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Information Alert / Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID -19)

Last Updated: June 2, 2020 - 11:33am

This section of the Town of Marblehead's website will be dedicated to updates and announcements about Town services due to the Coronavirus 2019. Please use the links below to navigate this information and continue to check back here for the latest updates.

      TOWN UPDATES

       JUNE 1, 2020

  • We are now in the process of lifting some restrictions as Governor Baker has just announced that we are past peak with COVID 19. The Marblehead Cemetery Department will begin allowing small grave side services with restrictions. No more than 10 (ten) family members at a service.  We ask that all please refrain from touching the casket and keep at least ten feet away from the gravesite while personally social distancing. 
  • Important Information from Board of Health on Town Case Count

      MAY 29, 2020

       MAY 26, 2020

        MAY 22, 2020

         MAY 18, 2020

        MAY 15, 2020

  • Massachusetts has launched a new website featuring a map with all COVID-19 testing sites. Access the map and find a site: mass.gov/covid-testmap

  • Massachusetts announced phased reopening approach driven by health metrics and publishes workplace safety standards: mass.gov/covid-bpqa

        MAY 11, 2020

         MAY 8, 2020

         MAY 4, 2020

         MAY 1, 2020

           APRIL 30, 2020

          APRIL 28, 2020

  • Non-essential business closure extended until May 18, stay at home advisory remains in effect. Learn more: www.mass.gov/covid-sjip

        APRIL 27, 2020

           APRIL 24, 2020

         APRIL 21, 2020

         APRIL 17, 2020

         APRIL 16, 2020

         APRIL 13, 2020

         APRIL 10, 2020

         APRIL 9, 2020

         APRIL 6, 2020

         APRIL 4, 2020

          APRIL 2, 2020

         APRIL 1, 2020

          MARCH 31, 2020

          MARCH 30, 2020

          MARCH 28, 2020

          MARCH 27, 2020

           MARCH 25, 2020

           MARCH 24, 2020

           MARCH 19, 2020

           MARCH 18, 2020

          MARCH 17, 2020

           MARCH 15, 2020

           MARCH 14, 2020

           MARCH 13, 2020

           MARCH 12, 2020

           MARCH 11, 2020

 

INFORMATION ABOUT TOWN SERVICES

As you know, the Town has taken significant steps to stem the spread of COVID-19. In sum, the Town has:

 Restricted public access to all municipal buildings.

 All classes, programs and special events offered by the Senior Center are immediately suspended excluding transportation.

 The Abbot Public Library has suspended all library programs -- for all age groups -- as well as the use of the building’s meeting spaces by outside groups.

 All non-regulatory/advisory Town boards, committees, commissions are asked tosuspend in-person meetings indefinitely.

 Municipal buildings are currently being staffed at reduced staffing levels.

Below is a summary organized by department to guide residents as how they need to interact with Town government for the time being. This will be updated as needed. When possible, please conduct business with the Town through alternative means by utilizing the Town website (www.marblehead.org) making payments through the mail or through the website rather than at the counter of the Treasurer/Collector Office or in any other departments, using the phone rather than in-person visits to municipal offices, and using email communication.

TREASURER/COLLECTOR

The Town’s online payment site allows residents to pay real estate, personal property, motor vehicle and boat excise taxes on line. To access our on-line site directly go to: https://cityhallsystems.com. If you are having problems with this site, you can call City Hall Systems directly at 508-381-5455 or email them at epay@cityhallsystems.com and one of their customer service people should be able to assist you. If you prefer, payments can be mailed to our lockbox: Town of Marblehead, PO Box 806, Reading, MA 01867-0406 or dropped in the red mailbox located in the traffic circle outside of 7 Widger Road, we will be checking this box daily.

Parking tickets can be paid on line at: www.kelleyryan.com, placed in the mail or dropped in the red mailbox outside of 7 Widger Road.

The best way to contact us is to email us at revenue@marblehead.org  or call 781-631-1033, if we do not answer, please leave a detailed voice message and we will do our best to get back to as quickly as possible.

FIRE

Resale inspections will not be conducted in-house. Installers will provide an affidavit to the Fire Department that fire protection systems were installed consistent with the fire code. Quarterly inspections of nursing homes and restaurants have been temporarily suspended based on guidance from the state Fire Marshall. Permits will be issued as needed and coordinated through Fire Department personnel. To contact the Fire Department please email fire2@marblehead.org  or call (781) 631-0142.

