Swansea Limits Services Amid Fourth Week In Coronavirus Red Zone

SWANSEA, MA—The Town of Swansea is limiting some of its services and urging residents to follow COVID-19 guidelines following the report that it remains a high-risk "red zone" for the fourth week in a row.

According to the latest data released by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on, Swansea had a total of 115 positive cases in the two weeks leading up to December 3.

"As the holidays approach, it is imperative that everyone does their part to stop the spread of COVID-19," Town Administrator Mallory Aronstein said in a press release on Monday. "Due to our continued 'Red' designation, the Town of Swansea will limit some of our services to ensure the health and safety of our residents and staff.

"As always, we urge residents to wear their masks, abide by social distancing guidelines and closely follow all other COVID-19 guidance," she continued.

Due to the Swansea's sustained "red zone" designation, the town announced that it has reverted back to Phase 3, Step 1 of Gov. Charlie Baker's four-phase approach for reopening. The following guidelines are in place as a result:

• Outdoor performance venue capacity will remain at 25% with a max of 50 people
• Indoor theaters and performance venues remain closed
• Arcades and indoor/outdoor recreation businesses with activities such as trampolines, obstacle courses, roller rinks, and laser tag must remain closed
• Fitting rooms must remain closed
• Gyms, museums, libraries, and driving/flight schools must keep their capacity at 40%
• Outdoor gatherings at event venues and in public settings will be limited to 50 people and cannot increase to 100

Along with returning to Phase 3, Step 1 guidelines, the town has also temporarily closed the Swansea Free Public Library, offering library services only through contact-free curbside pickup, home delivery, virtual programming, and telephone services during reduced hours of operation.

The Council On Aging also remains closed to the public, yet will continue to offer the following services Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.and until 5 p.m. on Wednesdays:

• Transportation
• SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Everyone)
• Grocery Assistance
• Meals on Wheels
• Virtual Programming
• Technology with Tables
• Swansea COA Fun Page
• Activity Packets

The Swansea Town Hall and Town Hall Annex continue to operate with limited public access. Residents are asked to call individual departments if they are in need of additional information.

Swansea residents with questions about the guidelines in place should contact the Swansea Board of Health at 508-324-6704.