NC Massachusetts News

City of Fithburgs issued the following announcement.

Fitchburg residents, as you are all aware, the COVID-19 virus has been fluid in its development, and the City has been working with local, state, and federal agencies to take steps to understand, combat, and prevent the spread of the virus.

After meeting with Fitchburg public safety personnel today, I am providing the following directive, effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020 through April 6, 2020:

• All public buildings, including:  City Hall, DPW, Water, Waste Water, Library, and Senior Center will be closed to the public. During this time, City of Fitchburg employees associated with these buildings will continue to report to work, and the departments will remain open, virtually, during normal business hours. The public will be able to utilize our City website, www.fitchburgma.gov, to collect phone numbers and email addresses or contact information necessary to reach out to individual departments. A drop box for payments is located outside the main entrance of City Hall. Payments may also be made online via the City Treasurers webpage, or by phone – 844-257-6068.
• Fitchburg Fire Department – entrance into Headquarters, 33 North Street, for vital paperwork or services only will be approved by the Fire Chief, Kevin Roy. Please contact Chief Roy at 978-345-9664 for these purposes.
• Fitchburg Police Department – the Main Lobby of the Fitchburg Police Department will remain open to the public.
  • The Records Department Lobby will be closed to the public. The Records Department will remain staffed and will handle requests via telephone at 978-345-9643.
  • Sex Offender Registration will remain available. Registrants will submit their applications to Dispatch and will then receive a phone call from the Records Manager. Any questions should be directed to the Records Manager at 978-345-9645.
  • FID and LTC applications and renewals will continue to follow established protocol. Appointments must be made with Detective David Daigle via telephone at 978-345-1237.
• All inspections from inspectional departments are canceled for the next 72 hours, unless there is an emergency. During this time, a scope of limited inspectional services will be produced, and made available to the public.
• All municipal external meetings, conferences, seminars, and discretionary gatherings, scheduled and hosted by the City or any City Department are to be held virtually, or cancelled.
• City Employee Liaisons for our Boards and Commissions will be working with their respective Chairs and FATV to hold meetings virtually.
• All municipal work-related travel is to be discontinued.

This decision does not come lightly, and the City understands the impact this has to carry out every day business. It is abundantly important that the health and safety of the general public, municipal staff, and our public safety personnel remain my top priority.

I am very grateful to our school department, teachers, food service workers, public safety personnel, and all municipal staff for their commitment to our city. I am also very thankful to the public for your patience, trust, and understanding as we all learn how best to combat and prevent the spread of this virus.

Municipal government remains in service to the people of Fitchburg. We are coordinating our efforts with our Economic Task Force, Non-Profit Organizations, and Health Service Providers to continue services to those most in need. I want to encourage everyone to participate in good hygiene and social distancing. It is critically important to remember, this is not a snow day or a time to meet with friends. Our future actions, particularly this week, is crucial to help reduce the spread of the virus. Please understand your decisions and interactions have an effect on our community and will help to minimize the number of cases in our area. Collectively, by taking these precautions, we can slow the spread of this virus. 

The Red and Grey pride we have for our city has been expressed through the calls and interactions I have had with people who have asked how they can help. I am tremendously proud that Fitchburg residents are stepping up to the plate to assist each other. I want to encourage everyone to reach out to a senior that you know, a neighbor with disabilities, or people with medical challenges – by phone, text, or email. Ask how they are doing, see if they need anything, and if they do please drop any packages off in a safe manner, while continuing to practice social distancing. Fitchburg has faced many battles in her history – this is no different. We are united, we are making preparations, and together we will put an end to the spread of COVID-19.

Original source can be found here.