COA

The Marblehead COA is CLOSED to all CLASSES, PROGRAMS AND EVENTS until further notice. We will continue to provide essential services to residents including transportation. Seniors who are homebound are encouraged to contact the Council on Aging directly for assistance. The Marblehead COA would like to stress to all residents that if there is a senior citizen in their neighborhood they are concerned about for any reason, please contact Lisa Hooper, Director - Hooperl@marblehead.org.

WHILE WE ARE CLOSED – THESE ARE OUR ONGOING SERVICES:

Seniors who DON’T HAVE access to a car and/or someone who can shop or pick up groceries may qualify for delivery through the COA.  Please contact Karyn Smith smithk@marblehead.org, Janice Salisbury-Beal at salisburybealj@marblehead.org to determine if you are eligible. The COA has a list of seniors who will be contacted weekly via telephone during this emergency situation.  If you would like to be added to this list, or know of someone who would like to added, please email Karyn Smith smithk@marblehead.org.

Meals on Wheels – At this time Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley and North Shore (formerly North Shore Elder Services) are continuing delivery of meals Monday through Friday to eligible seniors.  If you require immediate assistance for a meal, please email Karyn Smith smithk@marblehead.org to expedite the delivery process.

Kim Crowley, one of the COA’s fitness instructors is offering virtual fitness programs.  Please visit her website @ www.harborfitness.net for more details.

SHINE (Medicare counseling) – If you are retiring this year you can find out about your Medicare options with a SHINE counselor.   Appointments are being conducted by phone.   Call the office for an appointment  (781) 631-6225.

Transportation – limited medical appointment transportation is offered to current participants.  Please check with your doctor’s office first to make sure they’re open.

Weekly food pantry deliveries – call to inquire.

If you have perscriptions (delivery) or financial concerns, please reach out to us.

You can reach Lisa Hooper, Director, Karyn Smith, Outreach Coordinator and Janice Salisbury-Beal, Program Manager - Monday through Friday from 8:00 – 3:00 via telephone or email. Please call 781-631-6225.  If we don’t answer, listen for instructions.  Emails addresses are:  Lisa Hooper, Director - Hooperl@marblehead.org, Karyn Smith-Outreach Coordinator Smithk@marblehead.org, and Janice Salisbury-Beal  Program Manager  salisburybealj@marblehead.org. We will respond to ALL voicemail messages and emails between the hours of Monday – Friday  8:00 - 3:00

RECREATION AND PARK

All recreational activities are suspended until the re-opening of schools, including all afterschool and drop-in programs. Playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, dog park, and the parking lots at Devereux, Riverhead and Chandler Hovey have been closed to public use.

CEMETERY

We are now in the process of lifting some restrictions as Governor Baker has just announced that we are past peak with COVID-19. The Marblehead Cemetery Department will begin allowing small grave side services with restrictions.

No more than 10 (ten) family members at a service.  We ask that all please refrain from touching the casket and keep at least ten feet away from the gravesite while personally social distancing. Any questions the Cemetery Department can be reached at (781) 631-1182 or cemetery@marblehead.org.

BUILDING

The Marblehead Building Department is utilizing a reduced staff and will continue to answer phone calls, return voice mails and respond to emails.

Application forms for Plumbing, Electric and Building are available to be downloaded online at Marblehead.org, https://www.marblehead.org/building-inspection-department.

Applications, along with copies of the contract, the CSL and HIC, the Worker’s Compensation Affidavit and the appropriate fee, by check, can be dropped off in the Mary Alley Municipal Building mail slot or the red mail box in front of Mary Alley. Applications will be reviewed within the 30 day window allowed by 780 cmr. Please ensure that you provide a telephone number and email address. All requests for inspection will be scheduled, on a case by case basis. All requests for inspection will be added to a list in the office and you will be contacted by the Marblehead Building Department. We will make every effort to perform inspections. Inspectors have the authority to accept reports from an approved subject matter expert per building code sections 104.4 and R104.4. Utilizing subject matter experts, and the appropriateness as to the use of these provisions, in any situation, is at the inspector’s discretion.

