On Monday, March 23rd Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker issued an emergency order requiring all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” to close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers and the public as of Tuesday, March 24th at noon until Tuesday, April 7th at noon. These businesses are encouraged to continue operations remotely where possible.
The Governor has asked that people stay at home and not leave unless necessary for one of the designated exceptions listed in the order. Some reasons you would leave your home are to get food, to get a prescription, to see a doctor, to go to work if your work is essential as defined in by the Governor’s order and to help people you care for to get the things they need to live and be healthy and safe.
This is an extension of the concept of social distancing. For instance, staying at home means:
- Stay home
- Only go out for “essential activities,” to work for an “essential business,” or for “essential travel” as defined in the Governor’s order
- Stay 6 feet or more away from others
- No gatherings over 10 persons (a reduction from the 25-person limit established in an earlier order)
The other principles of social distancing and mitigative hygiene will continue to apply whenever feasible. These include washing hands, using hand sanitizer, disinfecting surfaces, not going out at all if sick, and staying at least six feet away from others.
Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman stated “I applaud the Governor for taking this next step in the Commonwealth’s attempt to reduce the impact of community spread of COVID-19. The Town will continue to take reasonable steps to help “flatten the curve” of the increase of the disease.”
Contact: Brianna Sunryd sunrydb@amherstma.gov