The City of Biddeford is working with the Maine CDC to develop a response for the spread in Maine of the respiratory illness called COVID-19, more commonly referred to as coronavirus. We understand the concern around the spread of this virus and are developing preventive measures to better protect our community and employees.
At this time, here are the steps we are taking to prevent the spread of coronavirus in Biddeford:
- A City Council Special Meeting has been called for March 16 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting is being held in reaction to the national and state response to the COVID-19 pandemic. An agenda is forthcoming here. You can watch the meeting live on Public Access channel 1301.
- Access to our public safety buildings will be limited to lobby areas only for all non-employees. Members of the public who must visit the Fire Department are asked to use the phone on the outside of the main entrance. This will contact dispatch who will be able to reach out to the department.
- Many Recreation Department programs and activities have been cancelled:
- Cub Care and the Teen Center will be closed any day that Biddeford schools are closed.
- All Ross Center/50+ Club activities have been cancelled until further notice.
- Tiny Tigers Parent/Child Playgroup has been canceled until further notice.
- AARP Tax Service is closed for the remainder of the season.
- No Pickleball Monday March 16.
- Visit www.biddefordrec.com for the latest updates.
- City staff has been informed to stay home if they experience any of the symptoms associated with COVID-19. Non-essential meetings of staff have also been cancelled.
We will continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 and share any additional updates at biddefordmaine.org/publichealth, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.
Community Closures and Cancellations
- Biddeford Schools will be closed until further notice as per Governor Mills’ declaration of a civil state of emergency. Find updates from the Biddeford School Department at www.biddefordschools.me/health. Questions about the closure can be sent to closurequestions@biddefordschools.me.
- McArthur Public Library will be closed to the public through Tuesday, March 31.
- Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center will temporarily suspend their drop-in function at the end of the day on Friday, March 20. Food services will continue to be available Monday-Friday between between 9 am and 12 noon beginning March 23.
- Biddeford Early Head Start Childcare and Stone Street Head Start are closed from March 16-27.
- The Biddeford Ice Arena is closed for ice functions at this time.
Online Services
A great way to help prevent the spread of this virus is to take advantage of our online services if you have business to complete.
If you need to do business and are unsure if you can do it online or through the mail, give us a call. We’re happy to help you out and answer any questions you might have.
Assessing: 207-284-9003
City Clerk: 207-284-9307
City Manager’s Office: 207-284-9313
Code Enforcement: 207-284-9236
Finance and Tax Department: 207-284-9333
Fire Department: 207-282-6632
General Assistance: 207-284-9514
Planning & Development: 207-284-9115
Police Department: 207-282-5127
Public Works: 207-282-1579
Recreation: 207-283-0841
COVID-19 Symptoms
Patients with COVID-19 have had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
If you have symptoms that match the symptoms of coronavirus, stay home and call your primary care doctor. If you don’t have a primary care doctor, then call an urgent care facility. Do not visit any healthcare provider without giving advanced notice. They need time to prepare and consult with the Maine CDC.
Tips for Preventing the Spread of Illness
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. FMI: When and How to Wash Your Hands
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Practice "social distancing" - stay at least 6 feet away from others when possible, and avoid gatherings of large groups (now defined as gatherings of 50 people or more).
Click here for information about preventing the spread of illness for non-native English speakers.
More Information
The best way to get accurate, up-to-date information about coronavirus in our area is to sign up for Public Health Email Alerts from the Maine CDC.
Additionally, you can now contact 211 Maine to get answers to questions about coronavirus at any time. This service is available by dialing 211 (or 1-866-811-5695), texting your ZIP code to 898-211, or emailing info@211maine.org. Calls, texts, and emails to 211 are answered 24/7 by a person here in the state. 211 Maine is equipped to answer general questions about coronavirus, including how Maine people can best protect themselves, options for testing, and travel considerations. Anyone looking for specific medical advice regarding symptoms they may be experiencing is strongly urged to call their medical provider, an urgent care center, or 911, depending on the severity of their symptoms.