FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine — The Fort Fairfield town office is closed to the public beginning Thursday, March 19, and will remain closed until April 1 due to increased focus on social distancing amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
The town council meeting on Wednesday, March 18, was closed to public attendance, but was live-streamed on the internet, so that town officials could follow Gov. Janet Mills’ recommendations that public gatherings not exceed more than 10 people.
During the meeting, Town Manager Andrea Powers announced the closure of the town office, but said staff members will still be available to answer questions through phone calls and emails. The library, police and fire departments are also closed until April 1 but will remain staffed. Free WiFi is available in the area outside the library’s front entrance. The Fort Fairfield Parks and Recreation department has canceled all activities and events until March 30.
The town office, library, police and fire departments will remain closed until at least April 1, unless the governor’s office issues further guidelines regarding public workspaces and gatherings. The next town council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, but whether the meeting is open to the public will also depend on state guidelines.
Powers said that while there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus, or COVID-19, in Aroostook County, the town has been monitoring the pandemic situation occurring in Maine and across the country, and encouraged community members to seek out reliable sources of information.
“This is an unprecedented situation that changes daily, if not hourly, and the best thing we can do is plan and not panic,” Powers said. “Keeping connections between our town officials and community members is key right now.”
Members of the public with any questions can contact the town office at 207-472-3800 or by reaching out to specific town officials through their email addresses listed on the town’s website.
