Merrimac’s Board of Selectmen, Merrimac’s Board of Health, Chief Larry Fisher and Chief Eric Shears wish to provide residents of the Town of Merrimac with the latest information regarding the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
At this time, there have been no positive or presumed positive cases of the virus in Merrimac.
Town officials would like to notify residents and business owners about the announcement today by Gov. Baker that all non-essential businesses will need to close by noon on Tuesday, March 24 until April 7. This measure is being done to promote social distancing efforts and to help stop the spread of the virus. All non-essential businesses in Merrimac are asked to adhere to the governor’s order.
- For a list of businesses that considered “essential” click here
- To file an Essential Service Designation Request click here
Gov. Baker has also advised that gatherings of more than 10 people are not allowed at this time and restaurants have limited their service to take out and deliveries only.
Other changes in town are as follows:
- Effective immediately, Town Hall employees will be allowed to work remotely until further notice. Residents are asked to email employees with questions they may have.
- All playgrounds in Merrimac are closed until further notice.
- Our Neighbor’s Table is partnering with the Pentucket School District to relocate their grocery market to the Sweetsir Elementary School. The market will be available on the first and third Saturdays of the month from 9:00am to 10:30am. All residents of Merrimac are welcome. Orders must be placed on line by noon on the Friday before. Curbside pickup only at the Sweetsir School, 104 Church St. Orders can be placed online here.
- The Pentucket School District is working with Whittier Regional Vocational High School to provide 100 boxed lunches breakfasts and lunches to families. Pick-up hours will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Families will be able to get a meal for any student 18 years and under living in their home. Those who are unable to pick-up because of illness or transportation and is in significant need, please contact Assistant Superintendent, Brent Conway, at bconway@prsd.org. The pick-up locations are:
- The cafeteria side parking lot at the Pentucket Regional Middle School, 20 Main St., West Newbury.
- The front loop of the Sweetsir School, 104 Church St.
- The Merrimac Senior Center Meals Program will continue to serve residents. Delivery is available only to Merrimac residents. Orders should be placed by 11 a.m. on Thursday for the following week by calling 978-346-9549.
- Merrimac Public Library will be closed until further notice. Staff will be on site to answer phones and assist with online resources.
If anyone displays symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, they should not come to work or school and they are advised to contact their primary care physician. According to the CDC, symptoms of the virus appear 2-14 days of exposure.
All residents are encouraged to continue to practice social distancing — maintaining a distance of approximately 6 feet from other people — and appropriate personal hygiene.
The DPH recommends that residents continue with good hygiene practices including:
- Practice good hand hygiene! Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds including under your fingernails. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (at least 60% alcohol content) can be used when soap and water are not available.
- Keep your hands away from your face.
- Cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing with a tissue and discard it immediately. Cough into the sleeve over your elbow instead of your hand. Wash your hands often when coughing and sneezing.
- Stay away from people who are sick and stay home when you are sick.
Officials are constantly monitoring state and federal guidance regarding the COVID-19 situation and will provide updates as new information becomes available.
The state has also set up the phone number 211 to answer questions that residents may have concerning COVID-19.
For more information, visit the DPH website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.