COVID-19 RESPONSE
What’s new as of Tuesday, June 2nd
Click here to view "Reopening Massachusetts - Guidance for industries on the reopening plan as of June 1, 2020"
South Hadley Coronavirus Cases as of 6/2/20
| Disease | Status | Number of Cases 5/26/20 |
| Novel Coronavirus | CONFIRMED | 137 |
| Novel Coronavirus | CONTACT | 139 |
| Novel Coronavirus | PROBABLE | 3 |
| Novel Coronavirus | SUSPECT | 2 |
CONFIRMED indicates South Hadley residents who have tested positive
CONTACT are South Hadley residents who have come in direct contact or may live with a person or persons who have tested positive, but who have not yet been tested, are likely shedding the virus and could spread the virus.
PROBABLE are South Hadley residents who are likely to have the virus for various reasons and either are waiting test results or have been quarantined or isolated, but may be asymptomatic and could possibly shed the virus.
SUSPECTED are South Hadley residents who have signs or otherwise suspected of having and/or may shed the virus.
What’s new as of Tuesday, May 26th
South Hadley Coronavirus Cases as of 5/26/20
| Disease | Status | Number of Cases 5/26/20 |
| Novel Coronavirus | CONFIRMED | 136 |
| Novel Coronavirus | CONTACT | 140 |
| Novel Coronavirus | PROBABLE | 3 |
| Novel Coronavirus | SUSPECT | 2 |
CONFIRMED indicates South Hadley residents who have tested positive
CONTACT are South Hadley residents who have come in direct contact or may live with a person or persons who have tested positive, but who have not yet been tested, are likely shedding the virus and could spread the virus.
PROBABLE are South Hadley residents who are likely to have the virus for various reasons and either are waiting test results or have been quarantined or isolated, but may be asymptomatic and could possibly shed the virus.
SUSPECTED are South Hadley residents who have signs or otherwise suspected of having and/or may shed the virus.
What’s new as of Tuesday, May 19th
South Hadley Coronavirus Cases as of 5/19/20
| Disease | Status | Number of Cases 5/19/20 |
| Novel Coronavirus | CONFIRMED | 127 |
| Novel Coronavirus | CONTACT | 124 |
| Novel Coronavirus | PROBABLE | 2 |
| Novel Coronavirus | SUSPECT | 2 |
CONFIRMED indicates South Hadley residents who have tested positive
CONTACT are South Hadley residents who have come in direct contact or may live with a person or persons who have tested positive, but who have not yet been tested, are likely shedding the virus and could spread the virus.
PROBABLE are South Hadley residents who are likely to have the virus for various reasons and either are waiting test results or have been quarantined or isolated, but may be asymptomatic and could possibly shed the virus.
SUSPECTED are South Hadley residents who have signs or otherwise suspected of having and/or may shed the virus.
What’s new as of Friday, May 15th
Columbia Gas has issued an update regarding their operations. Click here for the full release.
What’s new as of Friday, May 8th
Town Administrator Mike Sullivan has issued a Public Information Release updating topics regarding Recreational Trails, Ledges Golf Course, Parks/Recreation/Camps and the Compost Area and Transfer Station.
Please click here for the full release.
What’s new as of Tuesday, May 5th
South Hadley Coronavirus Cases as of 5/5/20
| Disease | Status | Number of Cases 4/20/20 |
| Novel Coronavirus | CONFIRMED | 59 |
| Novel Coronavirus | CONTACT | 76 |
| Novel Coronavirus | PROBABLE | 2 |
| Novel Coronavirus | SUSPECT | 2 |
CONFIRMED indicates South Hadley residents who have tested positive
CONTACT are South Hadley residents who have come in direct contact or may live with a person or persons who have tested positive, but who have not yet been tested, are likely shedding the virus and could spread the virus.
PROBABLE are South Hadley residents who are likely to have the virus for various reasons and either are waiting test results or have been quarantined or isolated, but may be asymptomatic and could possibly shed the virus.
SUSPECTED are South Hadley residents who have signs or otherwise suspected of having and/or may shed the virus.
What’s new as of Monday, May 4th
Mask and Face Covering Order : The Baker-Polito Administration has ordered all residents over the age of two to use a face covering or mask in public places where maintaining proper social distancing measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are not possible. This statewide order goes into effect on Wednesday, May 6th and supersedes previously issued guidance relative to mask use.
Learn about wearing face coverings and cloth masks in public, to slow the spread of COVID-19, as required in Governor Baker’s Executive Order here.
