To respond to questions and concerns the public has about the COVID-19 pandemic, Wendell and New Salem have opened an Emergency Operations Center at the New Salem Fire Station.
The center is not open to the public, but is staffed 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, to answer residents’ phone calls and emails. Joe Cuneo, chief of the New Salem and Wendell fire departments, said he has typically been the only one on duty. Until the end of last week, he said there was another person working at the center four hours per day, but that spot was eliminated because call and email volume has been low.
“We’re ready to revamp that right back up if there’s a need,” he said.
Cuneo said there are currently no known cases of COVID-19 in New Salem or Wendell.
“We hope to keep it that way,” he said.
Residents should still call 911 for emergencies and their primary care physician for medical advice.
Cuneo said firefighters are wearing personal protective equipment while responding to calls inside anyone’s home, which protects both the emergency workers and the public.
Residents can reach the Emergency Operations Center at 978-544-3345, firedepartment@wendellmass.us or chief@newsalemfire.org. All messages will be returned.