EASTHAMPTON — Mayor Nicole LaChapelle has ordered all public buildings, including schools, closed through the end of the year.
“My responsibility is to make sure that the public buildings are safe,” LaChapelle said.
Under the order, released last week, all public buildings are off-limits to the public with the exception of the lobby of the public safety complex at 32 Payson Ave. This is in keeping with city policy that has been in effect since mid-March.
LaChapelle described the pandemic situation as “very fluid,” and noted that the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems of city buildings are set to be evaluated to make sure that they don’t encourage the spread of COVID-19.
Until such a determination is made for a building, however, it won’t be opened to the public, the mayor said. This includes for in-person learning at school buildings.
Under the school reopening plan for Easthampton Public Schools, in-person learning for some populations is set to start on Oct. 13, depending on public health indicators, while the date for the implementation of a full hybrid model has yet to be determined. All students are starting learning remotely on Sept. 14.
“This is not really something different,” Superintendent Allison LeClair said of the order.
She said the district’s schools are going through an HVAC review, and that officials are doing everything they can to ensure that the buildings will be ready for students. LeClair is optimistic that in-person school for some students will return in October, given the measures being taken and public health metrics continuing to improve.
LaChapelle said that the closures are remaining in effect to protect municipal employees. She also said that the city has served the public with “very little issue.”
Those who wish to schedule in-person appointments with city departments, an option that has been available since July, can continue to do so, and they will take place outside of 50 Payson Ave., where tents have been set up.
The mayor also said that she is keeping an eye on the health guidance from the state on workers working in municipal buildings.
Bera Dunau can be reached at bdunau@gazettenet.com.