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Update Regarding Town Office Closures and Meeting Cancellations, March 13, 2020

from Falmouth Emergency Management Agency
Posted on: March 15, 2020 - 10:02am
Falmouth EMA Logo

As noted in our March 12 update, Falmouth’s Emergency Management Team met this morning, March 13, to discuss the evolving situation regarding COVID-19. In all discussions we have been guided by the following priorities:

  1. The safety of our residents, especially the seniors in our community and those residents with underlying health issues which make them particularly vulnerable to illness.
  2. Implementing “social distancing” policies and practices as recommended by the U.S. CDC. Social distancing involves limiting mass gatherings, not congregating in large groups, and maintaining distance from others to limit the ability of the virus to spread.
  3. Maintaining a healthy work environment for our first responders and front-line employees, so they can perform their critical duties and continue to serve and protect our community.

To that end, the following decisions have been made:

Building/Facility Closures

  • Effective 5:30pm this evening, March 13, Mason-Motz Activity Center is closed to the public until further notice.
    • Before/After School Care will remain open AS LONG AS FALMOUTH SCHOOLS REMAIN OPEN. (update March 15:  Before/After Care is closed)
    • The Pre-school will still be operational AS LONG AS FALMOUTH SCHOOLS REMAIN OPEN. (update March 15: Pre-School is closed)
    • Falmouth Memorial Library will be closed.

Note: Questions regarding these three entities should be made directly to these organizations.

  • Update March 15, 2020: The Falmouth Food Pantry will be closed staring Monday, March 16, until further notice. The Falmouth Food Pantry is an independent non-profit entity. Food Pantry leadership has asked the Town of Falmouth to notify Food Pantry clients to use the emergency contact telephone numbers if they are experiencing a food emergency. Those numbers are 632-2687 and 781-2996.
  • The Wastewater Treatment facility on Clearwater Drive is closed to the public.
  • Central Station on Bucknam Road will offer restricted public access only.
  • The Police Station on Marshall Drive will offer restricted public access only.
  • Town Landing buildings will offer restricted public access only.
  • The Transfer Station on Woods Road will remain open but reduced services may be forthcoming. 
  • Town Hall on Falmouth Road and the Public Works building on Woods Road will be closed to the public on Monday, March 16 to allow staff to put procedures in place for continuing public services while practicing social distancing. Please note, most services offered at Town Hall can be completed online

Note: For our Town buildings that remain open with restricted public access please do not enter them if you are feeling sick, or have known contact with someone who may have the COVID-19 virus.

Meetings, Events & Programs

  • All Town meetings (including board and committee meetings), forums, and events have been cancelled through April 1, except for:
    • March 23 Town Council Meeting (very limited agenda)
    • March 25 Budget Meeting
    • April 1 Budget Meeting

Note:  We will continue to assess the situation and may adjust current plans accordingly. Additional information regarding these meetings will be forthcoming

  • All Community Programs programming and events are cancelled until further notice.

Services

  • Most Town services are available online.  We are assessing how to continue offering services and will provide updates as decisions are made and procedures put into place.  

Schools

We are closely monitoring the situation and we will provide regular updates to the community through E-Alerts, social media, and our Emergency Management webpage.  We recognize this is a challenging time and we appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate this unprecedented and rapidly evolving health crisis.

How can I help to prevent the spread? (from Maine CDC)

There are simple steps you can take to reduce the possible spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses such as influenza and the common cold:

  1. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
  2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  3. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
  4. Stay home while you're sick and avoid close contact with others