Our Building Officials may allow pictures, may agree to accept an affidavit or may perform exterior inspections such as excavation, footing and foundation inspections, which do not involve entering a potentially infected home.

DPW

Street and Sidewalk Opening Permits will be issued. You can find the applications online on the Town’s website: www.marblehead.org.  Please print the application, complete it and drop it off with your payment at the DPW Garage mailbox. Curb cut applications will not be processed at this time.

ENGINEERING/CONSERVATION COMMISSION/PLANNING/ZBA

Permit Applications: Minor Activity Permits:

The permit fee of $50.00 must be mailed to the address below. The application may also be mailed or emailed to the address below.

Applications and instructions are found on the following link: https://www.marblehead.org/sites/marbleheadma/files/uploads/minor_activity_permit

Notices of Intent [NOI], Requests for Determination of Applicability and Amendments to Order of Conditions: The permit fee, [varies per instructions], and completed application may be mailed to the address below.

Arrangements may be made to hand deliver the above outside the Mary Alley Municipal Building upon requests. Requests for Extensions, Certificate of Compliance, Minor Modifications:

The permit fee [varies] must be mailed to the address below. The application may also be mailed or emailed to the address below. Requests for Information: May be made by emailing the address below. Requests for Inspections: May be made by calling or emailing the address below.

Please contact Planning, ZBA and Conservation staff to review online processing of applications at 781-631-1529, mail to Mary Alley Municipal Building, 7 Widger Road, Marblehead, MA 01945 or email at quigleyc@marblehead.org for Engineering/Conservation and rebeccac@marblehead.org for Planning/ZBA.

HARBORMASTER

The Harbormaster’s office will be closed to the general public. All inquiries will be accepted via email or phone. All emergency responses will continue as normal. If you have an emergency please dial 911. You can contact the office at 781-631-2386 or visit https://www.marblehead.org/harbormaster.

WATER/SEWER

Due the Coronavirus state of emergency, the Water, Sewer and Drain departments will no longer enter properties unless an emergency situation.

Office: There is no change in hours of operation. Public is not allowed into building – all business should be completed by phone or email. There is a payment mail slot at the water department for payments to be deposited. If paying with cash, call the office for instructions prior to depositing in payment mail slot. The online payments option has been extended to allow payments of outstanding balances over 30 days. Notification of overdue accounts will continue.

Real Estate inspections have been suspended: There is a self- inspection form available on the website or request by email (water@marblehead.org). This must be completed by both Seller and Buyer.

Final reads for closings will still be completed. Closing paperwork will be provided to sales agent by email. Payments for closings should be deposited in the payment box located at 100 Tower Way (Water Department).

Completed self-inspection forms can be emailed or deposited in payment mail slot at 100 Tower Way. Final paper work will be issued by email once self- inspection form are received by Water Department. Any question email or call the Marblehead Water Department.

Sewer Deduct meter inspections have been suspended: No credit for new sewer deducts will be issued until Sewer deduct meter passes inspection. Meter reading and invoicing will continue: Meters that cannot be read will have an estimated use for billing purposes. Work that requires a technician to enter property to change meter or fix wire has been suspended.

Water pipe breaks inside property: Water department will respond and turn water service off at curb shut off – the technicians will not enter the property. Water service turn on that requires a meter installation has been suspended: This includes new Construction and Seasonal meters.

Sanitary Sewer Backups: Crew will respond and check sewer mains - They will explain to property representative outside and with a separation of 10 feet. If the problem is in the properties’ service line and the crew will instruct the property representative must call appropriate contractors to fix. If the problem is with the Town’s Sanitary Sewer System - the crew will correct issue in the Town’s sewer main and contact Service Master to handle disinfection of the dwelling. At no time will the Crew enter the dwelling. Any work request not of an emergency nature will be compiled and the Water Department will reach out to contact when restrictions on property entrance are lifted.

TOWN CLERK

The Town Clerk’s Office is closed to the public. The best way to reach the office is by e-mail Townclerk@marblehead.org. If you need to reach the office by phone the number is 781-631-0528. Please leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible. If you need a Birth, Death, Marriage certificate, pay for a dog license, or you need to pay for a burial permit please use the town’s online payment site. To access our on-line site directly go to: https://cityhallsystems.com. If you are having problems with this site, you can call City Hall Systems directly at 508-381-5455 or email them at epay@cityhallsystems.com and one of their customer service people should be able to assist you. If you prefer, payments can be mailed to Town Clerk, 188 Washington St., Marblehead, MA 01945, or dropped in the red mail box located outside Abbot Hall.

