Swampscott Stay-at-Home Order FAQ
In an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the community, at a public meeting on March 25, the Select Board and Board of Health voted unanimously to issue a Stay-at-Home Order for the Town of Swampscott, which makes mandatory Governor Baker's Stay-at-Home Advisory issued on March 24. This order requires residents to remain in their homes except for essential activities, including when they are at work; or for permitted activities, such as taking care of others, obtaining necessary supplies, and for their health and safety and the health and safety of others. To view the order in its entirety, click HERE.
Below are some FAQs that clarify aspects of the order. Please click on the question to be directed to the answer, or scroll through the questions and answers below.
- When does the order take effect?
- Where does the order apply?
- Is this mandatory or recommended?
- How will this order be enforced?
- What is an essential activity?
- Will the grocery store/pharmacy still be open?
- Can I leave my home to exercise?
- Can I still order take/out delivery from restaurants?
- Can I visit friends and family?
- Can I walk my dog or go to the veterinarian?
- Can I take my kids to the park?
- Can I get my groceries and online orderes delivered?
- Can I go to the hair salon, spa, nail salon, or barbershop?
- Can I leave my home to do laundry?
- Can I take my child to daycare?
- Can I pick up meals for my child or family member?
- Will public transportation, ridesharing, and taxis continue?
- Will roads in Swampscott be closed?
- What if I still have to go to work?
- What is an essential business?
- What if I think my business should be closed but they're still asking me to report to work?
- A certain service is essential for me, but the Governor didn't include it. What do I do?
- What is the guidance for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
- Can I attend a religious service?
- Will curbside trash and recycling be picked up?
- What if my home is not a safe environment?
- Is a "Stay-at-Home" Order the same as a "Shelter-in-Place" Order?
- Should I stock up on food, necessities, and medicines?
- Can I drive to the beach?
- How can I get medical care?
- How do I stay informed?
- When does the order take effect?
The Stay-At-Home Order takes effect Thursday, March 26 at 12:00 PM and lasts until Monday, May 4, which is in line with the current school closure schedule in Massachusetts.
- Where does the order apply?
The Stay-At-Home Order applies to the entire Town of Swampscott.
- Is this mandatory or a recommendation?
This order is mandatory. For the safety of all Town residents, people must stay home to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- How will this order be enforced?
Staying home is critical to reducing the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Adhering to the order will save lives, and it is the responsibility of every Town resident to do their part. However, if the order is not followed, the Swampscott Police will work with the Swampscott Board of Health to enforce this order, which is permitted under Mass General Law Chapter 111 Section 52 to issues fines.
- What is an essential activity?
Essential activities include but are not limited to activities for health and safety, necessary supplies and services, outdoor activity, certain types of essential work, and to take care of others. CLICK HERE to view a full list of essential activities or click here to see a flyer.
- Will the grocery store/pharmacy be open?
Yes, grocery stores and pharmacies will continue operating along with other essential services including, but not limited to gas stations, pharmacies, police stations, fire stations, hospitals, and public transportation.
- Can I leave my home to exercise?
Outdoor exercise such as running or taking a walk is acceptable. However, gyms, fitness centers and associated facilities will be closed to reduce the spread of the COVID-19. While exercising outside, you still should practice social distancing by running or walking at least 6 feet away from other people.
- Can I still order take out/delivery from restaurants?
Yes, restaurants can continue to provide curbside pickup, takeout and delivery services but are closed to dine-in patrons. For a full list of restaurants that are still open, click HERE.
- Can I visit friends and family?
For your safety, as well as the safety of all Swampscott residents, you should remain at home to help fight the spread of COVID-19. You may visit family members who need medical or other essential assistance, such as ensuring an adequate food supply.
- Can I walk my dog or go to the veterinarian?
You are allowed to walk your dog and seek medical care for your pet should they require it. Practice social distancing while out on walks, maintaining at least 6 feet from other neighbors and their pets. The Swampscott Dog Park is closed.
- Can I take my kids to the park?
Open spaces and parks remain open. Families will be able to go outside and take a walk, run or bike ride, but they should continue to practice social distancing by remaining 6 feet away from other people. Playgrounds are closed because they pose a high risk of increasing spreading the virus
- Can I get my groceries and online orders delivered?
Yes, you can still receive packages, get groceries delivered, and get meals delivered.
- Can I go to the hair salon, spa, nail salon, or barber shop?
No, these businesses are ordered closed as they are deemed non-essential.
- Can I leave my home to do laundry?
Yes. Laundromats, dry cleaners and laundry service providers are considered essential businesses.
- Can I take my child to daycare?
Per the State order issued on March 18, 2020, daycares are currently closed except for daycare facilities authorized to offer Emergency Childcare Programs.
- Can I pick up meals for my child or family member?
Yes, Swampscott Public Schools, Swampscott Senior Center, and Anchor Food Pantry are providing free meals and supplies: Meals for all public:- Monday-Friday free lunch pick-up at Swampscott High School from 11:00am-1:00pm
- Meals for Seniors: Monday-Friday Meals on Wheels pick-up or delivery for people 60+. Call Senior Center for information (781-596-8866).
