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The following is a press release

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Framingham – Today, the City of Framingham and the Framingham Public Schools announced that effective Friday, March 13, through Sunday, March 29, the City’s Library, Callahan Center and Loring Arena will be closed to the public, and all Framingham Public Schools will be closed for a minimum of two weeks to help minimize the spread of COVID-19.

All activities from the City’s Parks and Recreation Department will be canceled for the same time frame. Registration fees for the activities will be refunded. The City will reassess if the closure needs to continue beyond two weeks. Services essential to public health and safety – like police and fire responses and trash collection will continue as normal.

The City recognizes there are food insecure people in Framingham. We are working with community partners to provide information about access to food resources.

A more detailed message will be forthcoming, which will include additional resources.

“I understand this isn’t ideal for many residents, especially our students, older adults, and even employees. This decision will impact businesses and organizations, but the health and safety of our community is the number one priority,” said Mayor Yvonne M. Spicer. “We have been advised that the best way to slow the spread of this virus is to minimize contact. We must protect those who are most susceptible to COVID-19.”

The City’s role when it comes to infectious viruses like COVID-19 ranges from communication; monitoring those in isolation, quarantine, and social distancing situations; making decisions about closures and/or cancelations; and helping people facing disruptions in their lives.

The City also focuses on the continuity of critical City operations. The Framingham Department of Health follows public health guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

By editor

Susan Petroni is the former editor for SOURCE. She is the founder of the former news site, which as of May 1, 2023, is now a self-publishing community bulletin board. The website no longer has a journalist but a webmaster.