March 27 - TEXT Update

March 27, 2020 Update:

We ask BELMONT to PLEASE HELP FLATTEN THE CURVE. STAY HOME and STAY SAFE. PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING and FOLLOW the RECOMMENDED GUIDELINES for PUBLIC INTERACTION.

  • The Town of Belmont is committed to providing regular updates on COVID-19 as information becomes available. The most up to date information on COVID-19 is posted on the Town of Belmont’s COVID-19 webpage found at http://www.belmont-ma.gov
  • The Governor released guidelines identifying essential services.  Many Town operations have been deemed essential. To that end we have staff working remotely and in some cases, in a limited capacity, working onsite, in order to provide Residents with essential Town services. We continually review our operations plan and make adjustments when necessary. The goal is to provide essential services while making sure Residents and Employees are in a safe environment.
  • The Town of Belmont is following the Order from the Governor regarding School Closings. Currently the Order is for schools to remain closed until at least May 4th.
  • There has been a fair amount of discussion related to Construction Activities. The Town of Belmont is following the Governor’s guidance, which identifies Construction Work as essential. Please be assured, projects under the purview of Town building committees, such as the New Middle and High School and the Police Station, are receiving a high level of review and oversight to make sure all the necessary protocols are in place.

What is closed!

Statewide:

  • All public and private elementary and secondary schools throughout the Commonwealth will be closed through May 4th.
  • Effective March 23rd, all public and private daycare providers will be closed. The Commonwealth will establish Exempt Emergency Child Care Programs to provide priority service for families of emergency personnel, medical staff, and others critical to confronting COVID-19.
  • All restaurants and bars are prohibited from on-premise consumption of food. However, these food establishments may remain open for now to provide food through take-out or delivery service. These restrictions will extend through April 17th, but may be extended based on the spread of COVID-19. Visit BEWITHBELMONT.com
  • Grocery stores and pharmacies are now required to provide alternate hours for older shoppers and must also ensure that both employees and establishments engage in social distancing practices to remain at least 6-feet apart at all times.
  • At this time, reusable bags may not be used by customers, and businesses may not charge a fee for disposable bags.

Belmont:

  • All Town of Belmont public playgrounds and fields (including all playground equipment, basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts) are closed.
  • Effective Saturday, March 21st all fields at the Belmont Hill School will be closed to the public.
  • The Town Hall Complex, including Town Hall, the Homer Building and the School Department, along with the Belmont Public Library, and the Beech Street Center are closed to the public until further notice.

Continued Services

  • The Town continues to provide essential services including food and transportation services through the Beech Street Center.
  • The Belmont Public Library is providing some on-line services. Further information about these programs can be found on their website www.belmontpubliclibrary.net
  • Public meetings and hearings of Belmont Boards, Committees and Commissions will be limited to those that are considered necessary for the purposes of maintaining essential Town of Belmont functions and to those that are mandated under federal, state, or local laws/regulations. We are slowly scheduling meetings for several Boards and Committees.  We are currently reaching out to Chairs to train them on remote meeting technology. Check the Town’s website for meeting schedule updates. www.belmont-ma,gov

Social Services

  • BELMONT FOOD PANTRY - The Belmont Food Pantry was open distributing food on Saturday, March 21st from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Food donations were dropped off until 11:00 am. The BFP honored Social Distancing requirements by establishing a drive-thru distribution process that allowed patrons to remain in their car. The Food Pantry will next be open on April 4th
  • The Belder Bus was used to make deliveries to the senior housing units so those residents did not have to leave their homes to get their items. Housing Authority staff made sure each order was delivered to their residents.
  • School Food Services - Families with school age children in need of food services should visit the Belmont Public Schools Website. www.belmont.k12.ma.us

Local Organizations:

BELMONT HELPS - A group of Belmont residents have joined together to create Belmont Helps. Belmont Helps is a grass roots effort helping connect neighbors during this difficult time. Information on BELMONT HELPS can be found on the Town’s website: https://www.belmont-ma.gov/belmont-help

BELMONT BUSINESSES - Belmont Businesses have joined together to create BE WITH BELMONT. Be with Belmont offers ideas on how to support local businesses by doing things like buying gift cards, shopping online, or ordering take out, curbside pick-up, or delivery from the many local restaurants in Town. Information can be found at their website www.bewithbelmont.com

REMEMBER - Important updates about COVID-19 and its impact on the Town can be found at www.belmont-ma.gov