What’s new as of Wednesday, April 29th
South Hadley Coronavirus Cases as of 4/28/20
| Disease | Status | Number of Cases 4/20/20 |
| Novel Coronavirus | CONFIRMED | 51 |
| Novel Coronavirus | CONTACT | 67 |
| Novel Coronavirus | PROBABLE | 1 |
| Novel Coronavirus | SUSPECT | 2 |
CONFIRMED indicates South Hadley residents who have tested positive
CONTACT are South Hadley residents who have come in direct contact or may live with a person or persons who have tested positive, but who have not yet been tested, are likely shedding the virus and could spread the virus.
PROBABLE are South Hadley residents who are likely to have the virus for various reasons and either are waiting test results or have been quarantined or isolated, but may be asymptomatic and could possibly shed the virus.
SUSPECTED are South Hadley residents who have signs or otherwise suspected of having and/or may shed the virus.
What’s new as of Tuesday, April 28th
Today, the Baker-Polito Administration extended the essential services emergency order to May 18th and launched a Reopening Advisory Board that will produce a plan to the Governor by May 18th. The Administration also announced that the Department of Public Health’s Stay At Home Advisory remains in effect and gatherings of 10 or more people remain prohibited until May 18th.
Essential Services Order: Governor Charlie Baker’s emergency order requiring that all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers and the public will be extended until May 18th. Businesses and organizations not on the list of essential services are encouraged to continue operations through remote means that do not require workers, customers, or the public to enter or appear at the brick-and-mortar premises closed by the order. This order also extends the existing ban on gatherings of more than 10 people until May 18th.
Stay at Home Advisory: Governor Charlie Baker announced that the Department of Public Health’s stay-at-home advisory will remain in effect. Residents are strongly urged to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel and other unnecessary person to person contact during this time period. Residents who are considered at high risk when exposed to COVID-19 should limit social interactions with other people as much as possible.
Executive Branch Employee Guidance: The Baker-Polito Administration today also extended the guidance issued to Executive Branch employees on protocol during the COVID-19 outbreak to ensure state government can continue to provide key services while protecting the health and safety of the public and the Executive Branch workforce. Under the guidance, all employees performing non-core functions who are able to work remotely should continue to do so until May 18th.
Reopening Advisory Board: Today, Governor Baker announced the formation of the Reopening Advisory Board, which will be Co-Chaired by Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. The Board brings public health officials together with leaders from the business community and municipal government from across the Commonwealth. This group is charged with advising the administration on strategies to reopen the economy in phases based on health and safety metrics. It will meet with key stakeholders and solicit input from a variety of constituencies over the next three weeks to develop a report by May 18th that will include DPH approved workplace safety standards, industry frameworks and customer protocols and guidelines, including enforcement mechanisms and coordination with municipal leaders. This report is due on the 18th, but the administration has made clear that public health data and guidance from health care experts will dictate the timeline of the re-opening process.
The 17-member Advisory Board is composed of three public health officials, including Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Monica Bharel, three municipal officials, and eleven leaders from the business community, including MassDOT Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. Members of the Advisory Board bring a range of perspectives to the table, such as an understanding of workplaces and workforces and insights into key areas like financial markets, education, manufacturing and transportation.
Reopening Advisory Board Members:
- Aron Ain, CEO, Kronos Inc & Ultimate Software
- Carlo Zaffanella, Vice President and General Manager, Maritime & Strategic Systems, General Dynamics Mission Systems
- Corey Thomas, CEO, Rapid 7
- Daniel Rivera, Mayor, City of Lawrence
- Rochelle Walensky, MD, MPH, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Girish Navani, CEO and Co-Founder, eClinicalWorks
- Joe Bahena, Senior Vice President, Joseph Abboud Manufacturing
- Kathryn Burton, Chief of Staff, City of Boston
- Laurie Leshin, Ph.D., President, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Linda Markham, President, Cape Air
- Mark Keroack, President & CEO, Baystate Health
- Monica Bharel, Ph.D., Commissioner, Department of Public Health
- Nicole LaChapelle, Mayor, City of Easthampton
- Pamela Everhart, Head of Regional Public Affairs and Community Relations, Fidelity Investments
- Stephanie Pollack, Transportation Secretary and CEO
- Steve DiFillippo, CEO, Davios Restaurants
- Wendy Hudson, Owner, Nantucket Book Partners
South Hadley Coronavirus Cases as of 4/20/20
| Disease | Status | Number of Cases 4/20/20 |
| Novel Coronavirus | CONFIRMED | 47 |
| Novel Coronavirus | CONTACT | 55 |
| Novel Coronavirus | PROBABLE | 1 |
| Novel Coronavirus | SUSPECT | 3 |
CONFIRMED indicates South Hadley residents who have tested positive
CONTACT are South Hadley residents who have come in direct contact or may live with a person or persons who have tested positive, but who have not yet been tested, are likely shedding the virus and could spread the virus.
