Grafton embraces ‘social distancing’ to curb coronavirus spread

GRAFTON--Closed.

It’s the word seen and used most often these days in communities across the state after Gov. Charlie Baker last week declared a State of Emergency in the wake of the growing epidemic known as the new coronavirus, COVID-19, respiratory disease that can be fatal for those 60 and older or anyone with a compromised immune system.

The strong steps are needed, officials say, because the virus, which has compared to have symptoms of a strong flu, is transmitted person-to-person through sneezing, coughing and can remain active on surfaces for days. In addition, proper hygiene such as hand washing is stressed.

As a result, “social distancing’’ has become the new catch phrase associated with this disease. To encourage social distancing, Gov. Baker initially banned any gathering of more than 250 people then cut that number to 25 people and now officials are considering restricting gatherings of no more than 10 people. The coronavirus can remain active up to three hours in the air and up to 72 hours – at a lower concentration – on plastic and stainless steel, according to Live Science.com.

As of March 16, there are more than 3,700 cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. with at least 69 deaths associate with the disease, according to Johns Hopkins University. Massachusetts Department of Public Health reports that as of March 16 there are 197 cases of COVID-19 in the state -- a jump of 33 cases in a day – with six confirmed cases in Worcester County. So far there have been no deaths in Massachusetts.

As a result, there have been statewide closing of colleges, universities, public and private schools, public buildings, along with cancellations of social and sporting events, movie theaters, health clubs and faith- based services. Bars and restaurants are either closed or they are restricted to takeout and delivery.

Supermarkets remain open, but their shelves are empty of bread, bottled water, toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Stop & Shop, that has a store in Grafton, announced that starting March 19 from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. stores will only allow customers 60 and older to shop to accommodate the older, high-risk shoppers.

Grafton closes schools, offices and programs

Grafton is not immune to the COVID-19 virus, so town and school officials have embraced “social distancing.’’

Grafton Town Manager Timothy McInerney has ordered the town’s municipal offices closed to the public until further notice with residents being urged to pay sewer, excise and real estate taxes online by visiting the town’s online payment center or by dropping off payments in the gold box in the front of the municipal building. Applications for permits and inspections can be dropped in the designated areas in the front of the municipal center.

Continuous updates from the state and the town, along with resources on COVID-19, are available on the town’s website www.grafton-ma.gov or by calling the state information number at 2-1-1.

Police and fire departments are still on job, but to provide some protection, first responders have been provided with the appropriate protective gear when responding to scenes where residents may be displaying flu-like symptoms.

School superintendent, 'Not an extended snow day'

The Grafton Public Schools, along with the vocational school, are closed through April 3 with updates available through the school department’s website. In his March 16 letter to the school community, School Superintendent Jay Cummings stressed that the school closure “shouldn’t be treated like an extended snow day.’’

The school department’s leadership team has discussed how to maintain learning during the school closure, Mr. Cummings wrote.

“All students will have the opportunity to practice previously learned skills through choice-based activities. Teachers and administrators are currently working on developing these activities,’’ he wrote.

Once school officials are ready to release their plans they will be posted on the school website and a notice sent out electronically.

The school department will provide bagged lunches to students and adults at the Millbury Street Elementary School every weekday while the school closure is in effect. Lunch will be offered from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. using a “grab and go’’ system where participants will be able to stay in their cars to receive the lunches.

The schools have a limited number of Chromebooks that can be lent out to students who do not have access to a device due to the closure. Anyone who is interested in obtaining a Chromebook to use should contact Technology Director Neil Trahan at trahann@grafton.k12.ma.us.

Any children who needs access to his or her medicine being held by the school nurse should contact the school principal. The principal will arrange for the medicine to be picked up. The following people should be contacted: GHS - Jim Pignataro, pignataroj@grafton.k12.ma.us; GMS - Roseanne Kurposka, kurposkar@grafton.k12.ma.us; MSES - Joanne Stocklin, stocklinj@grafton.k12.ma.us; NSES - Steve Wiltshire, wiltshires@grafton.k12.ma.us; NGES - Julie Flynn, flynnjy@grafton.k12.ma.us; SGES - Doreen Parker, parkerDJ@grafton.k12.ma.us.

As the news continues to highlight concerns about the uptick in the coronavirus, the school department has a list of resources to assist parents in discussing this health crisis with their children.

Town services

Barbara Connelly, director of the Grafton Senior Center, said the center is closed until further notice.

"The town is taking this approach to ensure that we can provide essential services for as long as possible," Ms. Connelly said. "We've notified over 300 seniors by phone today (Monday, March 16) about the closure and also to inform them that we are still at the center to answer any incoming calls."

The Meals on Wheels program is still delivering meals, she said, and the center is still offering transportation for essential appointments.

"We also received 42 shopping bags each containing produce, milk, etc. from the school to distribute to those in need," she said. "I have actually called a few seniors to pick up the bag by our locked front door which they did. Tomorrow (Tuesday, March 17) additional bags will be delivered to other seniors in need. The senior center is extremely fortunate because we have received many calls from residents of the Grafton community offering their support and asking what they can do. It's one day at a time."

Town boards and committees are also cancelling public meetings. However, the governor has suspended certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law so that boards who need to hold meetings can do it remotely or using technical tools such as public access cable television.

The town recreation department and Grafton Public Library have also suspended programing until further notice. No overdue fines will be charged for library materials due and patrons are asked to hold items at home until further notice. A plan to provide virtual services and further updates will be provided on the library website at www.graftonlibrary.org next week. Patrons can also visit the library’s virtual branch at www.graftonlibrary.org/digital.

The town of Grafton's website (www.grafton-ma.gov) as well as its Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TownofGraftonMA/) are providing updated information from the local, state and federal level. Additionally, the state's 211 phone line has dedicated staff to answer questions about COVID-19.