Current Events/Important Information
50% Reduction in Permit Renewal Fees for 2021
The Board of Health has authorized a 50% reduction in total permit renewal fees for businesses permitted by the Board of Health. Only the businesses listed in the press release are authorized for the reduction. The reduction expires March 1, 2021 and may not be applied to new businesses.
Press Release: 50% Reduction in 2021 Permit Renewal Fees
October 10, 2020 Public Drive-Thru Flu Clinic Information- EVENT FULL! An additional drive-thru clinic is in the process of being scheduled soon- check back for updates
-October 10, 2020 Drive-Thru Flu Clinic Flyer
-Pre-register here: https://doodle.com/poll/9v5v4ub68ezxiba4 (Please put your age next to your name for vaccine ordering requirements. Your information will not be visible to others. Please sign up all members of your family who are planning on attending)
-To save time, you can fill out the Vaccine Administration Record (VAR)—Informed Consent for Vaccination form ahead of time and bring it to the clinic. If you do not have access to a printer, you will have the option to fill the paperwork out on site at the clinic.
For questions or help registering for the clinic, please call the Health Department at (413) 529-1400 ext. 430
Save the Date- Drug Take Back day: October 24
Participating communities will be announced soon.
Cyanobacteria Advisory Lifted At Nashawannuck Pond
The Nashawannuck Pond Committee had the pond tested on 8/6/2020 and the cell count was below the 70,000 cells/mL maximum guideline set by the MA DPH. Two tests are required, one week apart, and a second sample was taken on 8/13/20. Unfortunately, that sample was above the 70,000 cells/mL guideline. At this time, we will continue to monitor the ponds until they are visibly clear. Once clear, testing will resume again.
Lower Mill Pond will be addressed by the Health Department and the MA DPH as well once it is clear.
Possible Cyanobacteria Algae Bloom Present at Both Nashawannuck and Lower Mill Ponds
The Easthampton Health Department sent photographs of both Nashawannuck Pond and Lower Mill Pond to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) Toxicology Program for help in identifying a possible cyanobacteria algae bloom. After review, the MDPH Toxicology Program stated that the photos provided indicate the possible presence of cyanobacteria (algae) cells that may exceed the MDPH guidelines for recr...eational waterbodies in Massachusetts. The MDPH recommends posting public advisories at all access points of the ponds to notify residents that water should be avoided.
The Health Department will post signage at both locations as soon as possible.
Please review the attached press release for more information.
For more information abuot cyanobacteria, please visit: https://www.mass.gov/guides/cyanobacterial-harmful-algal-blooms-cyanohabs-water
Effective December 11, 2019: 105 CMR 665: Minimum Standards for Retail Sale of Tobacco and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems
The MA Department of Public Health (DPH) has promulgated an emergency regulation, 105 CMR 665: Minimum Standards for Retail Sale of Tobacco and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems effective as of December 11, 2019. As a result, there are important new requirements for retails establishments that sell tobacco. The full text of the regulation is available here.
Effective immediately. Pursuant to 105 CMR 665: Non-age restricted establishments such as convenience stores and liquor stores:
- Cannot sell any flavored electronic nicotine delivery systems such as flavored e-cigarettes and flavored vaping products.
- Cannot sell electronic nicotine delivery systems with nicotine content greater than 35 milligrams per milliliter.
- Cannot advertise tobacco products that they cannot sell, use fraudulent or misleading statements in advertising, or display advertisements with celebrities, cartoons or similar endorsements.
- Can sell non-flavored electronic nicotine delivery systems with nicotine content 35 milligrams or less per milliliter.
- Must maintain records obtained by the manufacturer that validate the nicotine content of electronic nicotine delivery systems available for sale on the premises.
- This documentation may be provided to the retailer by a distributer, but must have originally come from the manufacturer.
- Must keep all tobacco products, including cigarettes and e-cigarettes, for sale behind the counter where sales are made, out of reach of consumers and not on the counter.
- Must display all of the following signs in plain view by a person standing at the cash register (establishments must use the signs developed and provided by DPH):
- The text of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 270, Sections 6 and 6A
- A statement that the sale of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to someone under the minimum legal sales age is prohibited
- Notice that the sale of flavored electronic nicotine delivery systems is prohibited
- A warning about the health impacts of vaping
- Information on tobacco cessation services
Effective June 1, 2020. Pursuant to 105 CMR 665: Non-age restricted establishments and Retail Tobacco Stores:
- Cannot sell any tobacco products that have a characterizing flavor (i.e. menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars and chewing tobacco) or tobacco product flavor enhancer.
EEE Risk in Easthampton Ends 11/4/19
When temperatures between 27-29 degrees Fahrenheit have occurred over wide geographic areas, risk from mosquito-borne disease is considered to have ended inside that area. The map below indicates that Easthampton has experienced temperatures between 24-26 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, the risk for EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) has ended.

Governor Charlie Baker Declares Public Health Emergency, Announces Temporary Four-Month Ban on Sale of All Vape Products
Governor Charlie Baker declared a public health emergency in response to confirmed and suspected cases of severe lung disease associated with the use of e-cigarettes and marijuana vaping products in the Commonwealth. The Governor called for a temporary four-month statewide ban on the sale of flavored and non-flavored vaping products in both retail stores and online. The sales ban applies to all vaping products and devices, including tobacco and marijuana. The ban takes effect immediately and lasts through January 25, 2020.
Indoor Air Quality at White Brook Middle School Press Release 9/23/19
"Attachment A"
"Attachment B"
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
Easthampton is currently ranked "low risk" for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
Important preventions methods include:
-Avoid outdoor activities during peak hours (dusk and dawn)
-Use an EPA approved mosquito repellant
-When you are outdoors, wear long pants/long sleeves
-Drain standing water around your home
-Repair damaged window screens
The MA DPH recommends cancelling evening activities when a community is at high risk.
EEE is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus that can affect people of all ages. EEE is generally spread to humans through the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus. EEE can cause severe illness and possibly lead to death in any age group; however, people under age 15 are at particular risk. EEE does not occur every year, but based on mosquito sampling, a high risk of occurrence of human cases currently exists.
Easthampton's risk level is being monitored closely. If there are any changes, the public will be notified.
For more information:
General Information about EEE
EEE Risk Map for MA Communities
Mosquito Repellent Information
Aerial Spraying Information
Public Health Cannabidiol-Hemp (CBD) Advisory
CBD Memo 8/28/19,
MDAR- Policy Statement-Sale of Hemp
MA DPH- CBD in Food Manufactured or Sold in Massachusetts
Cyanobacteria Algae Bloom Press Release 8/19/19
Cyanobacteria Press Release 8/19/19
CYANOBACTERIA ADVISORY LIFTED 9/13/19
The second round of sampling has been completed at both Nashawannuck and Lower Mill Ponds. The laboratory analysis showed a cyanobacteria level below the MDPH guideline at both locations.
The advisories at both location are now rescinded and signs will be removed this evening.
If you have any further questions, you may call the Health Department office at 413-529-1400 ext. 430 or send an email to: beichstaedt@easthamptonma.gov
Changes to the FDA Food Code Merged with 105 CMR 590
On October 5, 2018, the state adopted the 2013 Food Code Merged with 105 CMR 590. Previously, we were enforcing the 1999 code. We are currently enforcing the 2013 code.
Overview of Changes
2013 Food Code Merged with 105 CMR 590
Sample Employee Health Policy Agreement
Sample Vomit/Diarrhea Clean Up Procedure
Sample 'Recent Inspection Report Available' Sign