State Nomination papers can be mailed or deposited in the red mail box outside Abbot Hall, 188 Washington Street. Please include contact information (e-mail, phone # address) and we will send you a receipt. If you need to drop them off in person, please place them in the locked red mailbox outside Abbot Hall 188 Washington St.  Please include contact information, email or phone number, and a self addressed stamped envelope for us to return the papers to you. After you place the papers in the red mail box, email townclerk@marblehead.org or call the office at 781-631-0528 so that we can retrieve them. If you have any questions or need different arrangements, please contact the office at the email or phone number above.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Town Nomination Papers:

Are you interested in running for Town Office?  Put the request in writing. The request should include the office you are seeking, your name, address, signature, and date.  Please include contact information, email or phone number. Place the request in the red mail box located on the Washington St. side of Abbot Hall. Please email townclerk@marblehead.org or call the office 781-631-0528 to let us know that you dropped off the request so that we can retrieve it. We will prepare the papers and contact you when they are ready to be picked up. You must get 50 certified signatures from Marblehead registered voters to be placed on the ballot.  You should obtain more than 50 to ensure you have enough. We recommend getting at least 65. Papers must be submitted no later than 5:00PM on April 28th.  When returning the papers you must sign I accept the nomination on one page. When returning your papers, please put them in the red mail box and call 781-631-0528 or email Townclerk@marblehead.org and we will retrieve them.

ZBA applications should be e-mailed to the office (townclerk@marblehead.org) for review. You can deposit them in the red mail box (include a phone # and e-mail). Make sure to keep a set of plans. We will e-mail the stamped application to you and to the engineering office.

OLD AND HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION [OHCD]

1. Read the instructions and download the application: https://www.marblehead.org/old-historic-districts-commission/pages/certificate-appropriateness-coa.

2. Fill out the application. WRITE LEGIBLY. Include:

Parcel ID (same as the assessors map and lot number), Owner info and signature, Contact info, Narrative Description of the project with photos.

3. Make arrangements with Building Department to have a Building Inspector review and SIGN the second page of the completed application with all attachments. (Contact the Building Dept. 781-631-2220 – Mary Allain)

4. Scan and email the original SIGNED application complete with all attachments to Lyonsl@marblehead.org

5. Once a completed signed application is received, you will be placed on the OHCD agenda. You will be notified by email of the time and date of the meeting. You or your representative are required to attend the meeting. NOTE: The meetings are (generally) on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month. See the calendar on the Town of Marblehead Website for cancelations. The meetings may be teleconferenced in the near future. Location and/or teleconference meeting instructions TBD.

6. Once approved, the signed Certificate off Appropriateness [COA] will be emailed to you.

7. Make arrangements with the Building Department to get your building permit.

ABBOT PUBLIC LIBRARY

While closed and, therefore, not able to circulate printed books, audiobooks, DVDs and other tangible items, we are expanding and enriching our collections of materials in electronic format - books, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, movies, TV shows, and more! Access to the Library's electronic materials collections is available by clicking on the appropriate icon on our website homepage. You will need an Abbot Library card to create an account. Marblehead residents who would like to register for a library card may do so, even while the Library is closed. To access the Abbot Library's online registration form, please visit www.noblenet.org and click on the "Request Library Card" link in the bottom lefthand corner. Fill out this form as completely as possible, and a library staff member will be in touch with your new library card information. Your new card number will be valid for two months, and will grant access to our wide array of digital services to enjoy from home! Once the library reopens, patrons with temporary barcodes may present a valid ID to pick up an official library card for full use of all library services. Please contact the Library's Circulation Coordinator at kuhlman@noblenet.org  with any questions. We will very soon introduce an Abbot Public Library Blog, which will highlight new and exciting items in our collections and other resources of interest for all of our users - children, teens and adults. Tutorials for reading, listening to and/or watching e-items will be included, as well. Watch for an announcement of the Blog’s debut via Facebook and on our Website!

