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Press Release from Town Administrator Lori Radke Regarding Town Meeting Scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2020

Distributed: Friday, March 13, 2020
Posted on: March 13, 2020 - 12:49pm
Hollis

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT - TOWN MEETING & COVID-19

At this time, Hollis’ Town Meeting will continue as planned at the Hollis-Brookline High School Gymnasium, Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 10:00 am.

We all share the goal of having residents attend the meeting, participate in the deliberative process, and cast their vote. We also want everyone to be safe and healthy. Unfortunately, because the incidence of COVID-19 is anticipated to increase in the general population over the next several months, the town’s leadership team, which includes elected officials, determined it would not seem prudent to simply postpone Hollis’ Town Meeting to a later date. Additionally, there are a number of articles on the warrant that require timely action so municipal operations are not interrupted.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to date, Local and State officials, the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and others have advised everyone to adhere to the following precautions:

  • Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow;
  • Wash your hands thoroughly throughout the day;
  • Keep your fingers away from your mouth;
  • If you’re sick or not feeling well, please consider not attending the meeting.
  • Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes are asked to stay home.

Social distancing (maintain 6 feet separation, no handshakes or high fives) remains the best advice as we approach Town Meeting and any other group gatherings, or contacts you have in the near future.

What are we doing to prepare for town meeting?

  • We will have hand sanitizer available.
  • Hand sanitizer should not replace hand washing, and you are encouraged to do so frequently, especially after a ballot vote.
  • Supervisor’s and ballot clerks will have gloves available to use while handling ballots.
  • Attendees are encouraged to spread-out in the gym, maintaining the recommendations of social distancing
  • Everyone will be handed a pencil to use for the day and keep with them, or you may choose to bring your own writing utensil with you.

Note on surgical masks:

These are a good practice if you are sick and need to go into a doctor’s appointment or some other essential function where you will contact others. They do not, however, provide the appropriate filtration if you are trying to prevent the spread of what you have or are trying to avoid exposure to COVID-19. The bottom line is that if you are sick and decide to attend but wear a surgical mask, you are possibly still going to spread whatever you have. If you are not sick and wear a surgical mask, you are still at risk of getting COVID-19 if you are exposed to it.

It is our intent to do everything practical to help streamline the Town Meeting program and minimize interpersonal contact/exposure. The Town is making preparations to configure and prepare the Town Meeting space to promote best practices in social distancing and sanitation.

The point of contact for this press release is Town Administrator, Lori Radke at 465-2209 ext.101.