PROBABLE are South Hadley residents who are likely to have the virus for various reasons and either are waiting test results or have been quarantined or isolated, but may be asymptomatic and could possibly shed the virus.
SUSPECTED are South Hadley residents who have signs or otherwise suspected of having and/or may shed the virus.
All cases are monitored by the South Hadley Health Department under Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines.
Please note,you may see other data in the news or elsewhere which may have a different count. The Town of South Hadley is using information compiled and vetted from DPH, and as reported by the South Hadley Health Department to MAVEN. We will be updating every Wednesday so there may be timing differences and different outlets use other reporting,
Regardless of these numbers, the best advice is to protect yourself and others is to act as if everyone has active COVID 19 or might shed the virus. Stay home, wash hands frequently,if you must go out cover your face and nose and always practice social distancing (six feet, ten is healthier).
Massachusetts DPH Confirmed COVID-19 Cases Report
What’s new as of Saturday, April 11th
New FEMA Assistance Policy
FEMA has implemented policy to determine eligibility of public assistance for food purchase and distribution. The full document from FEMA is avalible to view here.
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What’s new as of Wednesday, April 7th
DCF Guidance on Reporting Abuse and Neglect for First Responders
April 7, 2020
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) works in partnership with families and communities to keep children safe from abuse and neglect. Child protection is an essential function of state government and during the COVID-19 outbreak, the Department remains fully operational with social workers responding to emergencies 24 hours per day. DCF offices are open, however most DCF employees are teleworking and offices are closed to walk-in visitors.
Reporting Abuse or Neglect
DCF is designated by state law to receive and assess all reports of suspected abuse and/or neglect of children under the age of 18. Law enforcement, medical professionals and educators are all considered mandated reporters by state law. If you suspect child abuse or neglect, you must report immediately it to DCF. All reports of suspected child abuse or neglect must be phoned in.
During regular business hours (8:45 a.m.-5 p.m. M-F) call the Department of Families and Children (DCF) area office that serves the city or town where the child lives.
Nights, weekends, and holidays dial the Child-at-Risk Hotline at (800) 792-5200.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911.
What types of situations does DCF respond to?
DCF screens and responds to reports where a child may have been or is at risk of being abused and/or neglected by a caregiver, or where a child may have been or may be at risk of sexual exploitation and/or human trafficking. You can find more information on DCF’s definitions of abuse/neglect here.
Supporting Caregivers who are Ill with COVID-19
During the COVID-19 response, first responders may encounter situations where a child’s parents or caregiver require immediate medical care or hospitalization, leaving care for children into question. The following questions can be helpful in deciding if a report needs to be made to DCF:
- Have the caregivers identified an alternative caregiver to care for their children while they receive medical care?
- Have they expressed concern about the alternative caregiver’s capacity to care for children?
- Have you observed any concerns about the alternative caregiver’s capacity to care for children?
- Are there other potential caregivers available?
DCF can assist in locating appropriate caregivers in some circumstances, for example, in situations where a parent’s absence would leave the child without immediate supervision If you have questions about whether a situation necessitates filing a report with DCF, we recommend calling DCF at the numbers listed above to discuss the situation further.
Other Helpful Resources to Connect Caregivers To:
2-1-1 : Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Caregiver Affidavit link:
https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2016/08/ul/caregiverauthorizationaffidavitform.pdf
Kinship Navigator Program: Provides help, assistance, tips, support, guidance and advice for all familial caregivers throughout the Commonwealth. 1-844-924-4KIN (4546)
Family Resource Centers: FRCs are located through Massachusetts and offer a variety of services to help families. Some of the FRCs are not physically open, but are providing assistance to families by phone.
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What’s new as of Friday, April 3
Additional confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 have been identified in South Hadley. Public Health Director/Emergency Management Director Sharon Hart estimates as of Thursday, April 2 there are approximately 30 cases in various stages - including confirmed, probable and waiting for resu
lts. For more information on how Hart and the public health department are managing these cases and the daily rise, please watch the April 2 Selectboard meeting for an update from Hart.
