- Home
- Community
- Citizen Engagement and Transparency Center
- Coronavirus 2021
Coronavirus 2021
Message to the Community
The situation regarding COVID-19 is rapidly evolving, with each day providing more information. The town leadership is working hard to bring you the most up to date information regarding the pandemic. There are multiple venues to stay connected, see below for links to these options. This page will stay current with the most up to date information you need to know about how this crisis is affecting Ashland and steps we are taking to do what is best for the community.
Town Communications
COVID-19 TOWN HOTLINE: 508-532-7900 - You can also send questions to Covid19@ashlandmass.com.
EMAIL NEWSLETTER: Sign up for updates and encourage your friends and neighbors to do so as well.
TWITTER: @ashlandmass and @AshlandTwnMgr
TOWN OF ASHLAND FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/TownofAshlandMA/
The CDC Coronavirus site is updated regularly with important information. Please bookmark it and refer to it frequently: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
ASHLAND BOARD OF HEALTH: https://www.ashlandmass.com/178/Health
COVID-19 Update
Please take the time and read this article. It's full of important information regarding the virus, the incubation period, and the State's vaccination roll-out plan.
Vaccination Information
Starting Thursday, February 18th, people 65 and older, low-income and affordable senior housing residents and staff, people with 2+ certain medical conditions are also eligible for the vaccine as the State of Massachusetts enters Phase 2 Group 2. Individuals in Phase 1 and Phase 2 Group 1 are still eligible for the vaccine and can make appointments at any time.
Learn more about the State's vaccination plan
Check the available locations in the area to book an appointment
Click the image for more information
Local Cases in Ashland
The following information as of February 25, 2021
Local Confirmed Cases in Ashland= 1, 262
Ashland has 1, 262 positive confirmed cases for COVID-19 with 1, 244 cleared cases, 176 probable cases, and 174 cleared probable cases.
Confirmed Cases= Individuals who have tested positive for the virus.
Cleared Cases = The number of cases you see are people that have tested positive and are now cleared. This does not include their close contacts.
(Please note this change in data collection effective 4.23.20)
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.
Facial Coverings/ Masks- Updated
Please wear face masks/ coverings in public spaces both indoors and outdoors, even when social distancing is feasible. Children under two and those with medical conditions are exempt from this order.
See the complete order from Governor Baker here, May 1, 2020 Order
See the complete revised order from Governor Baker here, November 2, 2020 Order
See the Executive Order from the President Office January 20, 2021
February 25- Baker- Polito Administration Announce Return to Step 2 of Phase 3 on Monday, advance to Phase 4 on March 22
February 4- Baker-Polito Administration Awards Nearly $174 Million in Grants to 4,043 Additional Small Businesses for COVID Relief, Increases Capacity Limits for Businesses and Other Activities
February 3- COVID-19 Command Center Announces More Details For Vaccine Online Booking Process
January 24- Baker-Polito Administration Announces Further Measures to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 - Baker-Polito Administration Extends COVID-19 Capacity & Gathering Limits
View all the Press Releases from the State regarding COVID-19
More Updates:
Reopening your business information
When can my business reopen?
Click Here to Access the Updated 9/28 Restaurant Standards
See resources below from Town of Ashland’s Economic Development Office
Government Meetings
Please note that in accordance with the Governor’s executive orders, live remote participation is being allowed for public hearings through the Zoom platform. Live remote participation is being limited to public hearings of regulatory boards at this time, and residents are still able to provide comments via email. Meetings will continue to be streamed via Youtube and on WACA TV channels. Links to all meetings can be found on www.ashlandmass.com under each meeting posting as well as on each individual agenda. Directions on how to use Zoom can be found by CLICKING HERE.
Updates/FAQ’s within individual Town Departments
Ashland COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program
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
________________________________________
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 of Ashland Municipal Building Guidelines
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.
Communications from our Town Manager
Newsletters 2021
Newsletter January 29th
Newsletter January 19th
Newsletters 2020
Newsletter December 17th *note correction- downtown construction hours are 7:30 to 3:30 pm
Newsletter December 3rd
Newsletter November 12th
Newsletter October 29th
Newsletter October 22nd- Ashland is "red"
Newsletter October 15th
Newsletter October 1st
Newsletter September 17th
Newsletter September 10th
Newsletter September 3rd
Newsletter August 20th
Newsletter August 13th
Newsletter August 6th
Resources from the Economic Development Office
Our office regularly updates our Business Resources during COVID-19 Webpage for business owners to find information and guidance. Find tools, ideas, and resources to reopen your business safely.
FAQS for Businesses Facing COVID-19 Daily
If an employee is exposed to a positive case through close contact can we require a test prior to return to work even if asymptomatic? You can’t mandate it but if the employee was exposed for more within 6ft. and more than 15 minutes of more cumulative time they must quarantine for 14 days regardless of a negative test.
And how many days post exposure should they wait before testing? Anyone exposed to someone that tested positive for Covid should wait 5-8 days to be tested. If tested at 5 days and receiving a negative test that person should still quarantine for 14 days. If tested on day 8 with a PCR test after the exposure and are asymptomatic with a negative test, the last day of quarantine is day 10 and they can return to work at day 11. Please note that exposure date is day 0.
What steps do I take if one of my employees tests positive?
- Notify Ed Burman at the Board of Health by calling 508-532-7988 or email eburman@ashlandpd.org
- You must close for deep cleaning. You only have to remain closed until cleaning has occurred.
- If any other staff were working they should be tested and not allowed to work until they have a negative test. If any other employee is deemed a close contact which means within 6 feet for 15 minutes of more cumulative time they MUST remain out for 14 days from the exposure regardless if they have a negative test. If tested on day 8 with a PCR test after the exposure and are asymptomatic with a negative test, the last day of quarantine is day 10 and they can return to work at day 11. Please note that exposure date is day 0.
What if I want to run a scenario by someone or have additional questions or concerns?
- Contact Ed Burman at 508-532-7988 or eburman@ashlandpd.org
Information from Ashland Public Schools
- REOPENING FALL 2020 PLANS
- The School Department is providing grab and go meals for more information, contact Lisa Beaudin, our Director of Nutrition Services at nutrition@ashland.k12.ma.us.
- For more information visit the Ashland Public School Website: http://www.ashland.k12.ma.us/
- Sign up for electronic newsletters from Ashland Public Schools here