Coronavirus 2022

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.   

CoronaVirus - COVID-19 Information

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 

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COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ's

Click each link for more information


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2022-

CDC Updates and Shortens Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Period for General Population

The Town of Ashland Department Health in accordance with the Department of Public Health (DPH) is adopted updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding isolation and quarantine periods for the general population beginning December 29, 2021. 

This updated guidance shortens the recommended time for isolation and quarantine from 10 days for people with COVID-19 to 5 days, if asymptomatic, followed by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others.
 

"CDC is shortening the recommended time for isolation from 10 days for people with COVID-19 to 5 days, if asymptomatic, followed by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others. The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after..." 

Continue reading this guidance from the CDC here

For more information: 

Massachusetts New Isolation Guidance
Massachusetts New Quarantine Guidance

Facial Coverings/ Masks

Mask advisory and guidance for Massachusetts residents

Effective April 18, 2022, as a result of a change in federal policy, masks are no longer required on public transportation including on the MBTA (except on The Ride), commuter rail, buses, ferries, and airplanes, or while in rideshares (Uber and Lyft), taxis, and livery vehicles. Face coverings are also no longer required inside or outside of transportation hubs, including train stations, bus stops, and airports.

The Department of Public Health advises that individuals should wear a mask or face covering when indoors (and not in your own home), if you have a weakened immune system, or if you are at increased risk for severe disease because of your age or an underlying medical condition, or if someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease or is unvaccinated. 
Click here to learn more

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See all public statements from the Governor's Office relating COVID-19

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Government Meetings


July 2022 Update- Deadline extended to March 31, 2023, for public bodies to continue holding remote meetings. 
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As of June 16th, 2021, Governor Baker signed the "Act relative to extending certain COVID-19 measures adopted during the state of emergency" which extends The Open Meeting law and allows public bodies' ability to continue conducting meetings remotely until April 1, 2022.  Additionally, the Select Board and Town Moderator may continue to vote to prescribe the number of voters necessary to constitute a quorum at any town meeting until December 15, 2021. 

Live remote participation is being limited to public hearings of regulatory boards at this time, and residenDone Editingts 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.

Town of Ashland Municipal Building Guidelines

Municipal Buildings are open to the public. 


Effective Monday, March 7, 2022- masking for vaccinated and boosted employees and visitors will be optional in Town buildings. Unvaccinated employees and visitors are encouraged to wear face coverings/masks.

Ashland COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program

February 10, 2021:

Please note two changes to the Ashland COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program. First, mortgage assistance is available only to those properties with an affordable housing deed restriction. Second, if the eviction process has been started, additional assistance may be available. Please contact Jennifer Wuelfing to discuss this option.
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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 Jennifer Wuelfing, Director of Human Services at jwuelfing@ashlandmass.com or 508-532-7942 for a paper application or with any questions.

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Information from Ashland Public Schools