HomeMy Public PortalAboutTown Managers Coronavirus COVID19 Update 5 15 2020Michael J. Driscoll
Town Manager
TOWN OF
WATERTOWN
Office of the Town Manager
Administration Building
149 Main Street
Watertown, MA 02472
Phone: 617-972-6465
www.watertown-ma.gov
townmgr@watertown-ma.gov
Town Manager's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
May 45, 2020
COVID-19 Numbers
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is reporting that as of May 15, 2020 there are:
• 83,421 cases statewide
• 18,683 Middlesex County
• 5,592 deaths statewide
For more state data, visit www.mass.gov/coronavirus.
Watertown has a total of 346 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 186 community members have recovered
from the virus. Four Town employees have had confirmed cases. Two of those employees are back to
work. Watertown has recorded twenty-two COVID-19 fatalities. Our thoughts go out to the families as
they mourn the loss of their loved one.
Watertown COVID-19 Case
Distribution'
Four -Phase Approach to Reopening
On May 1 lth, the Baker -Polito Administration announced a four -phase approach to reopening the
Massachusetts economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and published Mandatory Workplace Safety
Standards that will apply across all sectors and industries once reopening begins. The goal of the phased
reopening, based on public health guidance, is to methodically allow certain businesses, services, and
activities to resume, while protecting public health and limiting a resurgence of new COVID-19 cases.
• Phase 1 will be "Start:" limited industries resume operations with severe restrictions.
• Phase 2 will be "Cautious:" additional industries resume operations with restrictions and capacity
limits.
• Phase 3 will be "Vigilant:" additional industries resume operations with guidance.
• Phase 4 will be the "New Normal:" development of vaccine and/or therapy enables resumption
of new normal.
1 There is a difference between the Commonwealth's reported numbers and what the Watertown Board of Health can confirm through
the Massachusetts Virtual Epidemiologic Network (MAVEN).
1
Businesses and activities that provided "COVID-19 Essential Services," pursuant to Governor Baker's
March 23rd order, will continue to operate. Certain businesses and activities with a lower risk of COVID-19
transmission will open in earlier phases. Decisions and timing will be influenced by public health metrics
for when the first phase of reopening begins, as well as when it is safe to move into concurrent phases.
CLICK HERE for more information about the four -phased reopening approach.
CLICK HERE for today's presentation from the Reopening Advisory Board.
Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards
The Department of Public Health (DPH) and the COVID-19 Command Center, in consultation with the
Reopening Advisory Board and based on feedback from industry, labor, and community coalitions, has
developed Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission as
employees and customers begin to return to workplaces during the first phase of reopening. These
Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards are applicable to all sectors and industries that will be open in
phase one, and create new workplace requirements for social distancing, hygiene, staffing and operations,
and cleaning. These standards are being released to give workplaces time to plan and prepare for reopening.
CLICK HERE for more information about the Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards.
In addition to these Mandatory Standards which apply to all workplaces, the Reopening Advisory Board is
developing Sector Specific Safety Protocols and Best Practices that will detail how particular industries
should operate upon reopening.
The Reopening Advisory Board is scheduled to provide its full report to Governor Baker on Monday,
May 18th.
Given all of the above, decisions on the reopening of the Watertown Free Public Library, Senior
Center, Town Hall, Department of Public Works Administrative Offices, Recreation Programs and
Parks will not be made until further guidance is received from Governor Baker regarding the four -
phase approach to reopening.
Emergency Order Mandating Face Coverings
The Watertown Board of Health adopted an Emergency on April 30th mandating face coverings
effective Monday, May 4d'.
Mask and Face Covering Order Took Effect Wednesday, 5/6
The Baker -Polito Administration has ordered all residents over the age of two to use a face
covering or mask in public places where maintaining proper social distancing measures to prevent
the spread of COVID-19 is not possible. This statewide order goes into effect on May
6th and supersedes previously issued guidance relative to mask use.
This order applies to all workers and customers of businesses and other organizations that are
currently open to the public and permitted to operate as COVID-19 Essential Businesses, such as
grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retail stores. Residents are also required to wear a mask or
face covering at all times when using any means of transportation service or public mass transit.
