Coronavirus: Wakefield Declares Local State Of Emergency

WAKEFIELD, MA — Town officials declared a local state of emergency in Wakefield this week, freeing up the town to access funding sources and aid in decision-making protocols. The declaration will remain in effect until further notice.

Health officials also closed personal care services that cannot be provided at a distance of at least six feet. This includes hairdressers and barbers;,nail salons, massage services, body work services and body art.

Services conducted by a licensed health care provider, such as physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractors, acupuncture and mental health care, may be provided.

Related: Under Local State Of Emergency: What That Means In Massachusetts

The Town Council meeting scheduled for Monday, March 23 will proceed in a modified format.

1. Members of the public will not be allowed to attend Town Council meetings until further notice.
2. Any residents seeking to participate in the "Public Engagement" portion of the Meetings are encouraged to submit comments comment or issues at www.wakefield.ma.us/public-participation. Submissions must be received at least two hours prior to the start of a meeting. Written comments can also be submitted outside Town Hall, 1 Lafayette St., at the secure drop-box location (although online submission strongly requested).
3. Town Council Meeting agendas and packets will continue to be posted in the days prior to the meetings online on our Town’s website: www.wakefield.ma.us/town-council.
4. Town Councilors and other meeting participants, including presenters, are encouraged to participate remotely, via telephone conference. Presentations/materials will be available in meeting packets posted on the Town’s website.
5. Town Council Meetings will continue to be broadcast live on WCAT and live streamed on their Facebook feed (@WCATWakefield). They will also be posted on Facebook the following day by WCAT for on-demand viewing.

All Committees, Boards, and Commissions appointed by the Town Council are being encouraged to postpone any non-essential meetings. For any meetings that go forward, members are similarly encouraged to participate telephonically, via a dedicated conference line. The standard requirements for posting meeting notices and agendas will continue to be followed. Public comments may be submitted in the same manner as detailed above for Town Council meeting "Public Engagement." These protocols will remain in effect until further notice.

Read the full meeting announcement and guidance here.