BROOKLINE — Town Administrator Mel Kleckner and Director of Health and Human Services Swannie Jett announce that the Town of Brookline is limiting access to all public buildings and has closed public playgrounds until further notice.
In order to facilitate social distancing as part of the local effort to curtail the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Town of Brookline has closed all public playgrounds, including standalone playgrounds as well as playgrounds within parks. In addition, town buildings are closed to the public, with the exception of Town Hall on a limited basis.
The first floor of Town Hall will be for essential services only, as town officials assess community needs. Residents with non-emergency business at Town Hall should call 617-730-2000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday before visiting in person. Residents should also note that many transactions can be completed online at Brooklinema.gov.
“These steps are a necessary part of our community-wide effort to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19,” Town Administrator Kleckner said. “A big part of ensuring those efforts are successful is the cooperation of all of our stakeholders. We’re grateful for their engagement on this issue and willingness to adapt to the inconveniences these temporary measures create for the benefit of us all.”
Brookline’s COVID-19 Task Force is in constant communication regarding the additional steps the town will take to keep residents safe, healthy and informed. The town will continue to provide updates to the community as those updates are available.
The Town of Brookline’s website for updates on COVID-19 matters is accessible at www.brooklinema.gov/covid-19.
Prevention and What to do if you Feel Sick
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have stated that seniors and those with chronic health conditions are the most at-risk for serious illness caused by the coronavirus; they urge that those in this vulnerable population take appropriate precautions to mitigate their risk of becoming sick. As has been widely suggested, any person who believes they may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should contact their primary care physician.
Reported symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath and respiratory illness, including pneumonia in severe cases.
If anyone displays symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever, cough or shortness of breath, they should stay home and they are advised to contact their primary care physician. According to the CDC, symptoms of the virus appear within 2-14 days of exposure.
If you feel sick, the CDC recommends:
- Call your primary care physician before visiting them in person
- Stay home and limit your contact with others
- Wear a facemask if you are sick. Masks are not recommended for widespread use by healthy people.
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.
For more information, visit the DPH website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.
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