WESTFIELD – Westfield City Hall closed to the public March 17 to help flatten the curve of the coronavirus spread.
Mayor Donald F. Humason Jr. made the call at the close of business Monday and did not say how long it would be closed.
“We need to protect our employees,” he said, as well as the general public.
Staff will still report to City Hall and continue to do the work of the city, especially as it moves toward budget time.
“People can still conduct city business online and by phone,” said Humason.
He encouraged anyone who needs to make a payment of any kind to use the online option at cityofwestfield.org, mail payments or utilize the City Hall drop box.
“The treasurer has a drop box by the side parking lot entrance,” Humason said.
Humason said Westfield is joining neighboring communities in encouraging residents to stay home as much as possible.
“Most municipalities in the area are doing the same thing,” he said.
Just two hours before making the decision to close City Hall to the public, Humason said the door would stay open.
“It’s frustrating for everyone,” he said. “Decisions are moving very fast.”
Humason said as of Monday night the School Committee and City Council would make its own decisions regarding public meetings. On Monday afternoon City Council President Brent B. Bean II said this Thursday’s council meeting was still on, however, it was closed to the public and would be broadcast as usual. Trash and recycling pickup was still on schedule as of Monday.
