AMHERST — All nonessential meetings and programs at Town Hall, the town’s libraries and senior center, as well as indoor recreational programs, are being canceled through the end of March as part of Amherst’s efforts to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Amherst officials announced Thursday that, even though there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19, the sickness caused by the virus, in Amherst, town departments are reviewing and implementing their emergency response plans.
Meetings of town boards and commissions have been canceled until further notice.
Additionally, all programming at the Bangs Community Center is being canceled, adult and youth indoor programs overseen by the Leisure Services and Supplemental Education department are off, and programs and meetings at the Jones Library and the branch library will not be held.
At the Senior Center, regular programming is canceled, except for individual appointments for programs such as the weekly food distribution, health insurance, medical assistance and critical housing assistance. AARP and SHINE, or Serving the Health Needs of Everyone, appointments will continue, as will home-delivered meals.
The library and its branches, though, will remain open for borrowing, and Town Hall will remain open during regular hours, though the public is encouraged to do business online or via phone and email.
Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman said the steps are necessary to address the spread of COVID-19.
“As a resilient community, we must be proactive in adopting new policies and procedures in the best interests of the public’s health,” Bockelman said.
Health Director Julie Federman said the town’s public safety team is working with state and regional entities to ensure the safety of all members of our community.
“Minimizing social gatherings and practicing strong social distancing and personal hygiene are key elements in this effort,” Federman said.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
