Toy Town Shuts Down to Slow Spread of COVID-19
In a dizzying week of rapidly escalating preventive measures on the federal, state and local levels, Winchendon along with the rest of Massachusetts has instituted rigorous restrictions designed to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus (also referred to as the novel coronavirus or SARS-CoV-2). While Massachusetts Governor Charles Baker has ordered restrictions for three weeks, through April 7, the restrictions may be extended or tightened further depending on the situation at that time.
Read the full texts of Governor Baker's orders on restaurants, public gatherings and schools.
Like all public school systems in the state, the Winchendon Public Schools are closed. Administrative staff are at work, and answering phones and email, but offices are closed to the public. Boxed breakfast and lunch are being provided to all students free of charge, and may be picked up at Toy Town Elementary.
All restaurants and bars are banned from serving customers on premises. Restaurants may still sell takeout meals for pickup or delivery. This affects some Winchendon businesses more than others; some restaurants already were set up for takeout but others were less prepared. Private bars such as the American Legion are also closed.
Small businesses may remain open at their discretion but may not allow more the 25 people at a time inside.
All gatherings of more then 25 people are banned, leading to the broad cancellation of almost all events, meetings, groups, and programs town-wide.
Supermarkets and pharmacies remain open. They are taking extra precautions, cleaning through the day and disinfecting surfaces continuously. Customers are asked to maintain distance from each other, cover their faces when coughing or sneezing, and complete their shopping quickly.
Town Hall is closed to the public. Staff are at work and answering phones and emails. The police station and fire station are closed to the public. The transfer station will be open for regular hours.
Below is a 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, March 19. Changes have been happening quickly and without notice, so call or check the websites or Facebook pages of a business or organization for the most up to date information.
Winchendon Public Schools
All schools closed until at least April 7. 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 19.
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).
Town Hall
Closed to the public. Staff is at work and answering phones and emails. Most bills can be paid and applications submitted online. Board and committee meetings are rescheduled or meeting virtually (see individual pages for each Board or committee on the town website). You can watch the a video update by Town Manager Keith Hickey here.
The transfer station is OPEN for regular hours.
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. Contact them if you're a senior and need groceries or medications. 978-297-3155.
Beals Memorial Library
Closed to the public, all programs, events and meetings cancelled through April 7. Staff is at work and answering phones and emails. You can borrow library books and other materials through the Beals website or by calling 978-297-0300. Materials will be distributed at the side entrance.
BealsCon, scheduled for May 16, has been postponed to a later date to be determined.
Clark Memorial YMCA
All programs are cancelled until further notice. The Day Care program is available to working parents this week; whether it can continue after this week will be determined. Check the Clark's website or Facebook page, contact the Clark at 978-297-9622 or see this FAQ (PDF).
Winchendon Community Action Committee (CAC)
The building is closed to the public. Staff is at work and answering phones. Food is being distributed curbside. See their Facebook page for updates and information, or call 978-297-1667.
The Dance Center
Studio is closed for classes. There are online virtual dance classes and activities, see their Facebook page for more information.
RESTAURANTS
Christo's Place
Open for take-out only. Free delivery. Offering free lunches to Winchendon public schools students who qualify for free or reduced school lunch, contact them for information. 978-297-1142.
C & S Pizza
Open for take-out only.
Dunkin Donuts
Open for take-out only.
Friends Garden
Open for take-out only, regular hours and menu.
Gabby's Pizza
Open for take-out only. May close early, 8:00 p.m., some days--check their Facebook page.
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 only. No refills of reusable cups for sanitary reasons.
The Harbour
Open for take-out only, with a select menu: see their Facebook page.
Hometown Cafe
Open for take-out only. Menu posted on their Facebook page.
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.
Ruschioni's Cruisin' 12 Diner
Open for take-out only. See their Facebook page for menus.
Subway
Open for take-out only, see Facebook page for hours and ordering information.
RETAIL BUSINESSES
Cumberland Farms
OPEN.
CVS
OPEN.
Family Dollar
OPEN.
Not Just Produced
OPEN. New and additional inventory.
Rescued Treasures
CLOSED until further notice.
Rite-Aid/Walgreen's
OPEN.
Smith's Country Cheese
OPEN.
CHURCHES
The Chapel, The Chapel Downtown
All in-person worship, meetings and gatherings suspended until further notice. Virtual and video services and meetings being arranged--see their Facebook page or website for more information.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church
All public mass suspended until further notice; building closed. Church office closed to the public, staff at work and answering phones and emails. The community is encouraged to share streamed televised mass on worcesterdiocese.org. Contact the office at renee@heartofmary.com, Fr. Henry at pastor@heartofmary.com, or call 978-297-0280.
All events, including Our Neighbor's Kitchen suppers, are cancelled until further notice.
Unitarian Universalist Church of Winchendon
Our Neighbor's Kitchen suppers are cancelled until further notice. 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. See their Facebook page for daily videos, Bible readings and prayers.
Winchendon residents are urged to remember the reason for these restrictions and closings: to slow the spread of the virus so hospitals won't be overwhelmed with severe cases, and to protect people at greatest risk of serious complications and death from contracting the virus at all. "Social distancing" means staying at least six feet away from other people at all times, contacting as few other people face to face as possible, coughing or sneezing into your elbow, and staying close to home. Virtual meetings, video conferencing platforms, Facetime, Skype, and phones are strongly encouraged to keep people in touch. It's possible to have and spread the virus without having symptoms.
