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1.0 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

The Town of Salisbury would like all residents to refer to this page for information on the COVID-19 virus. Please use this page for updates as they relate to town operations and use the sub-links of this page on the left hand side (below if you are on a smart phone) to see other valuable information that the public should know when dealing with COVID-19.

 

Update 04/30/2021

Baker Administration Announces Plans for Continued Reopening

The Baker Administration has released a timeline for the continued reopening of the Massachusetts economy with  changes to business capacity limits and gatherings. For the full announcement, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 04/23/2021

CDC Releases New COVID-19 Surface Cleaning Information

The CDC has released new information confirming that the risk of contracting COVID-19 from surfaces is minimal and that the virus still primarily spreads through moisture drolets in the air. For more information, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 04/15/2021

CDC Domestic Travel Guidance

The CDC has released guidance for people who are fully vaccinated and wishing to travel domestically. For more information, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 04/15/2021

Equity Partnership, Allocation Update, and Pre-Registration System Announcement

The Baker Admnistration has announced a partnership witht he Boston Red Sox, released information on vaccine allocation, and has proivded an update on the Pre-registration system. For the full press release, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 04/09/2021

Expansion of Preregistration System

The Baker Administration has announced on Wednesday the expansion of preregistration to include some regional collaboratives and improved features to allow for vaccination location selection during appointment booking. For the full press release, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 04/08/2021

Town of Salisbury Open to the Public

We are happy to announce that Town Hall, Public Works, the Library and the Hilton Senior Center are now open to the public providing limited services. Members of the public are welcomed back into the buildings to receive municipal services. Basic COVID-19 precautions are still required and some services may be limited. Please call ahead to ensure that the service you need is being provided in person. For the full announcement, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 04/05/2021

Baker Administration Pooled Testing Initiative

The Baker Administration has announced that its first-in-the-nation pooled testing initiative in schools found less than a 1% positivity rate in students. For the full press release, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 03/26/2021

The Commonwealth and FEMA Team-up to Increase Vaccinations

The Baker Administration and FEMA have announced that they will be bringing 6,000 additional doses to the Hynes Convention Center vaccination site in addition to the regular daily doses. For the full press release, CLICK HERE.

 

Upate 02/22/2021

Preparing for your COVID-19 Vaccine Appointment

The Commonwealth has a page the residents of Massachusetts can view for information they need prior to their COVID-19 vaccine appointment. To see the page, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 02/18/2021

Phase 2 Vaccination Eligibility Update

The Commonwealth has announced that starting Thursday, February 18, 2021, people 65+ and people with two certain medical conditions are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as appointments become available. For more information, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 02/12/2021

Baker Announces New Vaccine Sites, Appointments, and More

The Baker Administration has announced the opening of two new vaccination sites and the availability of new appointments. Additionally, caregivers of people 75+ can get vaccinated when they bring those seniors for their vaccination appointments. For more information, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 02/11/2021

MVRTA Vaccine Transportation for 75+ Seniors

The Merrimack Valley Transporation Authority (MVRTA) has set up a website for seniors to request rides to vaccination sites within the MVRTA service area. For more information, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 02/04/2021

Vaccine Sites and Online Booking

The Governor has released new information on the State's efforts to increase vaccination sites and improve online vaccination booking. For the full press release, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 01/29/2021

Vaccine Appoints Available for Residents 75+

The Baker Administration has announced that on February 1, 2021, appoints will be available to book for those 75+ in Massachusetts. There is also a map available to find vaccination sites. For the full press release, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 01/22/2021

COVID-19 Variant Identified in Massachusetts

The Department of Public Health announced on 1/17/2021 that the first variant of COVID-19, first seen in the United Kingdom, has been identified in Massachusetts. For the full announcement, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 01/05/2021

First Responder Vaccine Plan

The Baker Administration has released information regarding how first responders will be vaccinated along with new information about the total vaccination plan. For the full press release, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 12/28/2020

Additional COVID-19 Measures

The Baker Administration has announced additional measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 here in Massachusetts. These measures include restrictions on indoor capacity restrictions, indoor and outdoor gathering limitations, and elective surgery rules. For the full press release, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 12/18/2020

Vaccine Information and Holiday Guidance

The Baker Administration has released information about the doses of COVID-19 vaccine arriving to Massachusetts and who will be receiving the vaccine first. Additionally, they have also released suggested holiday guidance. To see the full press release, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 12/3/2020

