For Immediate Release - April 4, 2020
ORDER CLOSING SCHOOL PLAY AREAS AND PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES – EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
By the authority granted by the Northampton Board of Health pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws c. 111 § 30, Merridith O’Leary, Public Health Director for the City of Northampton, has issued an order that the following school play areas and parks and recreation facilities in the City of Northampton be completely closed to the public. This order shall include all play structures, whether on public property or private property, be closed to the public. This order shall not apply to play structures at private residential properties where such structure is not used in common between or among different household units.
School Play Areas Bridge Street School Jackson Street School Leeds School Ryan Road School JFK Middle School Northampton High School
Parks & Recreation Facilities Agnes Fox Park Arcanum Field
| Parks & Recreation Facilities (continued) |
“The very best way to protect ourselves and our families from this illness is to follow the statewide advisory urging everyone to stay home except for essential tasks, which include essential jobs that can’t be done at home, urgent medical appointments, grocery shopping or visits to the pharmacy,” shared Merridith O’Leary, Health Department Director. “When people are out among other people, it is crucial that they practice both social distancing and frequent, adequate, hand washing. It is perfectly fine to go outside for exercise, as long as social distancing practices are maintained.”
The Northampton Police Department shall serve as the enforcement authority of the Department of Health under this order.
For more information contact:
Merridith A O’Leary, R.S., Public Health Director
City of Northampton
(413) 587-1214