Coronavirus: Hingham Closes Schools, Town Offices

HINGHAM, MA — Hingham Public Schools will be closed for the next two weeks amid the coronavirus pandemic. Hingham Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Austin announced on Friday that the situation would be reevaluated ahead of a planned reopening of March 30.

Dr. Austin said the state told him that while district-wide closing were not recommended as of Friday morning, the town is taking the proactive test in hopes of mitigating the spread of the disease in the region. He said there is no known positive test for coronavirus in the town as of Friday.

"Although we firmly believe this is the right decision at this time, it is not an easy one," Dr. Austin said. "Hingham students and families relay on public schools as a key component of the larger community. In addition to academics, students receive special education, health, nutrition and social service support from our schools. We are aware of the interrupting these services may cause. We are also aware of the difficulty that many families will have trying to balance daycare with their professional and personal responsibilities. In short, we know closing schools causes a major disruption in the community and this decision has been made after careful consideration."

Hingham town officials also announced Friday night that all town offices, not including the landfill and Rafael's, will be closed effective immediately through at least March 22. Hingham police announced they have also canceled all firearms licensing and fingerprint appointments until at least March 22.

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