Governor Baker Releases Detailed Plan for Re-Opening Massachusetts in Four Phases
Winchendon Businesses and Organizations Prepare to Gradually Resume Activity
On Monday, May 18, Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker released detailed plans for a phased re-opening of the Massachusetts economy with precautionary measures in place to limit the spread of COVID-19. Each phase will last at least 3 weeks, allowing communities to assess whether rates of infection are increasing, and any phase may be extended as needed.
The first phase of opening, "Start," will allow limited industries to resume operations with restrictions and procedures in place. The second phase, "Cautious," will allow additional industries to open with restrictions and capacity limits for their facilities.
Phase 3, "Vigilant," will allow more industries to resume operating with guidance on maintaining safety.
Should COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations begin to increase during any of these phases, restrictions may be rolled back to a stricter level to contain another outbreak.
The final phase, "New Normal," will begin when an effective vaccine and/or treatment for COVID-19 is developed and widely available to all residents.
During Phase 1, gatherings are limited to ten people or less. Travelers visiting Massachusetts are encouraged to self-quarantine for 14 days, and lodging (hotels, etc.) is restricted to essential workers only.
As of May 18, essential businesses, manufacturing and construction may resume, with procedures in place to protect workers. Hospitals and community health centers may provide preventative care, pediatric care and treatment for high-risk patients and conditions. As of May 25, labs and offices may open. Retail stores may open with remote sales and curbside pickup (customers may not enter the store). Hair salons, pet groomers and car washes may resume operating with procedures in place. Health care providers not working in hospitals or health centers may resume providing preventative and pediatric care.
As of May 25, beaches, parks, drive-in theatres, some athletic fields and courts, zoos, public gardens, and most outdoor activities (fishing, hiking, hunting, boating) may resume operation with guidelines. Campgrounds, public pools and playgrounds will NOT open until Phase 2.
Houses of worship may open as of May 18 with guidelines. Attendance is limited to 40 percent of the maximum occupancy of the building (so a church with a maximum occupancy of 200 persons must limit attendance to 80, including staff, worship leaders and so on). All persons must wear masks, and social distancing rules must be observed. There should be no general socializing before or after a service, and child care/Sunday School is suspended (children may attend service with their parents). Outdoor worship services are encouraged.
For complete details, see the overview on the Mass.gov website. Download the complete, 29-page report at Reopening Massachusetts (PDF).
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is updating its list of the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases by individual town each Wednesday. The list may be viewed here. An interactive state map of the same information is also on this page. As of May 20, Winchendon had reported a total of 74 confirmed cases, an increase of 1 from the previous week.
All residents are asked to respect and comply with new and ongoing restrictions:
- Massachusetts residents remain under a safer-at-home advisory. This means that residents should minimize unnecessary travel and activities that involve physical proximity to other people. Social distancing and mask-wearing guidelines remain in effect for those who go out. Residents should wash their hands frequently, be alert for symptoms, and stay home if they feel sick. Persons over 70, or who have health conditions that increase the danger of serious complications from COVID-19 should limit in-person social interactions with other people as much as possible by staying home and working from home if possible. The most recent data indicate that the biggest risk factors for COVID-19 complications requiring hospitalization are obesity, diabetes, and advanced COPD. Asthma has been found to increase risk less than was feared, but persons with asthma should still take every precaution.
- All residents must wear non-medical face masks or cloth face coverings of some kind when out in public, along with observing social distancing rules and minimizing direct interactions with others. (See directions below for sewing a DIY cloth face mask. The CDC offers directions for face coverings here.) Masks or other face coverings should completely cover the nose, mouth and chin. Masks should not be touched or pulled down off the face once they've been put on. People wearing masks should wash their hands after touching their mask, if touching is unavoidable. Persons with medical conditions making masks unsafe are exempt. No children or infants under 2 years of age should wear any kind of face covering.
- Most non-essential businesses remain closed to employees and the public. Some may begin re-opening under guidelines established for Phase 1 of the state's plan. Businesses which can continue operating without putting employees or customers/clients at risk (i.e. they're not in the same physical location) may do so. This can include staff working solo and/or from home, delivering product without contacting customers directly, and working remotely via phone, text, or Internet platforms.
- Restaurants may sell takeout meals for pickup or delivery only. No customers may be served on premises. Customers picking up orders should maintain a six-foot distance from one another and the restaurant staff, wear face masks, and avoid touching the takeout counters. If possible, order and pay online or by phone.
- Retail stores selling food, liquor stores and pharmacies are open, but are restricted to a maximum number of 10 customers at a time. Customers must stay at least six feet away from each other. Some stores have marked their floors with tape or signs to keep people in line at the correct distance (so remember to look down).
