Coronavirus: Braintree Declares Local State Of Emergency

BRAINTREE, MA — Mayor Charles Kokoros has declared a local state of emergency to reduce the risk of exposure to the new coronavirus.

With this decision, Braintree officials have the ability to request state resources as necessary, direct operations and address emergency conditions as they arise.

Other Massachusetts communities have also declared local states of emergency. See what other towns are doing to combat COVID-19.

Here are the actions the town has taken as of Wednesday morning:

Town Closures and Cancellations:

• Town buildings are closed to the public.
• Town playgrounds are closed.
• Department of Elder Affairs programs and events are canceled.
• Town recreation activities and events are canceled.
• The Thayer Public Library is closed to the public but will offer curbside pick up and drop off in addition to online resources.
• Braintree Public Schools are closed, but students may pick up breakfast and lunch through a grab and go system.
• The recycling drop off center is closed.

Kokoros said staff will be on site at all locations and available by phone and e-mail to provide information and answer questions regarding available services.

The Braintree Food Pantry will remain open and will continue to operate during normal business hours, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday with curbside pick up. Residents in need of food assistance and who are not currently a client of the food pantry should contact the Marge Crispin Center by phone at 781-848-2124.

The town solicitor also filed a motion for a preliminary injunction asking the court to postpone the March 28 special election regarding the proposed debt exclusion.

During this public health emergency, Kokoros said he and the town’s public health officials will continue to monitor the situation closely in order to ensure that all necessary precautions are being taken to limit the potential spread of COVID-19.