Townsend

Townsend Continued Response to Coronavirus March 27, 2020

Townsend Continued Response to Coronavirus Concerns – March 27, 2020

The Town has not been advised of any cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in our community.  However, we continue to take actions to help manage further spread of the COVID-19 in the State.  Governor Carney declared a State of Emergency on March 18, 2020.  Since then there have been multiple modifications to meet emerging needs and provide clarifications.  The staff and Council of the Town of Townsend have been monitoring the situation and have participated in briefings to understand how the declaration may impact our community.

It is important to understand that these measures have been set to assist with managing the potential spread of COVID-19.  In support of the statewide effort to manage the spread of the coronavirus, the Town of Townsend are taking the following precautions.

Public Gatherings

The Governor’s Declaration request that non-essential public gatherings of 10 people or more be canceled to prevent community spread of coronavirus. 

• The Town of Townsend has canceled our annual Easter Egg Hunt originally scheduled for March 29, 2020.

• Per the Governor’s request, we also encourage anyone who is holding a public gathering of more than 10 people to review the Governor’s Declaration and consider canceling their event. 

Garbage and Recyclables Collection

Garbage and recycling services will continue as scheduled.  We have talked to officials at Waste Industries, a GFL company.  We are assured that garbage and recyclables will be collected as scheduled. Check out their website, https://wasteindustries.com/, for additional information. 

Town Election

Per Governor Carney’s State of Emergency, the local election in the Town of Townsend has been suspended until after the termination of the Governor’s order. 

Town Hall Operations

At this time, all scheduled Town Council, board and commission meetings will be held via conference call.  Residents will be able to view documents posted to the meeting tab on the Town website at www.townsend.delaware.gov.  Those wishing to attend may dial (425) 436-6359.  When directed, provide the following access code 695201# to enter the meeting.  If you choose to access the meeting online join the online meeting: https://join.freeconferencecall.com/towncall

• To provide for the health of our staff and residents, Town Hall offices will be closed to the public until further notice. We ask residents to use the drop box outside Town Hall for town correspondence or business.  Staff will be collecting items from the drop box and processing payments and correspondence.    

• Payments can be made electronically or by check or money order via the drop box outside our offices. Please do not drop off cash. 

• Town Staff continue to work and remain available via telephone, email and our drop box to serve our community. Our team remains committed to serving the needs of the Town. Please continue to monitor the town’s website for any updates.

• Maintenance and cleaning staff are working to assure that Town facilities are appropriately cleaned and maintained to provide for a safe environment.

• Town Council and staff will continue to monitor the situation. We will continue to work with State and County authorities to provide for the safety of residents and visitors in our community.

Town Park

The Town Park on Edgar Road remains open with limited use.

• Effective immediately and until further notice, all playground equipment, the basketball court and skateboard areas are closed for public use for the safety of public health and to combat the COVID-19 Pandemic. Park walking areas and open spaces remain open for exercise and fresh air. 

• To combat the COVID-19 Pandemic, park use is limited to individual or small groups. Gatherings and recreational activities of 10 or more are prohibited.  All are advised to use social distancing protocols while using the Park.  Information on social distancing practices can be found at https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/what-delawareans-can-do/.

Remember to wash your hands regularly, cover your cough and stay home if you are sick. It’s especially important for at-risk populations, specifically the elderly, to avoid large gatherings.

If you have questions about COVID-19 or exposure risk you can call the Division of Public Health’s Coronavirus Call Center at 1-866-408-1899 or TTY at 1-800-232-5460 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email DPHCall@delaware.gov.  For the latest on Delaware’s response, visit de.gov/coronavirus.

Mayor and Council,   Town of Townsend                     

V-2-ASM