Town of Wareham to implement precautionary measures on March 16

Editor’s note: On March 15, both state and local officials instituted new coronavirus related restrictions. Click here for that story.

After evaluating the ongoing coronavirus pandemic for the last two weeks, the Town of Wareham will implement various temporary precautions to mitigate the spread of the virus beginning on Monday, March 16. 

Town Hall will remain open to the public. Residents who require  a town service are urged to call to see if it can be accomplished without a face to face interaction. All non-town meetings and non-essential committee meetings are canceled. The general number for Town Hall is 508-291-3100. When prompted, press 1 to hear the departmental directory. 

The Council on Aging will be closed to the public and Social Day Programs will be canceled. The meals on wheels program will continue to function. Staff will be available to receive calls for Greater Attleboro-Taunton Regional Transit Authority passes and to provide guidance to seniors. Contact staff at 508-291-313 for more information on the Council on Aging.

The Wareham Free Library will be closed to the Public. 

To adhere with social distancing advisories, the town urges those that are able to pay their tax bills online to do so through the town’s website. The town uses City Hall Systems as the bill processing vendor. Residents may also call in payments to City Hall Systems phone pay number at 508-381-5455. There is no charge for using a checking or savings account. The vendor charges 2.95% for credit and debit card payments 

The Municipal Maintenance Department Garage located on Charge Pond Rd. will be closed to the public. All operations will continue at the facility.

Assistant Town Administrator, Dorene Allen-England has been named the Public Information Officer. All official statements and releases will only come from Allen-England. All media inquiries should be directed to her email: dallen-england@wareham.ma.us. 

The town also advises residents to continue taking preventative measures such as washing their hands for at least twenty seconds, frequently cleaning surfaces, and to watch for symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of breath.

According to Town Administrator Derek Sullivan, the town’s Emergency Management Team held conference calls, and meetings  with the Governor’s Office, Department of Public Health, Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, Southcoast Health Group, and federal advisories prior to implementing the precautionary measures. 

In a public statement, Sullivan wrote that “The response to COVID-19 will be fluid and the town will continue to provide updates and take actions as deemed necessary. Our primary concern is the health and safety of our residents. We appreciate everyone’s help and patience during this time.”