COVID UPDATE Robocall - April 9, 2020
This is Mayor David Narkewicz of the City of Northampton with updates on the COVID-19 health emergency. We have been issuing almost daily updates online, so be sure to check the city’s website and your local news sources often for the latest information.
The Director of Public Health and I have issued a series of orders to ensure social distancing in businesses, city parks and recreation areas, construction sites, and more. I sympathize that this pandemic has resulted in a major disruption in all of our normal lives, but we must work together and make the sacrifices necessary to keep everyone safe.
Our mission is simple: to slow down the spread of this disease to allow for health care systems to catch up. Our message is even simpler: STAY HOME. If people must leave home for an essential trip, I ask that they send the fewest number of family members possible, spend as little time out as possible, and protect yourself by practicing good personal hygiene and diligent social distancing. The Centers for Disease Control also recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.
Now is not the time to circumvent public health orders designed to save lives. Please avoid all places where people continue to gather in violation of the closures and advice we have issued. Violations are subject to police enforcement, but I implore residents to take personal responsibility and follow both the spirit and intent of these orders.
Finally, I recently announced an extension of due dates for city tax and fee payments acting under the authority of an emergency state law. That law also requires me to provide this public notification. For more information about the extension, please visit our website or contact the appropriate city department by phone or email.
Thank you for listening and for your continued help in slowing the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus in our community. From my family to yours, please stay safe and healthy and together we will get through this.