Needham Reopening
Reopening Plan (updated October 28, 2020)
Massachusetts is currently in Phase 3, Step 2 of Reopening
Beginning June 1, 2020, all Town buildings except for the Center at the Heights and Needham Free Public Library will reopen to the public by appointment only.
Programming at the Center at the Heights will remain virtual for the time being. The Library is now offering curbside pickup service for books and other materials.
To book appointments, please visit the Town Departments webpage and select your intended department. Each department will have their own plans for servicing the public you may also call Town Hall during business hours Monday - Friday for assistance 781.455.7500.
Announcements
State Travel Restrictions in Place
All visitors entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, who do not meet an exemption, are required to:
Complete the Massachusetts Travel Form prior to arrival, unless you are visiting from a lower-risk state designated by the Department of Public Health.
Quarantine for 14 days or produce a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72-hours prior to your arrival in Massachusetts.
If your COVID-19 test result has not been received prior to arrival, visitors, and residents must quarantine until they receive a negative test result.
Failure to comply may result in a $500 fine per day.
Please find more information, including the list of lower-risk states here.
Free Parking in Needham
To help support local businesses, all parking meters will be free through the end of 2020.
Resident Information
Town Government
Town Buildings open June 1 by appointment only.
Under this initial reopening, any member of the public entering a Town building or facility must wear a face covering while in the building. In addition, the public is asked to maintain physical separation from employees and other visitors of at least six feet. Markings will be located on the floor to provide guidance and plexiglass barriers have been installed at customer-facing counters for protection. Buildings will be locked and those with appointments will need to ring the doorbell for entry. Only one person at a time will be allowed at a counter for service.
Any individual who has symptoms of COVID-19 is asked to stay home and reschedule their appointment.
Many departments offer residents and businesses the ability to conduct transactions by phone, online or by mail. Individuals should check with their intended department to see if there are options for service in lieu of in-person.
The Town is taking numerous precautions to protect the health and safety of the public and employees.
The first phase of the Town’s reopening plan allows staff to return to their offices within the state’s guidelines. All employees will be required to wear face coverings in shared offices and in communal space such as lobbies, restrooms and hallways.
Employees will be required to sanitize high-touch areas frequently, including the plexiglass divider and counter between customers.
Employees are also required to check for COVID-19 symptoms daily before entering offices. Those who display symptoms must remain at home.
Future phases of reopening will depend on public health measures and will be announced when they are determined. The Town will follow the State and CDC guidelines, but may choose to take additional precautions beyond those.
What's Open Under State Rules
Governor Baker's Reopening Plan
Governor Baker released the Massachusetts Re-opening plan on May 18, 2020. The plan details a 4 Phase Approach to re-opening the state during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Requirements & Resources for Businesses
All businesses must meet certain state requirements before opening.
- COVID-19 control plan template – Template that satisfies the written control plan requirement for self-certification
- Compliance attestation poster – Poster that customer facing businesses are required to print, sign, and post in an area within the business premises that is visible to workers and visitors
Information for Older Adults
The Center at the Heights remains closed until further notice. Many programs and services are still being offered virtually.
Springwell Elder Services Lunch Delivery: Signup and receive a cold boxed lunch Monday through Friday, delivered by Council on Aging drivers who will leave the meal at your doorstep. You must be 60 years of age or older to receive this service. Please call 781-855-3629 to sign up.
Trader Joe’s Grocery Delivery Service: Receive a weekly bag of staple items from Trader Joe’s. The bag will be delivered to your doorstep by Council on Aging drivers once a week. The charge is $20, scholarships are available. Please note, we are unable to accommodate specific requests or substitutions. Please call 781-855-3629 for more information or to sign up.
Phone-Pal Program: The CATH has partnered with Youth and Family Services enabling student volunteers an opportunity to reach out and chat with older adults to minimize feelings of isolation and build community connection. Call us at 781-855-3629 or email sfallon@needhamma.gov to become part this new program.
Daily CATH Highlights Email: To get our daily CATH updates complete with suggestions for exercise, brain games, news updates, stress relievers and even some comic relief; email akelley@needhamma.gov or call us at 781-855-3629 and leave a message with your name and email address.
Mask Delivery: Needham Seniors use this Mask Request Form or call the Center to sign up to have a face mask delivered to your home. Thanks to the volunteer group Be Kind Needham and generous community donors including local company, Rafi Nova, we have a limited supply of masks available.
SHINE: In-Person appointments cannot be conducted at this time. If you need assistance with Medicare related issues, call 781-453-8076 and leave a message. Someone will return the call as soon as possible.