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

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 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.

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

PLEASE NOTE: Due to rising case numbers, Easthampton has reverted back to Phase III Step 1. For information on what the differences are, please click HERE.

On November 6, 2020 several new measures announced by Governor Baker will go into effect. To read more, please click HERE.

Effective October 5, a limited number of sectors will be eligible to reopen, with restrictions, in Step II of Phase III for lower risk communities only:

• Indoor performance venues will be permitted to open with 50% capacity with a maximum of 250 people. 
• Outdoor performance venue capacity will increase to 50% with a max of 250 people.
• For arcades and indoor and outdoor recreation businesses, additional Step II activities like trampolines, obstacle courses, roller rinks and laser tag will also be permitted to open and capacity will increase to 50%.
• Fitting rooms will be permitted to open in all types of retail stores.  
• Gyms, museums, libraries and driving and flight schools will also be permitted to increase their capacity to 50%.

Read more: Governor's COVID-19 Order #51

Revised Gatherings Order:

• The limit for indoor gatherings remains at a maximum of 25 people for all communities.
• Outdoor gatherings at private residences and in private backyards will remain at a maximum of 50 people for all communities.
• Outdoor gatherings at event venues and in public settings will have a limit of 50 people in Step I communities, and a limit of 100 people in lower risk, Step II communities.

Read more: Governor's COVID-19 Order #52

Please see the documents below regarding executive orders established by Governor Baker regarding COVID-19 measures in the state of Massachusetts. For all Executive Orders, past and current, please visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-state-of-emergency.