As you have to be aware, there are cases of people infected with Covid-19 in our state. (So far, no public word of any in town.) To reduced the potential for quickly spreading the virus in our community, public officials have begun cancelling some events.
At this point, no one has publicly announced the cancellation of all events for this reason. But last night and this morning, I had to post cancellations to some events that draw larger than average population pools for the schools and Senior Center this week.
The Senior Center is already announcing the cancellation of their largest March events. And the schools may cancel more “non-essential” events as the situation develops.
I’m still receiving information on upcoming events that groups want to promote. But I’m wary that at least some will be cancelled. Rather than not sharing, I will be including a caveat with posts, advising readers to look for updates before they show up.
As of this morning, the Southborough Library is continuing to hold its scheduled programs. (They don’t have any large events planned in the next few weeks.)
Here is the latest on plans by the Senior Center and public schools:
The Southborough Senior Center
Currently, the center is still open and smaller activities and classes will be held. Events that attract crowds larger than 20 people are cancelled for March.* Initially those were:
- Wednesday Matinee (Knives Out)
- Dull Men’s Club
- St. Patrick’s Day Party
- Wright’s Chicken Farm bus trip
- Talk with Judge Susan Sullivan
Since added to the list of cancellations for the month are:
- Book Club
- Exciting Women’s Club
- Debate Club
- Neary Folk Music Performance
- Senior Songsters
The Center has promised to notify me if more events are cancelled.
Southborough – Northborough Public Schools
Yesterday, the district announced cancellation of Family Math Night. It included an explanation that “non-essential” events were being evaluated. I was then alerted of two more cancellations of large gatherings planned at schools (Putting for Patients and Trottier’s Night of Song.)
At this point, you shouldn’t assume all school related events are cancelled. (After all, some of these just bring together the same students who are already in classes and cafeterias with each other.) But I would keep an eye out for school communications before heading to any.
Here is yesterday’s message to parents of students in the lower schools:
Due to the current COVID-19 virus status, the District is evaluating all non-essential events being hosted by the District. This evaluation will be done on a weekly basis or as new information evolves. As a result of the present evaluation, the District is postponing the Family Math Night scheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2020.
The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and community are our highest priority. If you have any questions, please reach out to the building principal or Mary Ellen Duggan, District Wellness Coordinator.
Respectfully,
Gregory L. Martineau
Superintendent of SchoolsMary Ellen Duggan, RN
Wellness CoordinatorDr. Safdar Medina
School Physician
Updated (3/10/20 10:30 am): I was able to confirm that at tonight’s “Pre-Town Meeting” during the Board of Selectmen Meeting, officials will discuss the potential impact/contingency plans for upcoming Annual Town Meeting.
*Updated (3/10/20 2:07 pm): The Senior Center’s website clarified that their current policy is to cancel programs with over 20 attendees and added to the list of cancelled programs.
