Brookline Coronavirus: Week Of March 23 Update

BROOKLINE, MA —There are now 13 positive cases of COVID-19 in Brookline, according to the Department of Brookline Public Health. The news comes as Gov. Charlie Baker has issued a stay-at-home advisory for the state through at least April 7. With the news of the new cases and the stay-at-home advisory, the Advisory Council of Public Health will host a Virtual Town Hall live via Brookline Interactive Group's Youtube and Facebook pages, at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Residents can ask questions ahead of time by using the hashtag #AskBrooklineCOVID19 on Twitter, or by commenting on the live videos on YouTube and Facebook.

Read more about the governor's order>> What Is Open, Closed During MA Stay-At-Home Advisory

Schools Introducing Remote Learning

Brookline educators are set to introduce remote learning this week for students. In keeping with Department of Elementary and Secondary Education guidance, remote learning will not serve as a substitute for school or replicate classroom instruction. Read more>> Brookline Teachers and Schools Agree To Get Resources To Students

Brookline Restaurants are Open

To see a list of restaurants and eateries that remain open for takeout or delivery in town read here>> Brookline Takeout, Delivery Options During Coronavirus Shutdown

Special Shopping Hours for At-Risk Residents

Many Massachusetts grocery chains have set aside times for elderly or otherwise at-risk residents to shop in their stores. You can see those hours listed here.

Tax Relief for Businesses

Baker's office announced tax penalty relief to support businesses affected by COVID-19. The Department of Revenue announced that it will waive any late-file or late-pay penalties for returns and payment due for meals and room occupancy taxes between March 20 and May 31.

Want To Volunteer?

Those interested in volunteering are asked to fill out this form online.

Brookline COVID-19 Call Center - Open

For general COVID-19 questions not specific to the Town of Brookline, please call the state 211 line.

Got a non-medical question about COVID-19 in Brookline? The Brookline call center will be staffed Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call: 617-879-5636.

The call center will be staffed through at least April 3.

Brookline-specific medical or public health inquiries: Call Department of Brookline Public Health at 617-730-2300. Residents may submit their medical questions related to COVID-19 via email to covidmedical@brooklinema.gov.

Residents can also email their non-medical inquiries to: COVID19Info@brooklinema.gov.

In the case of emergency, call 911.

Resources for Students

The Public Schools of Brookline have made resources available to help students and parents cope with the interruption to students' learning and routines.

For more information and to download those resources, click here.

Beginning on Friday, March 20, from noon to 1:30 p.m., families who do not have a working digital device at home can pick up a free school-issued Chromebook to borrow while schools remain closed. Interested families should complete a request form online.

Comcast will be providing two months of free internet service to qualifying families through its Internet Essential program. Click here to learn more and apply.

Emergency Parking Rules in Place

For details about emergency parking rules currently in effect, visit brooklinecovid19.com/emergency-parking-rules/.

Prevention

Seniors and those with chronic health conditions are the most at-risk for serious illness caused by the coronavirus, but anyone is susceptible, health officials urge everyone to take precautions.

Federal, state and local health leaders all encourage residents to actively take part in social distancing -- avoiding close physical contact with others, especially gatherings of 10 people or more, and working from home -- in order to slow the spread of the virus.

Also take these steps:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds including under your fingernails. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60 percent alcohol content) can be used when soap and water are not available.
• Keep your hands away from your face.
• Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with a tissue and discard it immediately. Cough into the sleeve over your elbow instead of your hand. Wash your hands often when coughing and sneezing.
• Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.

What to Do if You Feel Sick

If you display symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, you should stay home and contact your primary care physician before visiting them or the hospital in person. Health officials recommend staying home and limiting contact with others and wear a facemask of you are sick. According to the CDC, symptoms of the virus appear within two to 14 days of exposure.

For more information, visit the DPH website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.

Free and Reduced Lunch for Brookline Students

Free and reduced price lunches are available for qualifying families on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the period that schools are closed. For information on school lunches, including when and where to pick up lunch for your student, click here.

To order lunch online, click here.

Brookline Food Pantry

For more information about the Brookline Food Pantry's response to COVID-19, and to sign up for its Brookline Thrives program, visit brooklinefoodpantry.org.

Businesses

The Brookline Department of Economic Development and Long Term Planning is actively working to engage businesses and ensure their needs are met to the fullest extent possible, and minimize the impact of COVID-related regulations.

For the latest information on resources available to businesses impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak, click here.

Town Closures

Town offices, including Town Hall, are closed in order to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19. Town departments are continuing to function, with staff working remotely wherever possible.

For updates closures and cancellations, visit brooklinecovid19.com/active-closures/.