Coronavirus Surge Closes Swampscott Town Hall To Walk-In Visitors

SWAMPSCOTT, MA —Swampscott is rolling back the public's access to town hall as of Monday due to a "dramatic" rise in coronavirus cases in the town and regionally.

Swampscott Town Manager Sean Fitzgerald announced on Wednesday that starting Monday the town hall will be open for "extraordinary circumstances by appointment only."

Fitzgerald said the rollback of access is due to the town's effort to minimize community spread and help protect residents and employees.

"In the last month alone, there have been 72 new positive COVID-19 cases in Swampscott," Fitzgerald said. "Last week, we reported the highest weekly rate of new cases since the pandemic started in March.

"We hope that the closure of town hall will send a message to our community to please stay home unless necessary, and also encourage our Swampscott business community to roll-back operations where possible and double-down on all safety measures."

Residents will need to contact the town office through telephone or online and a determination will be made whether the services can "practically take place online, via telephone or email, and whether an in-person appointment is necessary."

Taxes can be paid through a secure mail drop located near the entrance to Swampscott Town Hall. This is open 24 hours, seven days a week, and is monitored throughout the day. Those using the drop box are asked to make sure the deposit is in a sealed envelope with bill information.

All tax bills mailed have a remittance slip and a return envelope to be mailed back.

Bills can also be paid online here.

Hours for the Senior Center, Public Library and other town facilities have not changed — at this time.

Related Patch Contest: Swampscott Adds More Free Coronavirus Testing Hours For Residents