Read the Order here
Tweet from Watertown Police
Watertown Police (@WatertownPD) tweeted at 8:43 AM on Fri, Apr 17, 2020:
Please watch this very easy way to make a homemade mask. Protect yourself and others by wearing one in
public places. ❑ #stayhome #StaySafe
(hops://twitter.com/WatertownPD/status/ 1251129053664419846?s=09)
Get the official Twitter app at hgps://twitter.com/download?s=13
Watertown COVID-19 Resource Guide
The Watertown Free Public Library has developed a COVID-19 resource guide for Watertown residents.
The guide will be updated frequently. www.watertownlib.org/covidl9guide
How will you find out about local emergencies?
To get Emergency Alerts from the Town of Watertown text WATERTOWNMA to 888-777. Your cell
phone number will be in the system without having to establish an Everbridge account. You also have the
opportunity to add your email address into the system at this time. You would then receive all emails and/or
texts from the system. If you already have an Everbridge account, this is not necessary, as you will continue
to receive the notifications sent by the Town.
Watertown COVID-19 Informational Call Center and Email
For general COVID-19 questions not specific to the Town of Watertown, all Massachusetts residents are
encouraged to call the State's 2-1-1 Hotline that is staffed by operators 24/7 and with translators available
in multiple languages. Residents with questions can dial 2-1-1 from any landline or cell phone or use the
live chat option on the Mass 2-1-1 website (mass211.org).
The Town of Watertown has established a COVID-19 informational call center to allow residents and
business owners to ask non -medical questions specific to COVID-19 in Watertown. The call center will be
staffed Monday through Friday from Sam to 4pm and the number for the call center is # 617-972-6565.
Questions can also be emailed to COVIDI9(&uolice.watertown-ma.2ov.
Please call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency.
Calls should not be made to 9-1-1 for questions regarding COVID-19.
Four (4) electronic sign boards have been placed around Town with the message: "Wear Face Coverings".
Further message updates will be provided as needed.
Eversource Reminds Customers to Remain Vigilant Against Scams
Eversource energy company is reminding people to remain vigilant and protect themselves against scams.
The COVID-19 outbreak has led to an increase in scam activity, with sophisticated scammers finding
unique and intimidating ways to exploit people and steal their money during these uncertain times. With
the wave of scams related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Eversource is reminding customers about common
signs to recognize a scam and specific pandemic -related scams to look out for, here.
Bids on Elementary Schools Project Under Budget
Town Council President and School Building Committee Chair, Mark S. Sideris announced at the May 12th
Town Council Meeting that the School Building Committee will be meeting on Wednesday, May 201h at 6
PM. One of the items on the agenda will be consideration of bids for the construction of the new Hosmer
and Cunniff Schools. Mr. Sideris indicated the low bid came in significantly under budget and further
details will be provided at the May 20th meeting.
Expanded Eligibility for COVD-19 Testing
On May 1 lth and 13th, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced expanded eligibility for
COVID-19 testing. All symptomatic individuals in Massachusetts, even those with mild symptoms, should
be tested for COVID-19. All individuals in Massachusetts identified as a close contact by a local Board of
Health, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Community Tracing Collaborative, or a health
care provider should be tested. Link Link2
COVID-19 Testing
The Department of Public Health (DPH) has posted to their COVID-19 website information on testing and
mobile testing site locations (available here). This information is updated twice weekly.
Update on Mobile Testing Numbers for Long Term Care, Assisted Living Residences and EOHHS
Group Homes & Sites
The Mobile Testing Program can test both symptomatic and asymptomatic residents and staff at nursing
homes, rest homes, Assisted Living Residences, and EOHHS group homes and care sites. The program was
launched by the Command Center on 3/31 and operates under the auspices of the Massachusetts National
Guard, in partnership with the Department of Public Health, Fallon Ambulance, and Broad Institute of
Cambridge. See a summary of testing activity below.