- Larger stores are not limited to 10 customers, but most have set their own limits based on the size of the store. If the limit is reached, customers must wait outside the store, maintaining a six-foot distance from each other, until staff admits them inside. Some supermarkets have created one-way aisles to help keep shoppers moving and minimize face-to-face encounters.
The daily increase in number of cases is decreasing slightly, although it has been on a plateau for some time. The MA Department of Public Health announced that as of Thursday, May 21, there have been 88,970 confirmed cases in Massachusetts (8,473 more than the previous week), with 6,066 fatalities (751 in the previous week). This indicates that 1.28 percent of the total population of the state has tested positive for COVID-19 and 6.8 percent of those have died. (For comparison, on average, 8 percent of the population gets the flu each year, and the death rate for seasonal flu is less than 1 percent.)
Below is an updated list of the COVID-19 arrangements made by town community services, centers, organizations and businesses, as far as the Courier was able to determine as of Thursday, May 21. Changes have been happening very quickly and without notice (especially with some businesses opening during Phase 1 and others waiting), so call or check the websites or Facebook pages of a business or organization for the most up to date information. (Winchendon businesses or organizations who would like to be added to this list, or change their information, should email editor@winchendoncourier.net with details.)
Winchendon Public Schools
All schools closed until for the remainder of the school year. Remote learning will continue and report cards will be issued. There will be no summer school programs. A continuously updated page of information may be found here.
There will be no school-related events on or off campus, including sports events.
The school year will not be extended for COVID-19 closings. The last day of school will be June 15.
Online home schooling, learning and study programs are available from the schools and many other sources. A FAQ of detailed information can be found here (the situation may change rapidly so keep checking back).
The state MCAS examinations for this academic year have been cancelled by the Department of Education.
Town Hall
Closed to the public. Most staff has been sent home, but are responding to emails and phone calls (expect a delay). Most bills can be paid and applications submitted online, and payments can be dropped off in the dropbox by the Front Street entrance to the building. Board and committee meetings are rescheduled or meeting virtually (see individual pages for each Board or committee on the town website).
The transfer station is OPEN for regular hours. Residents using the transfer station should complete their visit quickly and maintain a six-foot distance from each other and from attendants.
The Police Station and Fire Station are fully staffed but closed to walk-in visits by the general public. Call 911 for emergencies only and the business numbers for general questions and calls (Police: 978-297-1212; Fire: 978-297-2324). See each department's Facebook page for ongoing updates and information.
Old Murdock Senior Center
Closed to the public. Staff are at work and delivering lunches to seniors, as well as bags of groceries. The Center is also delivering loaner books and jigsaw puzzles to seniors.Contact them if you're a senior and need groceries or medications. 978-297-3155.
Beals Memorial Library
Building closed to the public, all programs, events and meetings suspended until further notice. As of Tuesday, May 26, at 1:00 p.m. the library will resume circulating materials via pickup in the library lobby or curbside. Patrons can reserve items over the phone, by email or online. Pickup will be by appointment. Patrons must be wearing masks to enter the side door lobby, one at a time. Only physical items owned by Beals Memorial Library are available until further notice (no interlibrary loans). You can borrow library e-resources through the Beals website. (If you have a library card, you can use the Libby app to borrow ebooks via your cell phone.) Library materials can be returned in the outside drop box. Overdue fines are waived for the time being. Check the Beals Facebook page for video book readings by Library Director Manuel King.
BealsCon, originally scheduled for May 16, has been postponed until 2021.
Clark Memorial YMCA
All programs are cancelled until further notice, including regular after school programs and day care. The Emergency Child Care program for grades K-5 is available to families of essential workers, and families at risk who lack other options. Email Kyle Scrivines at k.scrivines@clarkymca.org with questions. See the Clark YMCA Facebook page for video exercise lessons and daily workout challenges.
According to the Clark's May Update (PDF), Camp Clark is still scheduled to run this summer.
The 2020 Summer Solstice Festival originally scheduled for June 20 has been cancelled.
Winchendon Community Action Committee (CAC)
The building is closed to the public. Staff is at work and answering phones. Food, and some other supplies as available (for example, diapers) are being distributed curbside by appointment only--call to set up a pickup time. Their new hours for distributing food and other supplies are Monday through Thursday, 12:00-3:00 p.m. See their Facebook page for updates and information, or call 978-297-1667.
UPDATE:
"Monday May 25, 2020 we will be closed in observance of Memorial Day.
Tuesday May 26, 2020 we are transitioning back to our original hours which are
Monday 8-3 Pantry 9-1
Tuesday 12-6 Pantry 3-6
Wednesday 12-6 Pantry 3-6
Thursday 8-3 Pantry 9-1
All services will still be by appt only and shelf or pantry will be brought outside. Keep in mind to coordinate your appointments adequately according to services needed.