COVID-19 Red Designation Rollback

The Salisbury Board of Health has issued an important notice for businesses and residents regarding a mandatory roll-back to Phase III, Step I of the Massachusetts State Reopening Plan. For the full press release, CLICK HERE. For the guide detailing Phase III, Step I, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 12/3/2020

Everbridge Alert System

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has set up a COVID-19 alert system that residents can use to receive pandemic updates through either a phone call or text message right to their phone. For more information, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 11/30/2020

SERV Initiative

The Town of Salisbury is putting together a system for COVID-19 vaccine distribution once the vaccine is ready. The Town will be working with various departments to set up vaccination sites and we need volunteers to run these sites and administer vaccines. If you would like to be a SERV (Salisbury Emergency Response Volunteer), please fill out the SERV form and submit it per the instructions listed. You may find the SERV form by CLICKING HERE.

 

Update 11/19/2020

Higher Education Holiday Travel Guidance

The Baker Administration has released guidance for college level students as it relates to holiday travel. For the full press release, please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 11/03/2020

Face Covering and Early Closing Orders

Effective November 6, 2020, the Commonwealth is requiring that residents wear masks in public or in buildings, regardless of the ability to social distance. This is in response to an uptick in COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts. For the full order, please CLICK HERE. Beginining at the same time, certain businesses are now required to cease operations between the hours of 9:30 pm and 5 am. For this order, please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 10/28/2020

State Officials Release Thanksgiving Celebration Guidance

The State has released a list of suggestions for enjoying a safe and happy Thanksgiving during the COVID-19 pandemic. For the full press release, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 10/15/2020

Fall/Winter COVID-19 Readiness Measures

The Baker Administration has provided a press release detailing measures the State is taking to protect our citizens from a possible COVID019 spike this fall or winter. These measures include everything from testing to stock-piling PPE. For the full press release, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 10/15/2020

Vaccine Advisory Group Formed

The Baker Administration has announced the formation of a vaccine advisory group to ensure the State is ready to distribute a safe and effective vaccine for COVID-19 when it becomes available. For the full press release, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 10/1/2020

Transition to Step II of Phase III

Effective Monday, October 5, 2020, the Governor has announced that communities deemed to be lower risk for COVID-19 may move to Step II of Phase III. This announcement contains many specific details for industry specific businesses and events. Changes to outdoor and indoor gatherings are also included in this new step. For more information, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 9/24/2020

CDC Holiday Guidelines

The Centers for Disease Control have recently released suggested guidelines for people to follow as they begin to celebrate during the upcoming holiday season. For more information, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 8/19/2020

Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program

The Baker Administration has announced the award of $3 million in grants aimed at food insecurity as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. To read the full press release, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 8/18/2020

Interactive Map for Community Data

The State has created an interactive map in order for the public to be able to further understand the enhanced community level data that was released starting last week. To view the map, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 8/13/2020

CDC Updates Mask Guidance

The CDC has recently updated mask guidance as it relates to face coverings that contain exhaulation valves or vents and says they should not be worn as a way to prevent the spread of COVID-19. For more information, CLICK HERE. 

 

Update 8/11/2020

Release of Enhanced Community Level Data

Today, Governor Baker announced the release of new community level data in an effort to control COVID-19. This additional data will be included in the weekly release of the Department of Public Health's dashboard. To see the press release for more details, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 8/10/2020

New Statewide Guidance

On August 7, 2020, Governor Baker announced new initiatives that the State will be taking to stop the spread of COVID-19 especially in high-risk communities which have seen a slight uptick in cases. These initiatives incldue tigher restrictions on public and private gatherings. For the full press release, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 8/6/2020

New Testing Site Added

The Governor announced on August 3, 2020 that as part of the "Stop the Spread Initiative" a new free testing site in Framingham has opened up. This is in addition to the free testing sites in Agawam, Brockton, Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Marlborough, Methuen, New Bedford, Randolph, Revere, Springfield, Taunton, and Worcester. For full press release, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 8/3/2020

Expanded Free Testing Sites & #MaskUpMa

The Governor has announced new free testing sites and a #MaskUpMA education campaign. For the testing site press release, CLICK HERE and for the #MaskUpMA press release, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 7/21/2020