Onsite Testing
Date
Number of Tests Completed
Facilities Visited
5/14
1210
21
Total (as of 5/13
42,077
684
Mobile Testing at EOHHS Group Homes & Care Sites (as of 5/14)
DDS, DMH, DCF and DPH Facilities
Clients
9,465
Staff
14,212
Total Tests
23,677
Number of Locations
1490
Cases in Long term Care Facilities (as of 5113)
COVID-19 Cases in Long -Term Care
(LTC) Facilities
Residents/Healthcare
Workers of LTC Facilities
17477
LTC Facilities Reporting at
Least One Case of
340
COVID-19
Deaths Reported in
LTC Facilities
3,338
Disaster Recovery Information
On March 27th, the President declared a Major Disaster Declaration for the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts related to the COVID-19 pandemic response. Through this declaration, federal aid will be
made available to cities and towns, state agencies, and certain non -profits in all Massachusetts counties to
help pay for emergency protective measures (response costs) related to the COVID-19 pandemic. MEMA's
Recovery Unit has developed a website with information and guidance regarding the disaster declaration,
eligibility criteria, and the application process.
COVID-19 Public Resources Map
MEMA, together with MA VOAD and other partners, has developed a COVID-19 Public Resources Map
showing the location of resources available to the public, such as food banks, houses of worship, and
Project Bread site locations. Please note that this map is not inclusive of all resources, and is only as
accurate as the information that has been provided to MEMA.
DPH Daily Dashboard Released
On April 201h, the Baker -Polito Administration released an enhanced, comprehensive and detailed COVID-
19 data report, including trend data in a variety of areas. The new daily dashboard is 23 pages in length and
includes information on cases rates, testing, and breakdowns by age, sex, race and ethnicity, and geography
of confirmed cases. It also includes a similar breakdown of death data. Beyond the case data, the report also
includes specific information on COVID-19 hospital census information, a list of nursing homes, skilled
nursing facilities and rest homes with known clusters of COVID-19 cases and data on PPE distribution by
recipient type and geography. (See the new Daily Dashboard report)
Health Department
The Health Department has created a portal for COVID-19 Information: COVID-19 Resource Center
where all COVID-19 related information will be posted:
https://www.ci.watertown.ma.us/978/COVID-19-Resource-Center
Watertown Public Schools
Watertown Public Schools will continue to support students, staff members, and parents through its robust
Extended Learning Plan through June 16 as Governor Charlie Baker announced that all school buildings in
Massachusetts will be closed for the remainder of this school year. The Department of Elementary and
Secondary Education will release guidance to districts shortly and the District will make any necessary
adjustments to ensure that our students continue moving forward through the end of the school year. With
this announcement, the School Department continues to plan for keeping our students and staff healthy
when school buildings reopen and to ensure that we meet all of our children where they are academically
once the Extended Learning Plan comes to an end.
The School Nutrition Department continues to provide Grab n Go meals to any student who could benefit
from this service on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays in the WHS parking lot from 11 am to 1 pm. They
are currently serving meals to 200+ students.
Watertown Free Public Library
The Watertown Free Public Library will remain closed pending further guidance from Governor Baker
regarding the four -phase approach to reopening. The Watertown Free Public Library offers curbside
pickup of library materials for Watertown residents. All items showing as available in the library catalog
will be eligible for pickup. Simply call the library Monday — Friday from Sam to 4pm at 857-228-8308 and
the items will be set aside and delivered to your car's trunk (or outdoor area for walkers and bicyclists).
More details via the link https://www.watertownlib.org/537/4929/Curbside-Pickup.
The library continues to provide a wide range of online resources and virtual programming. Please see the
website for all of the details. hlWs://watertownlib.org/
Watertown Council on Aging/Senior Center/Food Pantry
The Watertown Senior Center and the Senior Shuttle Bus remain closed pending further guidance from
Governor Baker regarding the four -phase approach to reopening. Please call the Senior Center for
information about new virtual programs (Art with Dawn, Exercise with Joanna, Seated Strength with Pearl
and more!). The Watertown Food Pantry continues to be open Tuesdays, 10 AM until 2 PM at 80 Mt.
Auburn Street, rear. When going to the Food Pantry, please wear a mask or other face covering to protect
your own self and those around you in the parking lot and at the Food Pantry. See above for links about
masks and other face coverings. Food donations (canned goods, cold cereals, peanut butter) are accepted at
the Food Pantry on Tuesdays starting at 9:00 AM until 2 PM. Senior Center staff are available to answer
your questions and to help connect you to resources you may need. Call the Senior Center at (617) 972-
6490 or send an e-mail to SeniorCenterkwatertown-ma.gov.
