TOWN MEETING POSTPONED

March 13, 2020 @ 1:38pm:  After considering input from the Attorney General, Secretary of State, Board of Selectmen, Town Clerk, Emergency Management, and Town Counsel, Moderator Scott has determined that Town Meeting 2020 should be postponed until Saturday, May 16th, 2020 at 9:00am.

I have attached a letter from Moderator Scott as well as the advice memo from the Attorney General that he utilized in making this decision.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

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March 13th, 2020 @11:18am:  At this point the Town Moderator, Town Clerk, and Town Counsel are consulting with the Secretary of State and the Attorney General's offices to determine whether or not we are legally allowed to postpone Town Meeting, and to what date.  As soon as we have an answer - but in any case, no later than 6:00pm tonight - we will disseminate the information as widely as possible.

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At this time, Chester’s Town Meeting remains scheduled for Saturday, March 14th, 2020 at 9:00 am in the Multi-Purpose Room at Town Hall (84 Chester Street).

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to date, local and State officials, the WHO, CDC, and others have basically advised you to follow your mother’s advice for cold and flu season:

• Cover your mouth completely with a tissue to cough and sneeze, throw the tissue away, then wash your hands.
• Wash your hands with soap and hot water thoroughly throughout the day.
• Keep your fingers away from your mouth and eyes, and nose.
• If you’re sick, please stay home.

If you add social distancing (maintain 6 feet separation, no handshakes or high fives) to this list, it remains the best advice as we approach Town Meeting and any other group gatherings or contacts you may have in the near future.

In addition, we wish to share the following from the CDC:

“Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness.  People who are at higher risk are encouraged to avoid crowds as much as possible.” - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

What are we doing to prepare for Town Meeting?

• Chairs and tables will all be disinfected after set-up.
• We will have hand sanitizer available.  Hand sanitizer should not replace hand washing, though, and you are encouraged to do so frequently, especially after a ballot vote.
• Attendees are encouraged to spread out in the auditorium – do your best to place one or two seats between you and someone else.  Rows will be spread out as well.
• Bring your own pen or pencil for ballot votes.  We will also have a box containing golf pencils for you to take and keep, should you forget yours.

We fully understand and support everyone’s desire to attend the meeting, have their say, and cast their vote.  We also want everyone to be safe and healthy.  Please use your best judgment in this and in all health-related situations.