RUMFORD — Town offices are expected to open to the public in a couple of weeks after plexiglass is installed to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.

The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously Thursday to reopen the municipal offices on Congress Street.

Rumford Town Manager Stacy Carter said town offices could open up to the public in a couple of weeks. Bruce Farrin/Rumford Falls Times

They also voted 4-1 for the Fire Department to resume emergency medical services. Mark Belanger opposed the move.

Town Manager Stacy Carter said, “We are waiting for the guidelines and protocols from Maine (Department of Economic and Community Development).

On March 16, selectmen voted to close the municipal building to the public until Gov. Janet Mills’ state of emergency restrictions were  lifted.

That same day the board approved a recommendation from Fire Chief Chris Reed to terminate the department’s EMS services during the pandemic to prevent firefighters from being exposed to the coronavirus. The exceptions were calls involving trauma and immediate life-threatening incidents.

“I think we’re in a good position to go back to our normal operations,” Reed told selectmen Thursday.

Carter added, “We’ve been in contact in Maine EMS, in reference to the complaint and investigation on our license. We are cleared by Maine EMS to go back to normal operation. If it’s approved tonight, we’ll simply send letters to dispatch, Med-Care Ambulance and to the public in the paper that we’re resuming our normal operations. I concur with Chief Reed that we can do it safely and professionally.”

In a written statement Friday, Reed said the town has gathered enough personal protective equipment to safely resume emergency medical services. Rumford firefighters/EMTs will respond and render critical life-saving measures when citizens or visitors request medical assistance effective May 8.


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