Bristol Prepares for COVID-19
Now it is confirmed that the COVID-19 virus is present in Maine, we have a responsibility – as individuals and as a Town – to balance the need for sensible precautions and the need not to panic and behave irrationally. In particular, while there will be less social activities during this time, it is critically important that as a community we look after our elderly and vulnerable members. Social isolation can be as deadly as a virus; please take the time to check up on your neighbors, while taking precautions that can save lives.
Precautions are designed to do things: (1) to slow the spread, so that the health care system is not overwhelmed by large numbers of cases all at once; and (2) to try to protect those most vulnerable to the virus, the elderly and those with immunity problems.
Precautions include basic personal hygiene measures like washing hands regularly with soap and hot water, disinfecting surfaces like door handles, and avoiding unnecessary physical contact with others. Subject to these, for the time being municipal government functions will continue as usual.
The priority for the Town is to maintain services that are essential for public health and safety, while protecting our staff. The Transfer Station and the Fire and Rescue Department are the first priorities to keep operating fully, with staff wearing masks and other personal protection if and when appropriate. The Bristol Consolidated School will follow the advice of the Maine Department of Education; although young people are not thought to be particularly vulnerable to the virus, they can easily transmit it and take it home to more vulnerable people.
Bristol Consolidated School will be closed for three weeks beginning Monday, March 16th. This will be subject to review as the COVID-19 situation develops. As long as the School is closed, Bristol Town Office will also be closed to walk-in business. Town staff will continue to do business by phone and internet. Many services, such as motor vehicle registration, can be done online or the phone, and others such as tax payments can be made by mail. Parks and Recreation, the Highway Department and Code Enforcement will operate normally subject to staff availability, though Parks will review its programming depending on advice from the Maine Center for Disease Control.
Committee and Board meetings will continue on a case by case situation. Please continue to check our calendar to see if the meeting you wish to attend is still moving forward.
At this time all major summer events in Bristol – including Olde Bristol Days and the various Bicentennial commemorations – are still scheduled. Watch the Town’s web site for any announcements of cancellations or service changes. Take care and stay healthy!
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