Monday June 1, 2020 we will be allowing 3 appointments in 30 minute increments to come inside for shelf, clothing, personal care, etc. NO ADMITTANCE WITHOUT MASK AND HANDS SANITIZED IN AND OUT WITH PROVIDED SANITIZER."
The Dance Center
Studio is closed for classes. There are online virtual dance classes and activities, see their Facebook page for more information.
RESTAURANTS
Carriage House Restaurant
Open for take-out only, Thurs-Sat starting at 4:00 p.m. and continuing as long as orders come in. (Keep calling, as they are too busy to retrieve voice mail while filling orders.) Desserts, beer and wine available with orders. See their Facebook page for menus and specials. 978-297-1089.
Christo's Place
Open for take-out only. Note temporary new hours: Mon-Tues-Wed-Thurs 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. & Fri-Sat-Sun 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Pay-by-phone, curbside pickup and free delivery available. Continuing to offer free bagged lunches to Winchendon public schools students who qualify for free or reduced school lunch--message them on Facebook in the morning to reserve a lunch. Christo's family and staff ask that as few people as possible come inside the store to pick up orders, to help keep everyone safer. 978-297-1142.
C & S Pizza
Open for take-out only. 978-297-2202.
Dunkin Donuts
Open for take-out and drive-through only.
Friends Garden
OPEN for take-out only as of May 1. 978-297-2277, 978-297-2278.
Gabby's Pizza
Back open for take-out only. Check their Facebook page for updates. New temporary hours, Monday-Saturday 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Occasionally close earlier. Offering "make your own pizza" kits: pound of fresh dough, pound of cheese and 1 oz of sauce, enjoy baking pizza with your kids! Note: customers MUST wear a mask to come inside to pick up orders. 978-297-3909.
The Glen Caffe
Closed, but preparing take-out meals for sale at Not Just Produced, 290 Central St., until further notice.
Gourmet Donuts
Open for take-out and drive-through only. No refills of reusable cups for sanitary reasons. You can call ahead with your order and it will be ready to pick up. 978-297-9700
The Harbour Sports Bar
OPEN for take-out only as of May 6. Check their Facebook page for hours, menus and updates. Customers are encouraged to order online at toasttab.com/harbour-restaurant. 978-297-2133
Hometown Cafe
Open for take-out only. Menu, including daily specials, posted on their Facebook page. 978-297-2233.
Lickity Splitz
OPEN for the season on April 9. Take out only, call in orders in advance for pickup. See their Facebook page for menus, hours and information. 978-297-1777.
Little Anthony's & Little Lizzie's
Open for take-out only, pickup at Little Lizzie's ice cream window. Menu and online ordering may be done here. Beer and wine available for take-out. Local delivery available. Local ice cream now available. 978-297-2669, 978-297-1880.
Murdock Farm and Dairy Bar
Open for the season as of May 9. Daily 1:00-9:00 p.m. Check their Facebook page for specials and updates.
Ruschioni's Cruisin' 12 Diner
Open for take-out only. See their Facebook page for daily menus and specials. Grocery food (cheese, butter, bread, etc) available to order, cash only, delivery available. List with prices on their Facebook page. 978-616-8956.
Subway
Open for take-out only, see Facebook page for hours, weekly specials and ordering information. 978-297-0011.
Zoe's Restaurant and Pizzeria
Open for take-out and delivery only. Also offering take-out for beer and wine. See their Facebook page for menus and specials. Order on Wednesday and get a trivia question to answer! 978-297-5200.
RETAIL BUSINESSES
Beaman's Bait Shop
OPEN.
Belletetes Winchendon
As an essential business, Belletetes Winchendon is open to customers but asks that you place orders for curbside pickup, or delivery, if at all possible. The new email address for ordering is orders@belletetes.com. Reduced hours, closed Sundays. For details, see the most recent customer update (March 27) on their Facebook page. Will be open on Monday, May 25, 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Cumberland Farms
OPEN.
CVS
OPEN.
Deedee's Treasures
Postponing their spring re-opening. Can arrange purchase and pickup of fabric by appointment only. Call 978-413-0415. See their Facebook page for further updates, including new stock and announcements.
Family Dollar
OPEN.
Horse & Buggy Feeds
OPEN. Garden plants are in. See their Facebook page for news and specials. Open on Monday May 25, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Not Just Produced
OPEN. New and additional inventory. Hosting the Winchendon Mobile Market on Fridays, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Packaged meals ready-to-go prepared by the Glen Caffe. Organic produce from Charlie's Redhouse Farm. Only ten customers can be inside the store at one time. 978-413-8518. Call and order ahead for curbside pickup.
