By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Shrewsbury – The commonwealth of Massachusetts continues to experience sharp increases in the number of COVID-19 cases and in Shrewsbury the current number was reported to be at 29 on April 1. A surge is expected in the next couple of weeks.
As such, on March 31 Governor Charlie Baker extended orders issued in early March in consideration of information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the State of Emergency issued by the Governor.
Town Manager Kevin Mizikar released a press release stating that Town Hall and all public buildings in the town that have been closed since March 16 will remain closed through May 1, 2020. This includes all public schools, the Library and the senior center and is in accordance with orders from Gov. Baker.
Staff will be available by phone/email during normal business hours Monday – Friday; 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. For a comprehensive directory of town departments, visit: https://shrewsburyma.gov/directory.aspx.
Shrewsbury Public Schools are expected to resume on Monday, May 4. For more information, visit https://schools.shrewsburyma.gov/district/coronavirus-information, and for Library information and programming visit the Shrewsbury Public Library: https://shrewsburyma.gov/344/Library.
Police and Fire Stations will remain open for emergency services only.
Town and school playgrounds and courts will remain closed until further notice. This means no use of basketball courts, playgrounds and gathering locales. Use of trails is allowed as long as appropriate distancing practices are employed.
“Residents and other interested parties can pay bills, apply for permits and licenses and access other information and services at the town website www.shrewsburyma.gov,” Mizikar remarked. “Department-specific operational changes will be posted to their respective webpages.”
He also explained that town bills can be paid by check and will still be accepted through the drop box located to the east of the main entrance of the Town Hall.
Mizikar also said: “Meals on Wheels will continue to operate through the Council on Aging at this time but may be subject to change. Transportation services through the Senior Center are suspended at this time.”
