Weekly News Roundup – 10/17/2020

Weekly News Roundup – 10/17/2020

Covid-19 Updates & Precautions • Safe Halloween Info • What’s on the Ballot and How to Vote in the 11/3 Election • Zoning Advisory Committee Public Forum 10/26 • Library Programs Update • Lake Maspenock extended drawdown OK’d by Conservation Commission • School Committee Actions Taken 10/1/20


Covid-19 Updates & Precautions

This page provides information, maps and resources about the coronavirus response in our local area.

Visit Hopkinton, MA – Coronavirus Response Hub

As of 10/14/20, Hopkinton’s Health Department is reporting 151 total confirmed COVID-19 cases; 4 of those cases are active, with 134 recoveries and 13 deaths. You can see historical tracking and updates on Hopkinton’s Community Impact Dashboard

The most recent update from Oct 14th includes:

  • Massachusetts Department of Public Health COVID-19 weekly Public Health Report
  • More to the Story – Mental Health Initiative
  • State public health officials offer tips for a safe and healthy Halloween
  • COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group

RELATED NEWS: 

In COVID-19 red zone: Milford, Shrewsbury, Holliston, Southborough, Hudson, Marlborough and Framingham

Milford, Holliston and Shrewsbury are latest communities in the region added to the highest risk category in the state Department of Public Health’s weekly report on the number of COVID-19 cases for every city and town in the state.

The state’s new numbers, which were released Wednesday, keep Framingham, Hudson, Marlborough and Southborough in the red zone. Holliston had dropped out of the red zone last week, but returned.

Independent Thoughts: Health director hopeful about safe Halloween

McAuliffe said he intends to “promote a standard Halloween with slight modifications.” Among the guidelines: Participating homes should illuminate their driveway, front porch or side porch. Candy should be placed on a porch or small table. Residents should remain inside, behind their storm door (at least 6 feet away). Children should only travel with nuclear family members, and families should stay distanced from each other. And of course everyone should wear face coverings, use sanitizer and thoroughly wash their hands when they return home.

Principal: Member of HMS community tests positive for COVID, but school still on

Hopkinton Middle School principal Alan Keller emailed HMS families Monday evening to announce that “a person in the HMS community has tested positive” for COVID-19.

 

Many ways to vote in the State and Presidential Election on November 3rd

Option 1 – Vote Absentee or by Mail
You should have already requested a mail in ballot in advance.

Option 2 – Vote Early In Person
Early voting in person will be offered from Saturday, October 17 until Friday, October 30 at the Hopkinton Senior Center at 28 Mayhew Street.

Option 3 – Vote on Election Day at the Middle School
Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Polls are open 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Hopkinton Middle School, 88 Hayden Rowe St

 

Public Notice: Zoning Advisory Committee Annual Public Forum

The Zoning Advisory Committee will hold its annual Public Forum on October 26, 2020 at 7:00 PM, remotely via Zoom.

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Library Corner, Oct. 14 edition

For more information on the October programs or other activities at the library, visit hopkintonlibrary.org. The library also can be found on Facebook, @hopkintonlibrary, and on Twitter, @HopkintonPLMA.

View details on the October Programs

 

Lake Maspenock extended drawdown OK’d by Conservation Commission

At last Tuesday’s Conservation Commission meeting, the commission voted to approve the Department of Public Works’ request to conduct the triennial 8-foot drawdown of Lake Maspenock in an effort to kill weeds at the bottom of the lake, despite concerns related to the current drought.
According to the town bylaws, the annual drawdown — normally 5 feet, but 8 feet every third year — starts between Sept. 15 and Oct. 1 (this year it was Oct. 1) and advances at an average rate of 1 inch per day, achieved by opening the low-level outlet gate approximately 2.5 inches. The drawdown continues until mid-December (depending on weather conditions). The hope is that by exposing the vegetation the winter freeze will kill the weeds.

School Committee Actions Taken 10/1/20

School Improvement Plans approved. Several policies were reviewed including Harassment, Tutoring for Pay, Livestream and School Committee Powers and Duties.

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