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Coronavirus 2021
COVID-19 Data- click to enlarge graph
COVID-19 Data- click to enlarge graph
Ashland Schools COVID-19 Dashboard
Get Tested for COVID-19
Serology, PCR tests, and Antigen tests are also available.
Reporting and Testing
The Massachusetts COVID-19 report has included the "Probable Case" data for the past few weeks. The "Probable Cases" are the individuals that have completed serology (serum) testing to test for antibodies. Our Board of Health is required to trace these "probable cases" the same as a "confirmed" or "recovered case." Our Board of Health recommends individuals undergoing serology also take a PCR test also to make sure the individual is currently not infectious.
PCR testing is the most sensitive and specific form of testing available (read: accurate), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health qualifies PCR testing as the ONLY way to confirm a Covid diagnosis. Yes, PCR testing is the test that “tickles your brain”, but it is also available in easy nose swabs and in some (few) locations as a saliva test. This is the preferred form of testing for the most accurate results.
Antigen testing is much less accurate and has been notorious for many false negatives and some false positives. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health qualifies a positive antigen result as “probable”, and we encourage you to avoid this form of testing.
STAY TUNED FOR A 2021 UPDATE! November 23, 2020 Update:
Please contact Emma Snellings at esnellings@ashlandmass.com or 508-532-7930 before applying to the program.
The COVID-19 Rental and Mortgage Assistance Program will be undergoing some changes to its funding, and new program materials will be shared soon. Please contact Emma Snellings at esnellings@ashlandmass.com or 508-532-7930 before applying to the program
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COVID-19 Rental/ Mortgage Assistance Program
In response to the loss of income to households due to Covid-19, this program has been created and funded by the CARES Act funds granted to the Town of Ashland and the Affordable Housing Trust utilizing their Community Preservation Act funds. This program seeks to be efficient and responsive. It is temporary in nature. Applications will be processed on a rolling basis starting on July 7, 2020. Applicants are eligible for up to three months rental or mortgage assistance (Assistance can be used to pay current and future rent, or pay rent that is past due since 3/1/2020).
For more information and to access the application, please visit our website.
Please contact Emma Snellings, Assistant Town Planner at esnellings@ashlandmass.com or 508-532-7930 for a paper application or with any questions.
Town Hall
Town Hall is open by appointment only for essential services that cannot be completed electronically. Please call Town Hall at 508-881-0100, or the COVID-19 Hotline, 508-532-7900, to schedule a time to conduct business that cannot be completed electronically. Click here for the full staff phone directory.
As mentioned above, we will ask pre-screening questions at the time you book your appointment. If you come by without an appointment, we request you call us from outside the building, preferably from inside your vehicle, before entering. All appointments will be logged by staff in a "Visitor’s Log".
Please, enter Town Hall from the side door (the door that faces the parking lot), as the Front and Rear doors will be locked. Please, use hand sanitizer before entering, wear a face-covering (if applicable), and maintain social distancing. When using the elevator, please ride the elevator alone or with members of your family.
Community Center
Community Center is open by appointment only. Please call the Community Center at 508-881-0140 to schedule an appointment with the needed service’s office. There will be no programs or social gatherings at the center. If possible, please continue to use the online services rather than making an appointment.
As mentioned above, we will ask pre-screening questions at the time you book your appointment. If you come by without an appointment, we request you call us from outside the building, preferably from inside your vehicle, before entering. All appointments will be logged by staff in a "Visitor’s Log".
Please, enter the Community Center’s main entrance. All doors will be locked. Please ring the doorbell at the time of your appointment, and the staff will let you into the building. Please, use hand sanitizer before entering, wear a face-covering (if applicable), and maintain social distancing.
The Ashland Food Pantry will remain appointment only with curbside pick-up on Mondays and Wednesdays- please remember to call ahead. Call 508-532-7942 or 508-532-7946. You can also email, humanservices@ashlandmass.com
Visit their websites for more information:
Ashland Human Services:
Elder Services
Ashland Recreation
Public Library
The library’s curbside hours:
Monday- Thursday:
11:00 am- 6:00 pm
Friday- Saturday:
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
In-Person Hours:
Tuesdays & Thursdays
11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Limited Browsing Hours (30 min) &
Computer Use (45 min)
Staff is available to answer inquiries over the phone:
Monday- Thursday 10 am - 8 pm,
Friday 10 am - 6pm and Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
Curbside Pick-Up Guidelines:
Any item that is marked as AVAILABLE in ASHLAND in the Minuteman catalog can be requested for curbside pickup. Find the items that you want in the Minuteman catalog and place a hold listing Ashland as your pickup location.
If you don’t have internet access at home, please call the library at 508-881-0134 for staff assistance to place a hold. Your reserved items will be held for one week. Please note that statewide delivery is not available at this time so no items owned by other libraries may be requested for pickup in Ashland.
There will be a limit of 10 items per library card per day that can be picked up.
This service is available to anyone with a valid Minuteman library card.
DPW
Ashland Department of Public Works (DPW) is open by appointment only.
Please call DPW at 508-881-0120 to schedule an appointment. If possible, please continue to use the online services rather than making an appointment. As mentioned above, we will ask pre-screening questions at the time you book your appointment. If you come by without an appointment, we request you call us from outside the building, preferably from inside your vehicle, before entering. These appointments will be logged by staff in a "Visitor’s Log".
Please, use hand sanitizer before entering, wear a face-covering (if applicable), and maintain social distancing.
Visit DPW Website for more information
Public Parks
Public Parks are now open for passive recreation activities including: Walking/ Hiking, Jogging, Running, Fishing, Bird/ Nature Watching, Kite Flying, Dog walking. Organized sports and activities, sports fields, playgrounds, pavilions, and restrooms, remain closed.
Community Gardens may open as members follow state guidelines and the previously established policies created by Community Gardens.
Please maintain social distancing of 6 ft or more and remain within family units, use face masks/coverings, and more importantly, stay home if you feel sick.