 

VIDEO UPDATES FROM TOWN OFFICIALS

Update from Town Officials: May 26, 2020

Update from Town Officials: May 7, 2020

Update from Town Officials: May 1, 2020

Update from Town Officials: April 18, 2020

Update from Town Officials: April 17, 2020

Update from Town Officials: April 10, 2020

Update from Town Officials: April 1, 2020

Townwide Update March 27, 2020

Update from Town Officials, March 20, 2020

 

GOVERNOR'S ORDERS RELATED TO THE CORONAVIRUS

Safer at home Advisory - https://www.mass.gov/news/safer-at-home-advisory

Orders Requiring Face Coverings in Public Places

Further Extending the Operation of COVID-19

Open Meeting Law Modifications Order

On Premises Consumption of Food or Drink & Gatherings of no More than 25

Essential Services & Revised Group Gatherings Order

Essential Services Listing

Further Guidance on Construction Activities

Order of the Commissioner of Public Health related to Grocery Stores and Pharmacies

Prohibiting Assemblages of More Than 10 People

Temporarily Closing All Public and Private Elementary and Secondary Schools

 

STATE SITUATIONAL REPORTS

COVID-19 Response Command Center - 6.01.2020

COVID-19 Response Command Center - 5.29.2020

COVID-19 Response Command Center - 5.28.2020

COVID-19 Response Command Center - 5.27.2020

COVID-19 Response Command Center - 5.26.2020

STAY INFORMED

 

Dial 2-1-1 to get the latest updates on COVID-19 prevention, symptoms, testing and treatment. It’s free and open to the callers 24/7.

Massachusetts has launched a COVID-19 text message notification system. Text “COVIDMA” to 888-777 to receive important updates.

Sign up for CodeRED, the Town’s automated phone system used to keep residents informed here.

Sign up for the Town’s email notifications here.

 

RESOURCES FOR RESIDENTS IN NEED OF ASSISTANCE

Resident Resources:

The Town of Marblehead has compiled the information below to inform residents and to make residents aware of services, assistance and resources available during the COVID-19 state of emergency. 

COVID-19/Health:

Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

What to do if you are sick

Buoy Health symptom checker

Maintaining emotional well-being

Behavioral health resources for families

Request home heating assistance

Protect yourself from online scams and fraud

Apply for cash assistance: for families with children and for elderly, disabled, and children

Resources from North Shore Community Action Programs 

Food:

Marblehead Public Schools Emergency Meal Service

Supplemental Nutritional Assistance (SNAP) 

The Salvation Army of the North Shore

Project Bread Food Source Hotline: 1-800-645-8333 

Housing:

Housing resources and assistance available through MA Dept. of Housing & Community Development

Housing resource page from CHAPA

Housing resource page from the JCHS (Joint Center for Housing Studies)

Child care:

Emergency child care information and list of emergency child care providers/home/files/small-business-giude-care-act

Worker Resources:

Resources for health care workers and first responders

Unemployment Assistance

MassHealth Information

MBTA COVID-19 Information

Community Resources:

Marblehead Resident Resources

 

LOCAL BUSINESS INFORMATION & RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES

This is a difficult time for all of us including our business community. Many of our local businesses are now offering to serve the community through takeout or delivery options. You can order from one of your favorite spots or a place you’ve always wanted to try. Below is a link to the many Marblehead establishments offering takeout and delivery during this time.

This is the best information that we have right now – if you are a local business and the information is not correct please email us at rebeccac@marblehead.org with any updated information.

LIST OF MARBLEHEAD ESTABLISHMENTS OFFERING TAKE OUT AND/OR DELIVERY

BELOW ARE LINKS TO RESOURCES TO ASSIST OUR BUSINESSES IN THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME  

Small Business Guide to the CARES Act

MEMA’s Emergency Operations Center’s Private Sector Hotline

COVID 19 Loan Fund 

SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program

CDC Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers

DPH Guidance and Recommendations

Massachusetts Guidance for Businesses

CDC Business Planning Pandemic Check List

CDC “Stop the Spread of Germs” Poster

BELOW  ARE LINKS TO INFORMATION FROM THE FDA CONCERNING FOOD SAFETY AND HANDLING OF TAKEOUT

Food Safety and the Coronavirus FDA:                   

USDA Safe Handling of Take Out Foods: