3 July, 2020
Previous updates and additional information and resources can be found here: https://coronavirus-hopkintonma.hub.arcgis.com/
View full Update Release Above!
As of 7/2/20, Hopkinton’s Health Department is reporting 128 total confirmed COVID-19 cases; 7 of those
cases are active, with 108 recoveries and 13 deaths. You can see historical tracking and updates on
Hopkinton’s Community Impact Dashboard
This document contains a significant number of NEW UPDATE messages.
July 4th Holiday - NEW UPDATE
Town Hall and Municipal Offices are closed on Friday July 3rd, in observance of Independence Day. The
Hopkinton Recycling Center will be closed on Saturday July 4, 2020. The library book drop will be closed
and returns will NOT be accepted from 4:30 pm on Thursday 7/2 until 9:30 am on Monday 7/6.
Health officials are reminding residents that festivities and large gatherings including those over the July 4th
weekend encourage crowds and jeopardize public health. Under the Governor’s revised gatherings order,
groups of 10 or more individuals in close proximity in any confined indoor or enclosed outdoor space remain
prohibited. This limitation specifically applies to gathering such as fairs or festivals. Private outdoor
gatherings in backyards or parks are allowed as long as individuals residing in different households can
remain six feet apart.
The Hopkinton Police and Fire Departments would like to remind residents that fireworks are dangerous
and they are illegal in Massachusetts for anyone without a professional license. Out of respect for your
neighbors, and out of concern for safety for yourself - please do not light fireworks. Click here to learn more
about the dangers of fireworks.
Baker-Polito Administration Initiates Transition to Third Phase of Four-Phase Approach - NEW
UPDATE
Consistent with Public Health Data and Trends, Phase III of Reopening Massachusetts Set to Begin on July
6. The following businesses will be eligible to reopen in Step One of Phase III, subject to industry-specific
rules concerning capacity and operations: Movie theaters and outdoor performance venues; Museums,
cultural and historical sites; Fitness centers and health clubs; Certain indoor recreational activities with low
potential for contact; Professional sports teams, under the authority of league-wide rules, may hold games
without spectators. Full guidance and list of businesses eligible to reopen in Step One of Phase III can be
found at www.mass.gov/reopening. Businesses and sectors set to begin opening in Phase III are subject to
compliance with all mandatory safety standards. Click here to read the full Phase 3 Press Release.
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Fire Department Inspections - NEW UPDATE
Beginning Tuesday, July 7th the Hopkinton Fire Department shall resume scheduling and conducting home
smoke and carbon monoxide inspections required by M.G.L Chapter 148 Section 26F and 26F 1⁄2. Those
inspections deferred under Governor Baker’s COVID-19 Order No. 12 will have 90 days from the rescind
date, July 10, 2020 to have their inspection completed. For your family's safety, and those of our
Inspectors, increased precautions shall be taken while conducting home inspections and will be explained
upon scheduling your appointment. Please click here for a guide to selling your home in Hopkinton. Thank
you in advance for your cooperation.
Health Department Inspections - NEW UPDATE
The Hopkinton Health Department intends to resume the inspection of permitted establishments on July 7,
2020. The Department will screen the person in charge before entry. The inspections will be shorter in
duration than before. The report will be digital and emailed to the person in charge upon completion.
Parks and Recreation Playground Group starts July 6th at Center School - NEW UPDATE
Per the Hopkinton Board of Health, while Playground Group is in progress, the Center School Playground is
closed to the general public. Playground Group runs Monday thru Friday from 8:00am-5:30pm through
August 7th. Click here for more information on Hopkinton P&R Playground Group.
Updated Travel Guidelines - REMINDER
Effective today, Wednesday, July 1, all travelers arriving to Massachusetts, including residents returning
home, are instructed to self-quarantine for 14-days. This guidance does not apply to travelers from Rhode
Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, New York or New Jersey. Additionally, workers
designated by the federal government as essential critical infrastructure workers are also exempt from this
directive. More info here.
Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Releases Initial Fall School Reopening
Guidance:
On Thursday (6/25/2020), the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
released initial guidance for the reopening of schools in the fall. This guidance was developed through
extensive input from the medical community, educators, and parents and reflects the clear goal of
supporting the safe return of students and staff to our schools. Click here for the full document.
The Hopkinton Public Schools Reentry Advisory Group will meet for the first time on Tuesday evening, July
7, 2020 via Zoom.
Library To Begin Accepting Returns, Beginning Curbside Pickup:
We are pleased to announce that we will now be accepting returns on a limited basis! The book drop will be
open for returns from 9:30-4:30 weekdays beginning Monday, July 6. Please do NOT leave returns outside
the library when the book drop is closed. They may be lost or damaged and you will be responsible for the
resulting replacement fees. Click here for more information about returning your materials.
Starting on Monday, July 6th, we will be launching curbside pickup for patrons with new holds requests. You
may request items for pickup by placing holds through the library's online catalog. We can only fill holds on
items owned by, and currently available at, the Hopkinton library (no interlibrary loans). We will call you to
arrange a time for pickup when your items are ready. We anticipate a high volume of requests as we launch
this service; please bear with us. We will work as quickly as we can to get your items to you! Click here for
full information about our curbside pickup service, including instructions on finding items and placing holds.
Parks / fields / playgrounds:
Town athletic fields are now open under certain guidelines. More info can be found here. Playgrounds at
Sandy Beach, the Center School and EMC are open to the public. Face coverings are required when social
distancing isn’t practical. Playground signage listing the use requirements will be posted soon.
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Hopkinton Temporary Outdoor Dining Rules and Regulations:
Anticipating the reopening of restaurants for customer seating outdoors, the Select Board adopted
Temporary Outdoor Dining Rules and Regulations at its meeting on June 2. Restaurants must comply with
the State’s COVID-19 requirements, and the Town will expedite and streamline its associated review
process. Click here for guidelines.
Business owners / managers: Click here for the application
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Hopkinton also posts frequently on social media. Our Twitter is the best place to keep up with all
happenings Hopkinton. You don’t need an account to see our twitter feed:
https://twitter.com/HopkintonMA
Complete list of Emergency Orders and Guidance from Mass.gov
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-state-of-emergency