Governor Extends Moratorium on Forclosures & Evictions

On July 21, 2020 Governor Baker acted to extend the moratorium on foreclosures and evictions. For the full press release, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 7/10/2020

Governor Announces Free COVID-19 Testing Sites

Governor Baker on July 8, 2020 announced the launch of several COVID-19 testing sites that are free and open to the public around the state. For locations and more details about the initiative, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 7/2/2020

Governor Announces Start of Phase III

On July 2, 2020, Governor Baker announced that Massachusetts would enter Phase III of reopening on Monday, July 6, 2020. For the full press release, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 7/1/2020

Governor Updates Travel Guidance

On June 30, 2020, Governor Baker released and updated travel guidance that now includes New York and New Jersey in the acceptable states that residents may travel to and from without quarantining requirements. For the full press release, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 6/24/2020

Mass. Phase II Step II Information

On June 19, 2020 the Governor released information on Step II of Phase II. This is information as it relates to the four phase approach the state is using to re-open the state and move us towards a new normal of business operations. To see the full press release, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 6/12/2020

Reopening Information for Businesses

Based on the Executive Orders signed by Governor Baker on May 18, 2020 and June 1, 2020, the State has compiled information on different industries and when they can open. The guidance from the state also includes basic precautions businesses must take as well. To see the information, please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 6/10/2020

Massachusetts Begins Phase-2

On June 6, 2020 the Baker Administration announced that Phase-2 of the Massachusetts reopening plan would begin on June 8, 2020. The full press release, which includes links to guidance for businesses that can now open, can be viewed by CLICKING HERE.

 

Update 5/20/2020

Massachusetts Phase-1

Starting on 5/18/2020 Massachusetts has begun a caustious reopening of our economy with the start of Phase 1. For the full press release and details on Phase 1, please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 5/11/2020

Massachusetts Re-Opening Plan

Governor Baker unveiled an outline today stating phases that the Commonwealth will use to carefully open it's economy. Starting around May 18, 2020, the Commonwealth will use the following four phases: Phase 1, Start; Phase 2, Caustious; Phase 3, Vigilant; and Phase 4, New Normal. Phase 1 is where the state will allow businesses with very little human contact to reopen with severe restrictions. Phase 2 is where businesses with some human contact will be allowed to open with restrictions and capacity limits. In Phase 3, the state will begin opening another set of industries with guidance and Phase 4 will happen when a vaccine or therapy is available. All phases will also depend on what the data is showing the state and are subject to change. To see the full press release, please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 5/6/2020

Mask & Face Covering FAQ

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has released a frequently asked questions document to help guide residents in order to comply with the Governor's new face covering order. To see the document, please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 5/1/2020

Masks Now Required in Public

Governor Baker has issued an executive order that will require anyone in public to wear a face covering if they cannot social distance themselves from others. This includes being in a business, outdoors, or on public transportation. Face coverings can be homemade and people are encouraged not to buy medical grade face masks which should be left for medical professionals and first responders. Violators of the order may face up a $300 fine for non-compliance. This order will take effect Wednesday, May 6, 2020. To view the official order, please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 4/28/2020

Governor Extends Emergency Order

Governor Baker spoke on April 28, 2020 and formally extended the order closing non-essential businesses through May 18, 2020. Businesses and organizations not on the essential services list put out by the state are encouraged to continue operating through remote means but are asked not to invite people into physical locations. The Governor also exended the ban on gatherings of ten or more people through May 18, 2020. The Department of Public Health's advisory to residents of Massachusetts that asks people to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel will also remain in effect. For the current list of essential services, please CLICK HERE. For the full press release, please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 4/27/2020

Testing at Community Health Centers & Wi-Fi Hotspots

The Commonwealth announced new initiatives to increase testing and increase access to high-speed internet to underserved communities. For full press release, please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 4/22/2020

Extension of School and Child Care Closures

Governor Baker has extended these closures until June 29, 2020. For the full press release, please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 4/15/2020

Public Works Service Announcement

The Department of Public Works would like the public to know that they are still providing services at full capcity with some modifications. To view the announcement, please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 4/14/2020

Announcement From the Town of Salisbury

Please CLICK HERE for more information.

