Concord Coronavirus: Fire, Police Departments Limit Public Access

CONCORD, MA — The Town of Concord's police and fire departments are shifting their policies this week in response to the new coronavirus in an effort to protect the health of first responders and residents and prevent the spread of the illness.

In a release Tuesday morning, the town announced police and fire departments will, until further notice, be handling non-emergency calls over the phone or through an intercom speaker system set up in the front vestibule fo the departments.

The release states both departments will still be responding to emergency 911 calls as usual.

Police Chief Joseph O'Connor and Fire Chief Thomas Judge ask anyone who calls fire or police dispatch centers to disclose whether or not they are experiencing any flu-like symptoms. Further, dispatchers have been told to ask callers questions about their health.

A spokesperson for the departments told Patch public access to police and fire stations will be limited, but members of both departments will be available should someone go to the station in person.

Concord police have also suspended the medication and sharp drop-off program until further notice.

Anyone with questions can call the Concord Police Department business line at 978-318-3400.

Information about the COVID-19 virus can also be found on the town's website.