Police Chief Jeffrey T. Gillen, in accordance with Gov. Baker’s and the Department of Public Health’s new orders, would like to encourage Groveland residents to participate in the #JustStayHome challenge.
Closure of Non-Essential Businesses
Chief Gillen would like to remind residents and business owners about yesterday’s announcement by Governor Charlie Baker that all non-essential businesses should be closed as of today at noon until April 7. This measure is being done to promote social distancing efforts and to help stop the spread of the virus. All non-essential businesses in Groveland are asked to adhere to the governor’s order.
- For a list of businesses that considered “essential” click here
- To file an Essential Service Designation Request click here
Additionally, the Department of Public Health (DPH) issued a stay at home advisory outlining self-isolation and social distancing protocols. Massachusetts residents are encouraged to stay at home and avoid unnecessary travel and other activities at this time.
“The best way to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to practice social distancing and to stay home,” said Chief Gillen. “I encourage all residents to participate in the #JustStayHome challenge and share what they are doing to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Whether that may be meditating and reading books at your house, or working from home, we applaud all residents that are practicing safe behavior.”
As the weather continues to improve, outdoor gatherings are viewed as safer, but social distancing techniques should still be practiced, and all sports/recreation equipment and toys should be cleaned regularly.
Social distancing will help to minimize exposure among people, especially given that COVID-19 is highly contagious and people may be contagious prior to exhibiting symptoms.
Families should practice social distancing with their children and follow these guidelines from state and local health officials:
- Families should not hold “play dates” and those in need of childcare should limit the number of families involved as much as possible.
- Practice social distancing techniques with children and have them practice among themselves
- Clean and sanitize toys, video game controllers and all touch surfaces regularly
Teens are included in this group, and activities like bike riding and hiking/walking are viewed as safer alternatives to gathering at movie theaters, retail stores and other indoor venues.
The novel coronavirus has sparked an outbreak of respiratory disease with symptoms that may appear 2-14 days after exposure including fever, cough and shortness of breath, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and information indicates that most COVID-19 illness is mild. If someone is displaying symptoms, they should not come to work or school and they are advised to contact their primary care physician.
The COVID-19 situation is very fluid, and new information and guidelines are being posted by the CDC on a regular basis. The CDC offers the following guidance for how COVID-19 spreads.
In an effort to prevent the spread of flu, colds and other respiratory illnesses, residents should follow the recommended actions from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH):
- For a minimum of 20 seconds, wash your hands frequently with soap and hot water
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick
- Use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, then throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
- Clean and disinfect objects and surfaces
- When you have a fever or are ill, stay home from work or school
The state has also set up the phone number 211 to answer questions that residents may have concerning COVID-19.
For more information, visit the DPH website by clicking here and the CDC’s website by clicking here.
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