ASHFIELD — An Ashfield resident is confirmed to have contracted COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, according to Town Administrator Jennifer Morse. It is unclear where that person is being treated.
“We are working with the Board of Health agent, who is working directly with the state Department of Public Health,” she said. “Additionally, we have been informed that those who were in contact with the infected resident are currently self-quarantined and are asymptomatic.”
Morse said the town would like to remind residents to continue practicing social distancing and continue to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state Department of Public Health recommendations for preventing the spread of the virus. The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a pandemic.
On Monday, due to an abundance of caution, Ashfield declared a state of emergency.
In Ashfield’s continued efforts to prevent the virus’ escalation, town officials are encouraging people who feel ill and suspect they might have a reason to be concerned to consult their medical provider immediately.
All town offices, including police, fire, highway and others, will be closed to the public until April 7. The Transfer Station will remain open, though. Police, fire and other emergency personnel will respond promptly to all calls with immediate threat, according to the town website. If anyone has important business, they should contact Town Hall by phone, the website or the mailbox outside of the building.
All town meetings have been canceled except those held by the Selectboard and Board of Health.
“We are working to keep town employees healthy so that they may continue to provide our town with the highest level of professional service and to avoid further spread of the disease,” the town’s state of emergency declaration reads.
Reach Anita Fritz at 413-772-0261, ext. 269 or afritz@recorder.com.