The following statement was released from Town Manager Bob LeLacheur
Reading, MA – March 16, 2020 – Emergency Management in Reading is coordinated using a formal Incident Command System (ICS). The ICS enables effective incident management by integrating the many components (people, resources, etc.) under a common framework. Reading employees are acknowledged to be among the best-trained personnel in the state for such incidents.
For our response to the Covid-19 virus, we are operating under what is called a Unified Command. Members include Emergency Management Director/Fire Chief Greg Burns, Police Chief David Clark, Board of Health Chair Emmy Dove, Superintendent John Doherty and Town Manager Bob LeLacheur. This Command group develops the overall incident goals, objectives, and strategy – and relies heavily on input from other formal ICS Sections, all of which are comprised of Reading (town, school, RMLD) employees and the Board of Health members.
Today Command met with our local Board of Health, who will be issuing guidance for the community.
In response to their guidance, please note that Town Hall will be closed to the public effective immediately and through March 27th. We will provide updates on how the public may remotely access our services as soon as possible.
After a discussion with members Alvarado and Dockser, the Select Board will meet on Tuesday, March 17 and take up an abbreviated agenda. They will NOT vote to make any parking changes under their 8:00 pm Hearing, in consideration of the lack of public participation.
We are all facing a challenge none of us have seen before. Everyone will need to make significant adjustments to their daily lives – and the role each of you plays in following guidelines and keeping well informed with the facts is the single most important response we need from our community.
With your help – we got this.