Pattie's Jewelry
Store closed to the public, open for business by phone and internet. See their Facebook page for daily specials and information. Hand delivery of local purchases, layaway available. 978-297-3536.
The Perennial Patch
Open for the season. 978-297-0604.
Powell Stone and Gravel
Buildings closed to public. Open for phone orders with curbside pickup or delivery. Order by phone, email or text. See complete information here (PDF). 978-297-5600.
Rite-Aid/Walgreen's
OPEN.
Robin's Retro Dolls
Store closed to customers but Robin is buying and selling dolls by appointment, mail order, and on eBay. Contact her at 978-912-1688 with inquiries. If you have a doll to sell, text a photo to 978-912-1688 and she'll get back to you.
Smith's Country Cheese
OPEN. Call for curbside pickup. 978-939-5738. (Please note that the CheeseFest and CheeseChase events planned for May 17 have been postponed to a later date TBD.)
To Each His Own Design
Store closed to the public, OPEN for business. Taking orders by phone or over the internet, delivering. See their Facebook page for news and specials. 978-297-3959.
OTHER BUSINESSES
Athol Savings Bank
Building closed to walk-in customers. Open for drive-through, ATM, online banking and by appointment for in-person services. See their Facebook page for updates, including current hours. 978-249-3200.
Brooks Automotive
Open for essential repairs and towing services. Call or check their Facebook page for updates and hours. 978-297-2561.
LaPoint Law Office
Office is closed to the public, but attorneys are responding to queries and serving existing clients. Contact them at 978-297-2390, 978-297-3673, or by fax at 978-616-8491, or by email at: lapointelawoffice@gmail.com, dlapointe@attorneylapointe.com, or davidlapointejd@gmail.com. See their Facebook page for more information.
Mylec
Mylec has been deemed an essential business and is manufacturing durable, easy-to-clean flooring material for emergency tents being set up nationwide for triage centers and other purposes. The portable polyethylene flooring was developed for tennis courts and most lately was employed for dek hockey rinks and NASCAR track garages. Mylec has been running overtime shifts to fill orders.
Toy Town Barber Shop
Opening with precautions on Tuesday, May 26. Customers are asked to wear masks and stay six feet apart while waiting. Advance appointments preferred. Call Sharon Esper at 603-554-2402 (cell) or 978-297-7354 (shop) to make an appointment.
CHURCHES
The Chapel, The Chapel Downtown
As of Sunday, May 24, will be holding worship services in the chapel. Attendance limited, all attendees must follow guidelines. Services will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube. See their Facebook page or website for more information.
Cornerstone Church
All in-person worship, meetings and gatherings suspended until further notice. Holding virtual prayer meetings online. See their Facebook page for more information.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church
As of Tuesday, May 26, church will be opened for mass at 6:30 p.m. Services will return to normal schedule with guidelines in place. Attendance will be limited and all attendees must wear masks. Until May 26, Holy Rosary and Mass intention prayers continue to be offered via Zoom and streaming on Facebook. Confession is being heard in the church parking lot. See the church Facebook page for more information. Contact the office at renee@heartofmary.com, Fr. Henry at pastor@heartofmary.com, or call 978-297-0280.
All non-worship events in the building, including Our Neighbor's Kitchen suppers, are suspended until further notice.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon
Our Neighbor's Kitchen suppers will be distributed as "take-out" from the church circular driveway in May. AA meetings on Monday nights are suspended until further notice. Contact the church via Facebook message with any questions.
United Parish of Winchendon
Worship services, programs and activities suspended until further notice. Sunday worship being streamed online, see their Facebook page for information, as well as for daily videos, Bible readings and prayers.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon Resumes Our Neighbor’s Kitchen
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon (UUCW) has been hosting Our Neighbor’s Kitchen Community Suppers on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. On May 14, they overcame the social distancing challenges of COVID-19 by debuting a drive-through/walk-up take-out process. Diners were able to pull up to a waiting table and receive take-out containers of steaming hot baked ziti with sausage, fresh spinach salad, bread and cookie, all in the comfort of their cars.
The weather was lovely, and the Sackett household prepared and served the meals to a steady stream of customers. Surplus meals were taken over to both the police and fire stations to appreciative on-duty staff.
UUCW will prepare and serve another take-out supper on Thursday, May 28, 5:30 - 6:30 pm. The Faucher household will be putting together a hearty meal. The menu and details will be announced on UUCW’s Facebook page: facebook.com/uuwinchendon/ and website: uucw.ncmuuc.org.
The drive-through model will be offered until such time that UUCW can welcome diners back into their Parish Hall.
Dinner boxes ready to fill and serve on May 14
Volunteers Joe and Katie Sackett keeping Our Neighbor's Kitchen alive and well!
