March 31, 2020 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:
The New England Fishery Management Council has closed its Newburyport, MA-based office until further notice in response to Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker’s order requiring all businesses and organizations “that do not provide COVID-19 Essential Services” to close their physical workplaces and facilities. The Council also is abiding by additional guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on travel restrictions and social distancing.
IS THE COUNCIL STAFF STILL WORKING: Yes. The Council staff is teleworking full time. All staff members are responding to emails and phone calls from home. Phones calls that come into the Council’s telephone system are being forwarded to staff members. Here is the Staff Directory.
WHAT ABOUT MAIL: The U.S. Postal Service continues to deliver mail. During this period of teleworking, designated Council staffers will pick up and monitor mail every few days.
IS THE COUNCIL HOLDING MEETINGS: Yes. The Council held several advisory panel and committee meetings in March by webinar and will continue to do so in April and beyond if needed based on state and federal guidance. Visit the Council’s calendar to see the schedule.
FULL NEW ENGLAND COUNCIL: The full Council will meet April 14-15, 2020 by webinar. Here is the detailedagenda, and here is the Council Members Directory.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: The Council and its partners will continue to closely monitor important developments related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit the CDC’s Coronavirus Disease 2019 website at What’s New for the latest government reports.