WORCESTER – The City of Worcester has announced City Hall and other municipal buildings will be closed to the public for nearly three weeks due to the continued increase in positive COVID-19 cases in the city.
The buildings will close from Thursday, Dec. 24 to Monday, January 11. During this time, most City Employees will be working remotely.
“We all have a role to play and City Government must lead by example in mitigating the risk of exposure and further community spread of the COVID-19 virus,” City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. said in announcing the closures. “While we will be operating the business of the City differently, we are working to ensure that there are no interruptions to essential services and daily Government operations. We expect to return to an appointment-based system in early to mid-January, after the holiday, but will assess the situation and make responsible decisions based on Public Health data. We will share information on that as it becomes available.”
The City of Worcester requests that residents and others seeking to conduct City-related business do so online at www.worcesterma.gov, by phone or through the mail.
In addition to City Hall, the following buildings will also be closed to the public: Senior Center, Worcester Public Library, Department of Public Works and Parks offices, and 25 Meade St., which houses Inspectional Services, Worcester Division of Public Health and Fire Prevention.
Here’s what you need to know:
- All municipal bills may be paid online at www.worcesterma.gov/paybill or at any People’s United Bank branch. Be sure to bring your printed tax bill stub.
- Some limited in-person services will be available by appointment only, including marriage intentions, which are available through the online appointment system.
- The City Clerk’s Office will operate out of the Information Booth and the Café will be used for public drop-offs if needed.
- Where feasible, drop boxes will be installed to allow for the deposit of permit applications, including at 25 Meade St.
- All permits through Inspectional Services are now available online at www.worcesterma.gov. Building and Zoning Inspectional Services may be reached by phone, Monday-Friday, from 8 AM – 4:30 PM, at 508-799-1198. Housing and Health Inspections may be reached by phone, Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM – 5 PM, at 508-799-1198.
- For Fire Prevention, applications and appointments will be taken by phone. Anyone needing Fire Prevention assistance should call 508-799-1822 daily, between 9 AM – 3 PM.
- Public Health may be reached by phone, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., at 508-799-8531.
- To reach Customer Service for the Department of Public Works & Parks, 76 East Worcester St., call 508-929-1300 Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM – 5 PM.
The Worcester Public Library will continue offering curbside service at all branches.
- The Main Library will continue operating six days a week, Monday-Saturday, 9 AM – 5:30 PM.
- The Frances Perkins Branch will be open Monday, Thursday and Friday, 10:30 AM – 6 PM and Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:30 AM – 5 PM.
- Great Brook Valley and the One City One Library branches will allow for two-three days of curbside services at each branch.
For additional information, including a list of specific contacts by Department, please visit www.worcesterma.gov. For further assistance, please call the Customer Service Center at 508-929-1300.
