Whitman COVID Update August 14, 2020

Whitman COVID Update:

Still in phase 3 but it's been a while since my last update.

Massachusetts has new travel restrictions. If you travel out of state to areas not on the low risk list (right now only ME, VT, NH, NY, NJ, and CT) you need to fill out the travel form and either produce a negative COVID test or quarantine for 14 days. Failure to comply may result in a fine up to $500 per day. https://www.mass.gov/forms/massachusetts-travel-form

Stop the Spread test sites near us include Brockton, Taunton, and Randolph. You can get tested at many other locations but these state sponsored sites are free and open to anyone.

For Brockton: Testing is available Monday and Thursday from 12-7pm and Wednesday from 9am-1pm. Call 844-483-7819 to schedule an appointment.

For Taunton: Testing is available Tuesday 9-12, more times may be coming. Call 774-406-5400 to schedule an appointment.

For Randolph: The schedule and booking are both available online at https://physicianoneurgentcare.com/randolph+testing

The first day of school for Whitman-Hanson students has moved to September 15th. They will return in a hybrid model of 2 days in school and 3 remote learning. The district released this FAQ about reopening https://whrsd.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_18535382/File/News/Questions%20on%20fall_updated%208-12-2020.pdf

Plymouth county has begun spraying for mosquitos as the risk for EEE rises in the area. Whitman is in the spray zone. Wear long sleeves, use bug spray, drain standing water, and repair screens to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

Town Hall is open by appointment only. Please call the department you need to visit in advance and you'll be taken in through the handicap entrance for a no touch temperature screen. Face-masks required. If you don't know your department's number call 781-618-9700.

For the upcoming September Primary (9/1) you can Early Vote in person or by mail. Early vote by mail will operate the same as Absentee Voting in MA but without the need to specify an excuse. The town hall will be open for early voting in person the week before the primary and open on election day from 7am-8pm. I outlined the different ways to vote at https://votejustinevans.com/blog/primaryvoting

For the latest information from the town, visit https://whitmancovid19.com/

I've also set up a page of COVID-19 related resources. It can be found at https://votejustinevans.com/covid19

Please be careful. Social distance and wash your hands. Gathering outside is better than inside. Face-masks help protect you and those around you. Stay home if you feel sick. Testing is still widely available in MA, so if you visited a large group or want to see someone at risk get tested and know for sure.

We're in this together. If you have any questions or concerns my email is open jevans@whitman-ma.gov

Stay safe,

Justin