Portland closes schools, senior center amid outbreak

PORTLAND — Schools and the Senior Center have been closed and recreation activities suspended as the town attempts to do its part to try and stall the spreading coronavirus pandemic.

Following an emergency meeting of the Board of Selectmen Saturday afternoon, and select members of the town staff, First Selectwoman

Susan S. Bransfield declared a “local civil preparedness emergency.”

“The buildings and programs of the Portland Senior Center (including the Food Bank), Parks and recreation, Library and Youth services will remain closed through March 27,” Bransfield in a statement that was issued following the meeting.

In addition, schools will also remain closed through March 27.

Details about students’ remote learning and the schools’ food service program can be found on the school system’s website, www.portlandctschools.org.

Town Hall will remain open on its regular schedule, Bransfield said.

However, entrance into and exit from the Town Hall will be limited to the rear of the building opposite the Veterans Memorial.

What’s more, anyone entering the building – including staff – “must apply hand sanitizer” upon entering the building and prior to leaving the building.

As much as possible, Bransfield asked residents to avoid coming to Town Hall if at all possible.

“Staff can be reached by phone and/or email,” she said on Sunday afternoon.

Recognizing the burden having the Food Bank closed places on any number of residents, Bransfield said she will devote much of her time on Monday “to make alternative arrangements to get food bank resources distributed.”

Bransfield said she hopes to have the alternative arrangements in place by noon Tuesday the 17th.

The school system is also working on arranging an alternative for the School Food Service for all children under the age of 18, she said.

Again, parents (and the students themselves) should access the school system’s website for details once the plans are finalized, she said.

Bransfield and the selectmen were joined at the meeting Saturday afternoon by Fire Chief Robert Shea, Emergency Management Director Don Gouin, Chatham Health Director Russell Melmed, and the town’s IT Department members Kevin Armstrong and

David Kuzminski.

Superintendent of Schools Philip B. O’Reilly and Selectman Ralph R. Zampano both took part via telephone.

Superintendent-designate Charles Britton also attended the meeting.

At least in the near term, Bransfield said the selectmen will continue with their regular meeting schedule.

However, the meetings will eb closed to the public.

The town is working on ways to enable residents to see and take part in the meetings electronically.

Bransfield said she will update the situation every day at noon on the town’s website, www.portlandct.org.