In keeping with guidelines from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, infectious disease preparedness training and best practices, the confirmed positive individuals are in self-isolation and their close contacts have been located and self-quarantined, according to Hart.
These documented cases in our community bring home the need for every resident to be vigilant with social distancing and hand washing.
The town’s first confirmed case was identified on Wednesday, March 25. More confirmed cases are likely to follow due to the nature of this outbreak and an increase in testing. The best way to fight this is for residents to stay home as much as possible and practice social distancing.
Utilizing state and federal guidelines, town officials are working to ensure they are doing everything possible to make South Hadley a safe community. To reduce your risk of catching or spreading COVID-19, stay home - particularly if you are feeling sick, and if your symptoms are mild.
It will take each community member, working together, to bring this pandemic under control.
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What’s new as of Wednesday, April 1
- Parks / playgrounds / fields / trails closed: All South Hadley parks, playgrounds and their playscapes, hiking trails, playing fields, and other recreational areas are closed until May 4. This action is consistent with Governor Baker’s order prohibiting gatherings of 10 or more, his directive to implement social distancing and his advisory to remain at home. The public is prohibited from using these South Hadley facilities, which include Ledges Golf Club, Beachgrounds Park, Buttery Brook Park, Town Farm Field, school field/playgrounds and town hiking trails. All playground playscapes are closed as the cleanliness level of the structures cannot be ensured.
- Mount Holyoke closed to the public: The Mount Holyoke College campus is closed to the public, in alignment with the Town of South Hadley’s decision to close its recreational areas. Campus buildings and grounds are open only to Mount Holyoke students residing on campus and faculty and staff with essential on-campus work. All athletics facilities are closed. Members of the Mount Holyoke community should carry their College-issued identification cards ("One Card") at all times. For more information, please visit the College’s COVID-19 FAQ page. The public’s assistance to comply with these actions is appreciated.
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Virtual Selectboard Meetings on COVID-19 impact on South Hadley
Upcoming
See the Meeting Calendar for the Agenda information. The meeting will be available on the public access channel 15 and uploaded to its website.
Previous
Tuesday, May 12:
Tuesday, May 5:
Tuesday, April 28:
Tuesday, April 21:
Tuesday, April 14:
Virtual Selectboard Mtg: 4/14/2020 from SHCTV15 on Vimeo.
Tuesday, April 7:
Thursday, April 2:
Thursday, March 26:
Selectboard Remote Meeting - Thursday, March 26th, 2020 from SHCTV15 on Vimeo.
All SHCTV15 videos can be found on its website, here.
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South Hadley Service Updates
All South Hadley municipal buildings will be closed to the public until further notice. This situation is fluid and changes will be constant. Please bear with South Hadley officials as we assess services to protect staff, residents and the public.
- Police Services: In order to reduce the number of walk-ins to the police department and maintain the safety of both officers and the public, please call ahead to see if officers can assist you without coming in to the station. Requests for police reports can be made over the phone or by e-mail to records@southhadley police.org. Services including child safety seat installations, firearms licensing, community outreach programs, courtesy transports and the lobby drug collection are temporarily suspended. Emergency situations and crimes in progress will continue to receive a prioritized response. Other calls will be assessed to determine whether a response will be made in person, by telephone, or by e-mail. Response decisions will be made in accordance with department guidelines with supervisory oversight. In-person responses may require our officers to don personal protective equipment.
- Transfer Station: The South Hadley Transfer Station and the compost area are closed until further notice to comply with the state social distancing order and to minimize possible contamination/exposure to both residents and staff. Please DO NOT leave green bags or other items at the gate. Curbside pick-up by Republic Services will continue as scheduled. Contact Republic Services directly to coordinate an additional weekly pick-up and subsequent subscription fee, if needed. Green bags are still required for trash pick-up.
- Leaf-pickup / Household Hazardous Waste Day: Republic Services, the company with whom the town contracts to provide curbside pick-up, has deemed yard waste pick-up non-essential during this COVID crisis and time for social distancing. Therefore the spring yard waste collection scheduled for April/May in South Hadley has been cancelled. Administration is working on a possible alternative. The South Hadley Household Hazardous Waste Day scheduled for May 9 has been postponed until further notice.
- Libraries: The South Hadley Public Library and Gaylord Memorial Library are closed until further notice. All library programs and public meetings are canceled. Staff are available by email or Facebook messenger from 9 - 5, Monday to Friday for help with online resources. Visit the library website to access digital eBooks, eAudio, magazines, videos, streaming music and movies. As a courtesy to library patrons:
- Items on loan will be renewed with no limits.