Watertown Veterans' Services
Watertown Veterans' Services is closed to the public but is still available to assist with administering and
applying for benefits. Families and Veterans may reach out to inquire about applying for benefits.
Watertown Veterans' Services, in partnership with the Greater Boston Veterans' Collaborative has a
detailed spreadsheet with benefits and services —including but not limited to: financial, mental health,
transportation, and food resources— available to Veterans and others during this pandemic. The list is
constantly being updated and interested Veterans and families should contact Patrick George, Veterans'
Services Officer (VSO) for the most up to date list. Please contact the VSO at: PGeorgegwatertown-
ma.gov or (617) 972-6416 (Office) and (781) 645-9127 (Cell)
COVID-19 Resource Guide
Parks and Recreation
All programs offered by the Watertown Recreation Department remain cancelled and all fields, courts,
track, tot lots and dog parks in Watertown remain closed pending further guidance from Governor
Baker regarding the four -phase approach to reopening. Please adhere to this request and follow all
guidelines by the Watertown Health Department and all governmental agencies.
Town Hall will remain closed to the public pending further guidance from Governor Baker
regarding the four -phase approach to reopening. Town Hall and the Department of Public Works
Administrative Offices remain available only by phone or online. All calls and emails will be
responded to Monday through Friday 8:30am-5:00pm.
Visit the Department directory for phone numbers.
This includes the following Town Offices:
- Town Manager, TownMgrr&watertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6465
- Health Department, Health(cwatertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6446
- Senior Center, SeniorCenterkwatertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6490
- Recreation Office, Recreation(cwatertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6494
- DPW Administrative, DPW I kwatertown-ma.gov, (617) 617-972-6420
- Inspectional Services, buildinginspector(d),watertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6480
- Treasurer/Collector, Treas&Collectorskwatertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6450
-Assessor, Assessor(cwatertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6410
- Town Clerk/Vital Records, TownClerkskwatertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6486
- Veterans Services, PGeorgeAwatertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6416
Emergency Management Team
The Town of Watertown Emergency Management Team is meeting daily to monitor the developments
in the outbreak of the coronavirus. We have used these meetings to keep an organized flow of
information and to develop strategies to best respond to the needs of our community. We will continue
to update the community through the Watertown Health Department's web page.
https://www.watertown-ma.gov/965/CORONAVIRUS.
Please continue to take the following actions to limit the spread of COVID-19:
• Stay safe, stay home
• Practice social distancing — when in public spaces try to remain at least 6-feet away from
others.
• Stay home if you are sick — and avoid close contact with others.
• Cover your mouth — when you cough or sneeze use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your
hands.
• Wash your hands — with soap and warm water or use an alcohol -based sanitizing gel.
We also recommend the following resources:
Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) Resource Page:
https://www.mass.gov/2019coronavirus
Center for Disease Control COVID-19 information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-
ncov/index.html
Town Manager's Coronavirus (COVID-19) (10) hM2s://www.watertown-
ma. izov/DocumentCenter/View/29389/Statements 10
We are in this together
We are living in an unprecedented time where our world, our nation and our community, is faced with
the threat of an international pandemic known as COVID-19.
All of our Town employees are incredibly committed to ensuring the Town can safely meet the needs
of our community while we are also protecting our employees' safety. All departments have
implemented vigorous social distancing and hygiene protocols. I am so grateful for all of our
employees' efforts under difficult circumstances.
The members of the Honorable Town Council continue to be available to help all residents and to
provide updates/information to protect the health and safety of all the residents of Watertown.
I want to thank all of the members of our community for your cooperation and efforts to date; and for
your continued actions to limit the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, please check on your
neighbors who may live alone. If you have any concerns, please email us at
COVIDI9(a�uolice.watertown-ma.2ov or call the Police Department at (617) 972-6500; and we
will follow up.
Watertown is a resilient community and we are all in this together. We will continue to support each
other and stay strong, Watertown Strong!