NORTH ATTLEBORO, MA – Town Manager Michael Borg disclosed on Thursday that the town is now tracking the number of residents who have recovered from COVID-19.
“We’re looking at the data as it comes out a little differently now, 29 have recovered (out of 125 positives) and that balances the increases as we go up,” Borg said during a panel discussion hosted by North TV on Thursday.
Officials are also taking a look at what a phased reopening would look like and how that might impact the town and services. Borg has been closely monitoring information provided by the state and planning for the day when Gov. Charlie Baker lifts the Commonwealth’s state at home advisory.
“Does it mean that six-foot social distancing will still be in place? Right now, the answer is yes. If you come to town hall, will you need to wear a mask? Probably so. And how does that translate into the community, the rest of the town?” Borg said.
Director and Public Health Nurse Anne Marie Fleming stressed the importance of maintaining social distancing and other safety measures, especially when shopping.
“Use hand sanitizer or at least when you get home wash your hands,” Fleming said.
Superintendent of School Scott Holcomb knew there was a possibility students might not be returning to the classroom this school year, but admitted the news was like a punch in the stomach.
“It’s a surprise to hear it I guess, we kind of talked about it but once you hear it officially the people that we’re surrounded by said it affected them differently, emotionally,” Holcomb said.
Officials started preparing for closings through the remainder of the academic year when Baker first closed schools in mid-March.
“We’re not quite sure when we see it ending,” Holcomb said.
Economic Development Coordinator Lyle Pirnie wants town businesses to know that he is available to help them understand the federal government’s Payroll Protection Program.
“The small companies who are in the que will continue to have their PPP loan applications processed and some of the people who were taken care of the first time around are out of the sequence, so the smaller guys will have a better shot at the pie,” Pirnie said.
Fire Chief Chris Coleman said residents shouldn’t be alarmed if his men and women answer a 911 call dressed in personal protection equipment.
“It means you’re experiencing a symptom that could be associated with the COVID virus and we’re taking every step possible to make sure we stay safe and that we’re not transmitting to anybody else,” Coleman said.
Click the link below to stream highlights of North TV’s panel discussion:
