Framingham Meetings Will Go On Amid Coronavirus — For Now

FRAMINGHAM, MA — As coronavirus spreads throughout the region, Framingham will not immediately stop holding public meetings — but officials are putting new protocols in place for residents who can't or don't want to venture into public.

In a statement Thursday morning, the city said that "regular and internal business, as well as mandated public hearings, council, board and commission meetings, will continue for now."

As of Thursday morning, there are seven public meetings scheduled in Framingham over the next week from City Council to the Planning Board. A Police Advisory Committee meeting on Thursday has been canceled, but all others were still on.

The city has set up an email address to accept comments from the public who don't want to attend the meetings in-person, publiccomment@framinghamma.gov. Officials advise sending comments at least two hours ahead of time. The city also streams most of the important meetings online.

So far, the parent of a student at Potter Road Elementary School has tested presumptive positive for COVID-19. Their child has developed symptoms, school officials say, and came into contact with about 95 people — a mix of students and staff.