LYNN — Mayor Thomas M. McGee announced Sunday night he was closing several public buildings in the city until further notice.
The drastic move is another step the city is taking to reduce the potential spread of the coronavirus.
Effective Monday, Lynn City Hall, the city’s Department of Public Works and the Lynn Public Library will be closed to the public. The mayor’s directive does not apply to the city’s emergency services, including the Lynn Police and Fire departments.
McGee’s statement came on the heels of Gov. Charlie Baker’s Sunday press conference where he announced he was closing all Massachusetts schools for at least the next three weeks and banning all gatherings of more than 25 people. The ban effectively closes the majority of public establishments.
“In light of this truly unparalleled situation, the city is taking these precautionary measures in order to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 within our own community,” said McGee in a statement. “As we work to mitigate this current public health emergency, we thank you in advance for your patience and understanding during this time.”
McGee said residents are encouraged to conduct any City Hall business by phone or online as much as possible. City officials are working to determine how to best continue to deliver necessary city services. Although city buildings will be closed to the public, they will continue to be staffed in order to address questions from residents.
The city will continue to post updates on the city website, social media and through the Smart 911 emergency notification system “as the situation evolves,” said McGee.
The statewide restrictions, which go into effect Tuesday and last through April 5, apply to any event that brings 25 people or more together in the same space, such as churches, gyms, theaters and workplaces.
The governor also ordered all dine-in restaurants and bars to close for a month, aside from offering takeout services. Grocery stores and pharmacies won’t be impacted.
All Lynn residents are encouraged to visit the City of Lynn Health Department “Coronavirus Resources” page at http://www.lynnma.org/coronavirus for more information and sign up for the Smart 911 updates at https://smart911.com.
Residents can call Lynn City Hall at 781-598-4000, Lynn DPW at 781-268-8000, or the Lynn Public Library at 781-595-0567, and follow the city website, www.lynnma.org., for updates.
Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.
