City of Worcester, MA

City Hall, Municipal Buildings Closed to Public Beginning March 18

For Immediate Release: 3/17/2020 6:03 pm

Due to evolving concerns related to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), the City of Worcester has announced that it will be closing City Hall, the Senior Center, the Worcester Public Library, Department of Public Works and Parks offices, and 25 Meade Street to the public beginning Wednesday, March 18, 2020 until further notice. This measure is precautionary and is intended to help reduce the risk of spreading the virus locally and avoid widespread disruptions to City services. The City will closely monitor the status of coronavirus locally to determine when City buildings can be safely re-open to the public.

During this time, City offices will be minimally staffed to provide core municipal services. Departments will continue to be available by phone and email; however residents may see a delay in response due to limited staffing. City employees who have been designated as essential employees by their Department Head should report to work as instructed.

The City of Worcester is requesting that residents and other individuals seeking to attend to City-related business do so remotely when possible, online at www.worcesterma.gov, by phone or through the mail, or delay any business that requires in-person interaction with City of Worcester employees until a future date. Individuals encountering urgent, time-sensitive situations requiring the attention of City of Worcester staff are advised to contact the appropriate department to determine if an accommodation can be made.

Public safety and public services will remain active and working during this time period. Trash and recycling collection services remain on schedule.

City Council and Boards and Commission meetings will be held virtually. For updates about any changes to scheduled public meetings for boards and commissions, please see the City’s website at: www.worcesterma.gov/calendar.

Residents that need to pay a municipal bill can do so online at www.worcesterma.gov/paybill or by mail at:

• Parking Tickets: P.O. Box 15595, Worcester, MA 01615-0595

• Excise Tax, Personal Property Tax, Real Estate Tax and Water/Sewer payments: P.O. Box 15588, Worcester, MA 01615-0588 or can be paid at any People's United Bank branch if accompanied by the printed bill stub. To find the location nearest you, please see their website at www.peoples.com/branches-atms.

The City of Worcester is committed to providing timely and up-to-date information to residents regarding the status of coronavirus locally and precautionary measures being implemented by the City. Residents are encouraged to monitor www.worcesterma.gov/coronavirus, which is updated frequently.