COVID-19 Center

All official information about the novel coronavirus COVID-19 published by the Town of Wendell will appear here.

DPH has issued updated quarantine guidance that takes effect today:

While the initial guidance to quarantine for 14 days after exposure still stands, this additional guidance will allow those who have been exposed to COVID to test out of quarantine after 10 days if they meet ALL of the following parameters:

  • They have not had, and do not have, any symptoms of COVID;

  • If they are tested on day 8 of their quarantine period or later using a molecular diagnostic test, a PCR test, and receive a negative test result; and

  • They must monitor themselves for symptoms for the full 14 days. Any individual that develops symptoms should contact their local health care provider and be re-tested.

Halloween: The Wendell Board of Health voted during Monday’s meeting to concur with the decision made by the New Salem Board of Health to cancel organized Halloween activities. We feel that this year Halloween is best celebrated at home with members of the same household. Hopefully, by next October the public health situation will return to a more normal state.

Flu vaccinations: Anyone over the age of six months should get a flu shot. Those over 65 should get the high-dose version for seniors. You can be vaccinated by any licensed pharmacist, who can administer the shot to anyone three years of age or older. Most pharmacies do not require an appointment, and the vaccination is covered by most insurance. Please don’t skip this one; getting the flu may make you more susceptible to the coronavirus.

COVID-19: While Wendell has done an excellent job of preventing COVID from spreading into our town, with indoor weather fast approaching we must maintain our vigilance. The MA Department of Public Health reports that, statewide, many new cases are coming from households. There are also reports of transmission between members of higher-contact organized sports, including ice hockey, field hockey, and regular football.

Recent research shows the coronavirus can remain viable on glass surfaces and cell phones for up to 28 days in a lab. Please clean your cell phone regularly, especially if you share it with others or use it in public places. It’s yet another reason to keep washing your hands.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health would like help in identifying state needs resulting from the impact of COVID-19. Anyone age 14 or over can complete a survey at https://www.mass.gov/COVID19survey. This will help the MADPH assess any needs Wendell may have. No identifying information will be asked of you. The survey lasts until October 30.

Stay safe and stay well,

Wendell Board of Health:
Barbara Craddock, Chair
Shay Cooper
Judy Bailey
Wibby Swedberg, Health Agent

The Wendell Police Succession Committee would like to update Wendell's
residents about the developments in the policing of Wendell.

Starting on October 15th, all police services for Wendell will be
contracted through the town of Leverett, coinciding with the retirement of
Chief Ed Chase. The Wendell Selectboard will enter into a short-term
agreement with the Town of Leverett to provide essential police services,
such as responding to an emergency, for 90 days.

The September 2020 Town Newsletter is now available for download here. This issue contains:

Police Succession Planning Update

Auction of Town Properties

Board Vacancies

Report from the Road Commission

Foot Care for Seniors

Friends of Wendell Covid Relief

Wildflower and Insect Walk

Broadband Committee News

Board of Health News

Order Wendell Flag Logo Products from Silverscreen Designs.

Hoodies and other styles in both adult and children's sizes, as well as tote bags, can be ordered through their website. To avoid shipping charges, orders can be picked up at Silverscreen in Greenfield. Adult long sleeve t-shirts can also be purchased at the Wendell Country Store, or by calling Mez Ziemba (978) 544-3177. There isn't an option to purchase a Wendell flag for flying as yet, but that option should be available in the future.

SALES OF THESE ITEMS ARE A FUNDRAISER BY AND FOR THE FRIENDS OF THE WENDELL FREE LIBRARY.

Wendell residents can purchase an Earth Machine backyard compost bin at a subsidized price of $25. The subsidized compost bin can be purchased at the WRATS or at the Solid Waste District office. Visit The District's Composting page for information on backyard composting and the District’s office location. The town encourages all residents to remove organic material from the trash and bring it to the transfer station collection program and/or use a backyard compost bin. Approximately 25% of household trash is organic material that can be diverted to a compost collection or compost bin.

Page 1 of 2