions about the A-B United Way COVID-19 Emergency Grants for Residents. How to Donate to the COVID-19 Impact Fund from Acton-Boxborough United Way

Acton Town Services Hotline 978-929-6619

• We have established a central customer service hotline called the Acton Town Services hotline to provide one number to call that can provide answers to various questions related COVID-19 and also connect callers to resources about questions about town services in general.   The Acton Town Services hotline number is 978-929-6619.
  

Update on Voting for June 2nd Elections

• The polls will be open from 7AM to 8PM for the town election and the special state representative election (Precincts 3, 4 and 5) on June 2nd and all six precincts will vote at the RJ Grey Junior High School. Please consider the vote early by mail option.  The link to the vote by mail application is here:  https://www.acton-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/6288/2020-Municipal-Early-Ballot-Application.  In addition, the vote by mail application will also appear on the last page of the Town’s Municipal Monthly newsletter which will be mailed to all households later this week.

Tax Bill Deadline Extended

In accordance with the Act to Address Challenges Faced by Municipalities and State Authorities Resulting from COVID-19, signed on Friday, April 3, the Town is exercising the option made available by the legislation to extend the due date of tax payments. The Board of Selectmen voted to extend the tax bill deadline from May 1, 2020 to June 1, 2020. If such tax bills are unpaid after June 1, 2020, all fees and interest shall be waived as long as the amount due is paid by June 30, 2020

Bills can be paid:

• Online at https://epay.cityhallsystems.com/selection
• By using the drop box at Town Hall, located at 472 Main St. Payments dropped in the drop boxes should be in the form of check or money order; please do not put cash in the drop boxes.
• By mailing the payment directly to Acton Town Hall, 472 Main St., Acton, MA 01720.
• Residents who have questions regarding their bill can email collector@actonma.gov.

Restaurants Temporarily Allowed to Sell Groceries in Acton

• The Board of Selectmen and Board of Health approved an emergency order allowing restaurants to sell groceries during the local state of emergency.  This action is one of several small business relief measures being considered.   Additional details will be posted online tomorrow at http://www.actonma.gov/covid19. 

Town Offices, Facilities and Recreation Spaces

All town buildings, playgrounds, recreation fields, NARA Park, and the skate park remain closed to the public while Massachusetts’s State of Emergency is in effect. The closures are being ordered out of an abundance of caution in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and promote social distancing. Rail trails and conservation trails remain open, but residents are encouraged to practice social distancing and not congregate in groups if they are using the trails.  Town Hall services are still operational and staff is available during normal hours throughout the work week. Please call 978-929-6620 or use www.actonma.gov to contact staff.

Transfer Station Hours

The Acton Transfer Station has adjusted operating hours and is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. This adds Monday as a new day of service for residents. The first hour of operation (7-8 a.m. of each day) is designated for seniors only. For more information on the Transfer Station and Recycling Center, please call 978-929-7742.

Donations of Personal Protective Equipment

Town officials would like to express their gratitude for residents and local businesses who have donated masks and other personal protective equipment (PPE) to the Town.
Acton’s Public Safety Facility, 371 Main St., is ready to serve as a central drop-off point for PPE including home-made masks. Those looking to make a donation should call 978-929-7711 to coordinate a drop-off.  The Public Safety Facility remains closed to the public for all non-emergency business until further notice. Residents should continue to call 911 during any emergency and first responders will respond as always.

Reminder from Acton Memorial Library about Online Offerings

• Digital Resources: We have a lot of great content you can access digitally. In most cases you use your Library Card Number and Password to access these resources. If you have lost your library card number or forgotten your password, please click HERE.
• E-Cards: If you do not already have a Minuteman library card, you can apply for a temporary e-card here. This will allow you to check out digital titles.

Acton Fourth of July Celebration and other NARA Park Events Cancelled

Due to public health concerns all concerts and special events scheduled through July 15th have been postponed or cancelled.  The following events are cancelled: Chinese Music and Dance Night, June 12th; Classical Concert, June 17th; Beach Party Blast, June 20th; and Foreigners Journey, June 26th;  Independence Day Celebration, 4th of July.

View archive of previously posted daily COVID19 updates here

Acton’s COVID-19 Information Center: http://www.actonma.gov/covid19