City of Revere Response to COVID-19: April 3, 2020 Update
April 3, 2020
Customer Limits in Place at All Grocery and Large Essential Retailers
Support Available for Small Business Community
Revere Volunteer Network Exceeds 200
April 3, 2020 – The City of Revere’s Emergency Response Team continues to take proactive steps to slow community transmission of COVID-19 and prepare for further spread of the virus. As of today, April 3, 2020, the Revere Board of Health has been notified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health of 218 positive cases of COVID-19 in the City of Revere.
Shopper Limits in Place at All Grocery and Large Essential Retailers
On Wednesday, April 1, the City’s Inspectional Services department worked with all grocery stores and large essential retailers to begin limiting the number of shoppers allowed inside at once, based on total square footage and occupancy. In the interest of customer and employee safety, Market Basket, BJ’s, Target, Price Rite, Stop & Shop and Big Lots can allow no more than 140 customers inside at a time -- approximately 20 percent of the stores’ total occupancy limits. CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens, Rite Aid and PetCo are limiting customer counts to 24, and specialty grocer New Deal is limiting customers to 15 at a time. Shoppers should expect lines and practice social distancing and patience while waiting to enter. Any concerns related to social distancing in stores should be directed to Revere 311, which will notify Inspectional Services.
Small Business Support Available
City staff have been working with Revere’s small business community to help navigate COVID-related restrictions, provide assistance with applying to federal loan programs, and to explore available options for business continuity. Businesses may email smallbusiness@revere.org with questions, requests for assistance, or to receive ongoing updates about available programs. The account is being monitored by the City’s Economic Development staff.
Hundreds of Residents Join Volunteer Network
The City’s Outreach Team has received more than 200 submissions from residents interested in volunteer opportunities during the pandemic. Several have been assigned to senior wellness checks, delivering food to seniors and other vulnerable populations, and supporting local food pantry efforts. Bilingual volunteers are in particularly high demand. Individuals interested in joining the volunteer network can register at Revere.org. All volunteers must pass and complete a CORI check.
Mayor Arrigo is being briefed daily by members of his Emergency Response Team to coordinate efforts across City departments. He and City officials continue to join daily briefings with state and federal officials to coordinate containment strategies regionally. All updates for Revere residents are being shared regularly at Revere.org/coronavirus and via social media.
City Services Updates
- Mayor Arrigo declared a State of Emergency in the City of Revere on March 19, 2020.
- Effective Friday, April 3, parking restrictions are in place at Revere Beach and Governor Baker’s emergency order has prohibited all stationary activities on state beaches, as well as recreational activities that bring participants into close physical contact.
- There are no disruptions to basic City services provided by Revere Police, Fire, EMS, Department of Public Works and Revere 311.
- Residents should subscribe for email and text message notifications at revere.org/coronavirus.
- Revere 311 remains fully staffed and residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to reach the City by dialing 311 (or 781-286-8311) or emailing Revere311@revere.org.
- All City buildings are closed to the public until further notice, and services to residents remain available at Revere.org.
- All City parks and playgrounds are closed until further notice.
- Revere Public Schools’ grab-and-go meal services are available to all students and families at all eight school sites. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to any child that needs it on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Children will receive meals for multiple days at each pick up.
- A mutual aid informational packet for residents is now available on Revere.org, providing a wide range of resources related to issues like access to food, health care, transportation, housing rights and more. The online document will be updated daily at 4 p.m.
- The City of Revere has published a page that outlines resources for impacted small businesses, employers, non-profits, and/or workers. The page will be updated by City staff on an ongoing basis.
- The City of Revere’s volunteer database is open for individuals seeking to lend a helping hand over the next several weeks.
Actions for All Revere Residents to Take
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued a "Stay At Home" Advisory for all residents, and Governor Baker has prohibited gatherings of more than 10 people. Stay at Home means avoiding any unnecessary travel and activities for the next two weeks. Residents over the age of 70 or with underlying health conditions should limit interactions with other people as much as possible.
The Centers for Disease Control has advised the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus, and has provided a number of basic steps all citizens can take to protect themselves, including: washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with those who are sick, staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
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