- Bag of staples for all Public & Seniors: A bag of food staples available weekly to all. Call Senior Center for information (781-596-8866)
- Will public transportation, ridesharing and taxis continue?
Public transportation, ridesharing and taxis should only be used for essential travel.
- Will roads in Swampscott be closed?
No, the roads will remain open. You should only travel if it is for your health or essential work or for permitted activities.
- What if I still have to go to work?
You should stay home unless your work is an essential function such as a health care provider, grocery store clerk or first responder. If you have been designated essential by your employer, you should continue to go to work and practice social distancing. A list of essential businesses can be found in the Governor’s executive order by clicking HERE.
- What is an essential business?
Essential businesses and services include but are not limited to grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, police stations, fire stations, hospitals, doctor’s offices, health care facilities, trash pickup, public transit, and public service. A list can be found in the Governor’s executive order if you CLICK HERE.
- What if I think my business should be closed, but they’re still asking me to report to work?
Essential businesses will remain open during the stay-at-home order to provide services that are vital to the lives of Swampscott Residents. If you believe your business is nonessential but still are being asked to show up to work, you may discuss it with your employer.
- A certain service is essential for me, but the governor didn’t include it. What do I do?
The stay-at-home order was issued to protect the health, safety and well-being of Swampscott Residents. Although some businesses such as fitness centers and salons will be closed, essential services will always be available. For a list of essential businesses that will continue to operate during the order, Click HERE.
- What is the guidance for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities?
State-operated developmental centers, intermediate care facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities and community integrated living arrangements will continue to provide care. All in-home direct care staff are considered essential staff and should continue to support individuals in the home setting. If you have specific questions about your support and services, reach out to your provider or individual service coordination agency.
- Can I attend a religious service?
Large gatherings, including large church services, are suspended to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Religious leaders are encouraged to continue livestreaming services, while practicing social distancing with one another.
- Will Curbside Tash & Recycling still be picked up?
Yes. Curbside Trash & Recycling will still be picked up on your normal schedule. If you need to purchase Overflow Stickers, they can be purchased at a cost of $2 per bag by sending a written request to: Overflow Stickers, 22 Monument Ave., Swampscott, MA 01907, along with payment, and the stickers will be mailed back to you at your home address. Purchasing Overflow Stickers in-person at Town Hall is not allowed during this emergency. The pink bag Simple Recycling program has been suspended until further notice.
- What if my home is not a safe environment?
If it is not safe for you to remain home, you are able and encouraged to find another safe place to stay during this order. Please reach out so someone can help. You can call the domestic violence hotline at (877) 785-2020 or the Swampscott Police Department at (911).
- Is a “Stay at Home” Order the same as a “Shelter in Place” Order?
This is a “Stay at Home” Order and is a somewhat less restrictive version of a “Shelter in Place” Order. Most Swampscott residents have been staying at home for several days already
- Should I stock up on food, necessities like toilet paper, and on medicines?
Please continue to buy normal quantities of these items on the same schedule you normally do. This will ensure that there is enough for everyone. Whenever you are out, remember to practice social distancing.
- Can I drive to the beach?
Try to avoid going out. It is imperative that we limit our contact with others and for that, we need to stay home. If you do, please limit social distancing.
- How can I get medical care?
If you develop symptoms such as fever, cough and/or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or have recently traveled from an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19, stay home and call your healthcare provider.
If you suspected you have COVID-19, please call your healthcare provider in advance so that proper precautions can be taken to limit further transmission. Older patients and individuals who have severe underlying medical conditions or are immunocompromised should contact their healthcare provider early, even if their illness is mild. Your health care provider will determine if you have signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and whether you should be tested.
If you, or someone near you has severe symptoms, including persistent pain or pressure in the chest, mental confusion, unconsciousness, or bluish lips or face; dial 911 and seek emergency care immediately.
Nonessential medical care such as eye exams and teeth-cleaning should be postponed. When possible, health care visits should be done remotely. Contact your health care provider to see what telehealth services they provide.
- How do I stay informed?
For up-to-the-minute information on Swampscott’s COVID-19 news, please stay tuned to the Swampscott Facebook page and the daily updates about COVID-19 on the Town website.
LIST OF ESSENTIAL ACTIVITIES
Individuals may leave their residence only to engage in the following allowable individual activities:
- Perform tasks essential to maintain one’s own health and safety, or the health and safety of family or household members (including pets), such as obtaining medicine or medical supplies, or visiting a health care professional
- Pick-up necessary services or supplies for oneself, family or household members
- Deliver services or supplies to others to maintain the safety, sanitation, and essential operation of residences (including volunteers)
- Engage in outdoor activity, such as walking, hiking or running if maintaining social distancing
- Perform work that provides essential products and services at a business that has been deemed essential by Governor Baker’s state order.
- Care for a family member or pet in another household
- Care for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities, or other vulnerable persons
- Visit an educational institution for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning
- Visit a food bank or food distribution center for meals or supplies
- Travel as required by law enforcement or court order
- Travel to childcare services for employees of essential businesses per Governor Baker’s order.