 

Update 4/14/2020

Commonwealth's Advisory on Face Coverings

To see the full press release on face covering instructions released by the Commonwealth, please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 4/10/2020

Unemployment Insurance Update & Domestic Violence Resources

On April 9, 2020, Governor Baker unveiled details on how the commonwealth will implement unemployment insurance as expanded by the CARES Act and additional resources for the healthcare system and those experiencing domestic violence. To see the press release for unemployment insurance, CLICK HERE and for the press release about additional resources, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 4/8/2020

DPH Grocery Store Order

On April 7, 2020, the Department of Public Health released new guidelines as they relate to the operation of grocery stores that effect their employees and the public. To see the full order, please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 4/8/2020

Additional Funding and Nursing Home Resources

On April 7, 2020 the Governor announced new MassHealth funding and the implementation of new nursing home resources, including a hotline for people to call in and get information of a loved one in a long-term care facility. For the full press release, CLICK HERE. 

 

Update 4/7/2020

CVS Launches COVID-19 Rapid Testing Site in MA

The State of Massachusetts, partnering with CVS, has launched a COVID-19 rapid testing site in Lowell. To see the full press release, please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 4/6/2020

Health Department Actions to Combat COVID-19

The following is a list of recent actions that the Health Department has been involved in for the purposes of keeping Salisbury residents safe during the COVID-19 pandemic:
  1. The Board of Health in conjunction with the Town Manager of the Town of Salisbury declared a state of emergency March 24, 2020. This action allowed the Health Department to initiate actions in conjunction with the Town Manager’s office to respond to the COVID-19 emergencies on a daily basis to protect public health.
  2. The City of Amesbury, Town of Salisbury, and City of Newburyport have reactivated the Tri -Town response system to properly respond to future events and coordinate resources similar to the H1N1. We participate in weekly conference calls on Wednesdays at 10 am. 
  3. The Health Director attends weekly conference calls for Regional Health Districts with the Governors Command Center on Mondays, on Tuesday with DPH for all health departments, and Fridays with the Governors Command Center for all health departments.
  4. The Health Department has received emergency funding to assist in disease investigation and contact tracing. We currently have 8 nurses performing this function and MAVEN is being monitored 7 days a week for up-to-date information.
  5. The health department has worked with the Amesbury Fire Department to receive up to date positive cases of COVID-19 and implemented an alert notification system. Chief Berkenbush has implemented a COVID-19 response team shared between Amesbury, Salisbury, and Merrimac.
  6. The Health Department has issued 1 orders for Food Service Establishments and Non Essential Businesses that are being enforced with assistance from the Salisbury Police department.

Update 4/3/2020

Update on DCR Reservations, Community Tracing, and the Surge Plan

On April 2 and 3 the Governor released information regarding various initiatives as they relate to COVID-19. DCR will be closing down parking at reservations and beaches to help with social distancing compliance. For that press release, CLICK HERE. Also, the Governor unveiled the state's plan for the surge in COVID-19 cases that are expected to come in the next couple weeks. For the surge plan press release, CLICK HERE. Finally, the state has put together the first in the nation Community Tracing Collaborative (CTC) between the Commonwealth and Partners in Health to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. For the CTC press release, please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 3/31/2020

Governor Extends Non-Essential Business Closure

On Tuesday, March 31, 2020 Governor Baker announced that non-essential businesses will remain closed until noon on May 4, 2020. The Town of Salisbury's public buildings will be mirroring this order and will remain closed as well. Additionally, the Governor also extended other directives as well. To listen to the Governor's March 31, 2020 press conference, CLICK HERE. To see the press release and updated list of essential services, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 3/30/2020

State to Take Further Action in Health Care Industry

On March 30, 2020 Governor Baker announced several measures to increase the Massachusetts health care work force, increase health care volunteers, assist health workers financially, and more. For the full press release, please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 3/27/2020

Massachusetts Income Tax Deadline Extended

On March 27, 2020 the state announced that the income tax filing deadline will be extended to July 15, 2020. For full press release, CLICK HERE.

 

Update 3/27/2020

Governor Baker Files Major Disaster Declaration

On March 26, 2020 Governor Baker announced that the state will be filing a Major Disaster Declaration with the Federal Government which will make the state eligible for additional assistance. For the full press release, please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 3/25/2020

Governor Baker School Closing Update

On Wednesday, March 25, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker announced that he is ordering all public and private schools, as well as non-emergency day care facilities, to remain closed until Monday, May 4, 2020.

