15 April, 2020
Previous updates and additional information and resources can be found here: www.hopkintonma.gov/covid-19
While Town Hall and municipal buildings are physically closed to the public, we are open for business. Many transactions can be completed online, and we are available via phone and email to assist during regular business hours. A full Town Directory can be found here. A box at the front door of Town Hall may be used to drop off correspondence, applications, etc., and they may also be mailed or emailed. Parks, Playgrounds and Playing Fields are closed.
As of 11:00 a.m. on 4/15/20, Hopkinton’s Health Department is reporting 20 total confirmed
COVID-19 cases; 5 of those cases are active, with 15 recoveries and zero deaths. You can see
historical tracking and updates on Hopkinton’s Community Impact Dashboard:
https://arcg.is/15Wj8C
We are now towards the middle of the “surge” in the Commonwealth. Cases are expected to
continue to climb for at least a number of days, and local case numbers may not accurately
reflect the infections in our community. This is a critical time to help stop the spread. Please
stay home, and if you must go out, wear a mask, go out only for what you need and practice
social distancing. If you are asymptomatic and positive with COVID-19, you may not be aware
you have it; the use of the mask will reduce the risk that you spread the disease to others.
New Hopkinton Covid-19 Hub - NEW UPDATE
Hopkinton has launched a new and improved Covid-19 dedicated resource and information
hub. https://coronavirus-hopkintonma.hub.arcgis.com/. This new site includes many useful
links and often updated information. Please take a look and check back frequently.
COVID-19 Public Resources Map - NEW UPDATE
The COVID-19 Public Resources Map shows the location of resources available to the public
during COVID-19 pandemic, such as food banks, houses of worship and Project Bread site
locations. Please note the map is not inclusive of all resources, and is only as accurate as the
information that has been provided to MEMA. To access the map click here. To submit a new
public resource for consideration to the map, click Community Resource Form below
https://memamaps.maps.arcgis.com/apps/GeoForm/index.html?appid=ad09002e3...
Northeast Governors Join Forces - NEW UPDATE
Massachusetts has joined a multi-state Council to get people back to work and restore the
economy. Governor Charlie Baker said, "The Baker-Polito Administration looks forward to
participating in discussions with neighboring states and experts regarding the ongoing response
to the COVID-19 pandemic. Massachusetts also remains focused on efforts to expand testing,
ensure hospital capacity and provide the necessary PPE to those on the front lines to slow the
spread of COVID-19 in our communities." More info:
https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/massachusetts-joins-new-york-new-jersey...
Economic Impact (stimulus checks) - NEW UPDATE
A reminder that The Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service announced that
distribution of economic impact payments have begun, with no action required for most people.
However, some seniors and others who typically do not file returns will need to submit a simple
tax return to receive the stimulus payment. More info here:
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/economic-impact-payments-what-you-need-to-know
The IRS recently launched a new tool to track your payment:
https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment
Real Estate Tax Extensions:
The Town has elected to extend fourth quarter real estate taxes and tax exemption application
due dates to 6/1/2020, in addition to waiving certain fees and interest on late payments. Click
here for more info.
Hopkinton Public Library - NEW UPDATE
Residents who do not already have a C/W MARS library card can now be issued a temporary
card number. Click here to apply. A temporary card will enable you to access parts of our "digital
branch" that require sign-in. You must be a Massachusetts resident; some resources may only
be available to Hopkinton residents.
We continue to add virtual events to our schedule while the building is closed. Keep an eye on
our events calendar or social media for more information.
Library staff are available to answer questions about any library services or other information
you need via e-mail (hopkintonlibrary@hopkintonma.gov), phone (508-497-9777), or our new
chat-a-librarian service (click the blue "speech bubble" icon near the top of our webpage
between 10 am and 5 pm weekdays).
Hopkinton Urges Runners to Stay Home on Patriots Day - NEW UPDATE
Click here for more info.
Centralized Job Hub:
Massachusetts needs health care and human services professionals to staff healthcare sites
that are being created for COVID-19 patients. You can make a difference by providing aid and
comfort to those in need. There are employment opportunities for a variety of roles at temporary
care sites across the state. There are many paid positions available in both healthcare and
non-healthcare related fields. Find out more at https://www.mass.gov/joincovidteam
Hopkinton Public Schools:
The Hopkinton School Committee voted on April 9th, at their regularly scheduled meeting, to
eliminate April Vacation (April 21-24). The last day of school is now scheduled for June 17,
2020.
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Resources:
Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito announced expanded services for
anyone not safe at home during the COVID-19 stay-at-home order. SafeLink, the
Commonwealth’s statewide, 24/7, toll-free and confidential domestic violence hotline, is now
also providing support to survivors of sexual assault. Call the SafeLink hotline at (877) 785-2020
to get help and advocacy. Judges are also available 24 hours a day to process restraining
orders. Advocates are available in English and Spanish and can provide translation in more
than 130 languages. If you are experiencing violence within your home or concerned about a
loved one that may be experiencing violence, please call the SafeLink hotline for support and
resources. If you are in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.
Senior Services and Senior Center:
Hopkinton Senior Center staff continue to be available if you have questions, concerns, need
assistance obtaining food or have any other need during this time. Please contact us at
508-497-9730. Leave a message and your call will be returned promptly.
“Senior Center Without Walls” - check out the Senior Center website and Facebook page to see
what virtual programs are available. New programs are being added weekly that cover
exercise, language study, cooking and more! There is even a virtual coffee hours every week to
catch up with old and new friends. If you need assistance accessing these programs, please
call 508-497-9730 and we can help you connect.
Youth & Family Services:
Hopkinton Youth & Family Services has a resource page for behavioral health, substance use
recovery, and other resources to get help during the crisis that is regularly updated with new
resources. Y&FS Basic Needs Resource Sheet for COVID19 Can’t find what you need?
Contact us. Our office is available to help.
Stay Updated & More Resources:
You can find many resources and more information at www.hopkintonma.gov/covid-19
Hopkinton also posts frequently on social media. Our Twitter is the best place to keep up with
all happenings Hopkinton. You don’t need an account to see our twitter feed:
https://twitter.com/HopkintonMA
Complete list of Emergency Orders and Guidance from Mass.gov
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-state-of-emergency
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Please note - The next Hopkinton briefing for this week is scheduled for Friday afternoon.
Follow us on twitter for interim updates: https://twitter.com/HopkintonMA
