ROCHESTER — As of Tuesday, March 17, the town will close Town Hall and its annex and alter the meeting schedule in addition to measures that it has already taken to prevent the spread of coronavirus. 

“As this situation remains very fluid, we will continue to monitor events and will notify the public of additional actions, should they be needed,” a release read.  

Town Hall and the Annex offices will be closed to the public until further notice, but staff will be available by telephone during normal business hours.

The Council on Aging building will be closed to the public and all programs and activities will be cancelled until further notice; although meals distributed through the Council on Aging and medical transportation (for healthy seniors) will continue. Staff will still be available by telephone at 508-763-8723.

The Joseph H. Plumb Library will be closed until April 6. Staff will be available from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at 508-763-8600.

Rochester Memorial School, Old Rochester Regional School, and Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School will be closed March 16 through April 7.

The town will send further updates on municipal meetings.

Rochester is temporarily suspending all non-essential inspections or other activities that require entering a private residence with the exception of new construction. This does not apply to police or fire public safety services.

“These decisions were difficult ones as we understand that they will disrupt lives and operations, however, it is the right decision for the overall safety and well-being of our residents, staff, program participants, and committee and board members. They were made after significant review and discussions regarding all the information available locally, state-wide, nationally, and internationally,” the Board of Selectmen and Town Administrator wrote in their message.