- Fines will not be charged for overdue items.
- Materials may be returned in the library book drop.
- Patron holds will be kept on the shelf until buildings re-open.
- Council on Aging: The Council on Aging, located within St. Theresa’s Church, is closed until further notice. Please call 538-5042 for more information. Transportation services have been suspended. WestMassElderCare will deliver a daily, hot HMOW meal to any South Hadley senior who is 60 years old and over. Please call WestMass ElderCare directly at 413-538-9020.
Accessibility: For the deaf and hard of hearing, use this Coronavirus Visual Tool.
STAY INFORMED:
Read the town’s Unified Command Structure, here.
Sign up to receive the latest information with our “News & Announcements” section on the town website. Subscribe for automatic notifications, here: https://www.southhadley.org/list.aspx.
Sign up for CivicReady “robo” calls and emails, here: https://ma-southhadley.regroup.com/signup.
View today’s current cases in Massachusetts. For the latest on case counts in the United States, visit the CDC website.
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Digital Town Hall
Please call ahead if you have a question specific to a town hall office. You may contact the various staff and departments by phone, or by email, by calling 538-5017 or using our staff directory. Click here to access that: https://www.southhadley.
There are many online services available to the public to complete town hall-related tasks:
To Pay Bills
- Use InvoiceCloud. Click here: https://www.southhadley.
org/336/Payment-Methods ), - Use your online banking system
- Mail payments to 116 Main St., South Hadley, addressed to the specific office. (We encourage checks/money orders instead of cash at this time).
- Drop off payments in the black mailbox between the South Hadley Police Station and town hall. (We encourage checks/money orders instead of cash at this time).
Permitting
- To obtain a permit, click here: https://www.southhadley.
org/922/Permits-Licenses
Dogs / Certificates / Vital Records
- To license your dog or obtain certificates and records, click here: https://www.southhadley.
org/687/Licenses-Permits-and- Records
Stay Informed
- Stay up to date with the latest information with our “News & Announcements” section on the town website. Subscribe for automatic notifications, here: https://www.southhadley.
org/list.aspx - Sign up for CivicReady “robo” calls and emails, here: https://ma-southhadley.
regroup.com/signup
State COVID-19 Response - Updated Friday, March 27
Governor Charlie Baker orders all non-essential businesses to cease in-person operation, directs the Department of Public Health to issue stay at home advisory for two weeks.
Baker updates gathering order and now prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people.
On March 10, Baker declared a state of emergency, giving the Administration more flexibility to respond to the outbreak. Read more about the declaration and associated orders.
The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission announced an update regarding a ban of on-premises consumptions of alcohol and cancellation of hearings.
Learn more about the state’s response on its website.
View today’s current cases in Massachusetts. For the latest on case counts in the United States, visit the CDC website.
The RMV announced all Class D and Class DM driver’s licenses, ID cards, and Learner’s Permits that have expired or are expiring between March 1, 2020 and April 30, 2020, will have a 60-day extension applied to the current expiration date. As of March 27, it is implementing a no walk-in policy at its service centers.
The Baker-Polito Administration announced on March 18, 2020, that the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will offer low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Massachusetts small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Situation Updates
Key public health messages for all residents:
- Protect yourself by following public health advice about keeping your hands clean and covering coughs and sneezes.
- Stay home if you are sick. If you need to consult a health care provider, call ahead first or use telehealth services.
- Protect others who are most at risk of COVID-19 by keeping your distance from people (at least 6 feet away from others), especially those who are older, and people living with chronic health conditions.
- If you are outside, avoid crowds.
- Don’t shake hands or hug.
- Stay connected to friends and loved ones by phone or through other technology.
- Get information from trusted sources. Visit https://www.mass.gov/covid19 for the latest news, case counts, and lab testing results.
- Take care of your emotional health and help others do the same. If you need emotional support during these stressful times, call 2-1-1 and choose the “CALL2TALK” option
- Follow DPH on Twitter @MassDPH, updated several times per day.
Massachusetts 2-1-1
Massachusetts residents are urged to use 2-1-1 for information, resources, and referrals regarding COVID-19. Operators are staffing this hotline 24/7 and translators are available in multiple languages. Residents with questions can dial 2-1-1 from any landline or cellphone, or use the live chat option on the Mass 2-1-1 website. As of 9:00 AM today, Mass 2-1-1 has answered a total of 4,502 coronavirus-related calls since last Friday. There are 17 staff now answering calls, including staff from United Way and 7 staff members from DPH.