In a special message, Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini says “community spread” of the COVID-19 virus is taking place in Haverhill and urges residents to stay home “whenever possible.”
The mayor says community spread means “you have to treat every person you meet as if they have the virus.” He asks residents to stay indoors, limit grocery shopping to one or two days a week and stay home at all times if they have cough or cold.
He said the city is operating with skeleton crews, but remains available to help residents through the city’s telephone help center available by dialing 311 or online at cityofhaverhill.com. At the city’s website, as WHAV has previously reported, there is a new link to “Resident Support Services.” It connects people who need help are linked to volunteers and is a service provided by the new group Mutual Aid Society of Haverhill. Help is also available by calling 978-228-5322 or emailing [email protected].
Fiorentini also reminds residents that unemployment assistance is available at mass.gov, including to those who were previously self-employed.
The approximately two-minute message is also airing at regular intervals over 97.9 WHAV FM for those without internet access. WHAV podcasts are also available at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, iHeart Radio, TuneIn and Alexa.