 

Update 3/25/2020

Mass. Launches COVID-19 Notification System

Governor Baker unveiled today a new notification system that Massachusetts residents can sign up for in order to get alerts relating to COVID-19. For more information, please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 3/24/2020

Board of Health Social Distancing Order

On order of the Board of Health, the Salisbury Health Department will be working with the Police to enforce social distancing requirements during the COVID-19 outbreak. To view the whole order, please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 3/23/2020

Governor Baker Order 3/23/2020 - Closing Non-Essential Businesses

Governor Baker has ordered all non-essential businesses to close their physical locations and stop business unless employees can work remotely, starting Tuesday, March 23, 2020 by noon. Some examples of businesses that are considered essential and will remain open are the following:

  • Grocery stores and those businesses that support grocery stores
  • Gas Stations
  • Pharmacies
  • Manufactures of medical devices or products
  • Public Transportation
  • Online/E-Commerce
  • Restaurants for take-out only so long as they adhere to social distancing

It should be noted that it is suggested that people stay home as much as possible and maintain social distancing at all times. Furthermore, the Governor advised that people should not be using public transportaiton for leisurely means. For the full press release and to see the services that are considered "essential services", please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 3/20/2020

Message from the Director of Senior Services

The Salisbury Senior Center will continue to have meals on wheels and offer other services while the building is closed. For full update, please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 3/20/2020

Response Command Center Update

The MEMA COVID-19 Response Command Center has provided a comprehensive update for citizens. To see the update, please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 3/18/2020

MVRTA Saturday Service Pause

On Saturday, March 21, 2020, the MVRTA will be haulting their fixed route and EZ Trans service and beginning normal operations again on Sunday, March 22, 2020. For the full announcement, please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 3/17/2020

CDC New Guidelines

The CDC released new guidelines today for slowing the spread of COVID-19. The CDC encourages everyone to do their part. To see the new guidelines, please CLICK HERE.

 

Update 3/16/2020

Town of Salisbury to Close Public Buildings in Reponse to Coronavirus

Town Manager Neil J. Harrington announced today that in response to the ever-changing situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19), Salisbury’s Town Hall, Public Library, DPW Facility and Council on Aging Center will be closed to the public for at least the next three weeks, beginning on Tuesday, March 17 through Friday, April 3.  The Town’s senior tax work-off program will also be suspended during this time period. 

The Town is taking this precautionary measure in order to comply with public health directives and suggestions issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the State’s Department of Public Health.

During this time, Town offices will be staffed to provide core municipal services, and Town departments will be available to answer the phone and respond to emails.  However, residents should anticipate that there will be delays in service during this time. 

Citizens are advised to pay any bills due to the Town by using U.S. mail, online payment options via the Town’s website (www.salisburyma.gov ) or the dropbox that is located next to the side entrance to Town Hall.  Please note that items other than payments should not be deposited into the drop box.  These items include: original applications for projects that need to go before the Planning Board and/or Conservation Commission for approval.  Anyone with inquiries about these applications should contact the Planning Department or the Conservation Agent directly.  The public may continue to file building permit applications electronically via the Town’s website.

The Governor has issued an emergency order regarding options that cities and towns may exercise in terms of how to conduct meetings of boards and commissions, and the Town will be sending out an announcement on this matter shortly.  Updates will also be posted on the Town’s website.  Currently, only the March 18 meeting of the Conservation Commission is on the Town’s official meeting schedule for the week of March 16-20.

The Town will continue to monitor pronouncements by public health agencies and the Governor's office on the Coronavirus and will provide updates via the Town's website.

Update 3/16/2020

Governor's announcement March 15, 2020

  • All public and private elementary and K-12 schools are closed from March 17, 2020 through April 6, 2020. 
  • Gatherings of over 25 people in a single area are prohibited; this includes concerts, fitness centers, theatres, churches, and more.
  • There will be no on-premise consumption at restaurants and bars; take-out only through April 6th.
  • Assisted living facilities are to ban visitors to protect the health of residents and staff.
  • Licensed pharmacies are authorized to create and sell hand sanitizer over the counter.
Read the Governor's full press release HERE.

 

Additional Resources for Citizens

COVID-19 Informational Resources