Covid-19 Information
The Town of Newport has implemented the following measures in response to the COVID 19 Virus effective Wednesday, March 18th, 2020 and will remain in effect until further guidelines to the contrary are issued by Maine and Federal CDC.
A mandatory mask wearing policy remains in effect for all members of the public and Town employees at any of the areas identified below:
Town Office- The Town Office will be open for counter business effective May 1st, 2020. There will be no special meetings or public access within our office complex. All town board meetings will be held via Video Conferencing. Interested parties are encouraged to review agendas and contact criteria for public input. If you request any further information, please call 368-4410.
Public Safety – Access to the Public Safety Building will be closed to all except emergency personnel. If you have a non-emergency request, please call dispatch at 207-368-3263 and they will assist you in obtaining what you need. Please be patient and follow the voice prompts. For Burn Permits please go on-line @ wardensreport.com. Emergency needs for police, fire and EMS should be treated as normal by calling 9-1-1 dispatch for assistance. The entire complex will be secured and the only access for the public will be the entrance door located on the Town Office side of the building. Please follow instructions as posted on the door.
Transfer Station – The Transfer Station will remain open for normal hours; however, personnel will practice social distancing of at least six feet, and will not be able to assist with unloading trash of other items. The recyclable area is now separated by barrier tape and all recyclable containers clearly marked. The recyclable building now has an entrance and exit doors clearly marked. Payment for the disposal of demolition debris, appliances, etc. and all other matters will be handled via the window located on the front of the building.
Public Works – Public Works personnel will continue to work however there will be no public access to the Town Garage. Persons with road concerns or questions should call the highway garage @ 355-5035 or the Town Office @ 368-4410.
Recreation- Recreation programs have resumed at the Newport Recreation building, but under strict participant and public guidelines. (for specific information please check the recreation page)
Cultural Center- Public access has been resumed, however limited on attendance with strict guidelines for entry. Librarians still maintain a book and DVD check out program for those uncomfortable of entry. Please call 368-5074 for details.
Code Enforcement- Those wishing to get building permits or who have questions regarding projects, or other land use and building codes should call the Town Office @ 368-4410. The CEO will be available to answer your calls on Monday and Thursday 08:00-4:00 PM. All in office meetings are canceled with all business being handled at the front service counter.
VACCINATED EMPLOYEES IN ALL DEPARTMENTS MAY INTERACT WITHOUT MASKS BUT MUST MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING. IF SOCIAL DISTANCING IS NOT POSSIBLE THEN MASKS MUST BE WORN. WHENEVER A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC HAS ENTERED ANY PREMISE MASKS MUST BE WORN. This guidance in accordance with CDC effective March 9, 2021.
All employees will practice the CDC guidelines regarding social distancing, hand washing, the wearing of masks and encourage others to do so as well. If employees are “alone” in your nonpublic office, (or other closed space such as a vehicle alone) you can remove your mask, however before anyone enters a mask must be put on.
All public facing business should be done socially distant when possible with a mask required for all parties.
It is unfortunate that some have defied any advice regarding masks or mandatory mandates by the Governor or the CDC. The Town of Newport however will adhere to those mandates and service will be withheld to those individuals who simply refuse to wear a mask. Those individuals are encouraged to find alternative protocol to address their needs at any Town facility.
Updated February 16, 2021
Updated March 10, 2021