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HomeMy Public PortalAboutTown Managers Coronavirus COVID19 Update April 30 2020Michael J. Driscoll Town Manager COVID-19 Numbers 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 April 30, 2020 The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is reporting that as of April 30, 2020 there are: • 62,605 cases statewide • 14,208 Middlesex County • 3,562 deaths statewide For more state data, visit www.mass.gov/coronavirus. Watertown has a total of 266 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 58 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 eleven COVID-19 fatalities. Our thoughts go out to the families as they mourn the loss of their loved one. Watertown COVID-19 Case age Distribution Emergency Order Mandating Face Coverings The Watertown Board of Health adopted an Emergency this afternoon mandating face coverings effective Monday, May 4t'. 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 (https://twitter.com/WatertownPD/status/ 1251129053664419846?s=09) Get the official Twitter app at https://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/covid19guide 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(a,police.watertown-ma.gov. 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: "Stay safe, stay home". Further message updates will be provided as needed. April 28th Town Council Meeting — Food Pantry and Council President's Remarks The Watertown Food Pantry received donations of $40,693 from 184 donors since March 13' in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Of note, 4 individuals made contributions of $1,000 each; and donations from groups or foundations include the following: Music for Food $1,420 Park Church $3,300 Tufts Health Plan Foundation $5,000 Watertown Community Foundation Resilience Fund $1,055 As a follow up to the above, Town Council approved the acceptance and expenditure of these gifts of funds. Additionally, Town Council President Mark S. Sideris provided remarks on efforts related to COVID-19 at the April 281h Town Council Meeting. Mutual Aid Network Established for Volunteers and Those in Need The Watertown Mutual Aid Network has been established and is funded by the Watertown Community Foundation in association with Wayside Youth & Family Support Network Multi -Service Center. By following this link, you will find information about how to use mutual aid, links to forms to offer help and request aid from your Watertown neighbors, and additional resources. We hope that most community members would use the online format, but understand that some people might feel more comfortable working with a person. Please reach out to Sophia, the Community Coordinator at Sophia_Suarez- Friedman&WaysideYouth.org or 617-744-9585, if you have any questions or if you wish to offer help or request aid over the phone instead (translation services are available). We hope that this resource will bring our community together during this difficult time. Funds available for Watertown Residents in need There are funds available for emergency needs from Wayside, Council on Aging and Springwell. Marshall Home Fund provides funds to each of these agencies to assist Watertown residents in need age 55 and older. Limited grants are available for home heating, car repair, computer repair, dental work, home repair, and other emergency items. The telephone numbers for each agency is as follows: Springwell (617) 926-4100 Wayside (617) 744-9585 Council on Aging (617) 972-6490 Non -Essential Business Closures Extended to May 18; Reopening Advisory Board Announced News Release On April 28th, the Baker -Polito Administration extended the essential services emergency order to May 18th and launched a Reopening Advisory Board that will produce a plan to the Governor by May 18th. The Administration also announced that the Department of Public Health's Stay At Home Advisory remains in effect and gatherings of 10 or more people remain prohibited until May 18th. 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. Summary of Funding Available through the CARES Act The MEMA Recovery Unit has created the attached quick summary (attached Excel) of funding available through the CARES act. This is intended to be high-level and provide a quick reference for investigation and planning purposes. Each funding stream's awarding Federal agency is listed and additional information is expected to be disseminated through those agencies. As additional information is provided, we will update the information and resend. DPH Daily Dashboard Released On April 20th, 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) 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 below of testing activity. Onsite Testing Date Number of Tests Completed Facilities Visited 4/29 1278 10 Total (as of 4/29) 22,119 453 Mobile Testing at EOHHS Group Homes & Care Sites (as of 4/29) DDS, DMH, DCF and DPH Facilities Clients 5,632 Staff 7,058 Total Tests 12,690 Number of Locations 952 Cases in Long term Care Facilities (as of 4/29) COVID-19 Cases in Long -Term Care (LTC) Facilities Residents/Healthcare Workers of LTC Facilities 11,701 LTC Facilities Reporting at Least One Case of 313 COVID-19 Deaths Reported in LTC Facilities 1,982 Further Support, Resources, and Accountability Measures for Nursing Facilities (News Release) On April 271h, the Baker -Polito Administration announced a second round of funding up to $130 million for nursing facilities to support COVID-19 response efforts over the next two months, as well as increased funding of $44 million for residential congregate care service providers. This funding will support staffing costs, infection control and personal protective equipment (PPE). In addition to increased financial support, the administration has implemented required testing for staff and residents of nursing facilities. Check Your Symptoms for COVID-19 Online The state is reminding people that they can now check their symptoms for COVID-19 online through Buoy.com/mass. Buoy's online tool is not to be used in place of emergency medical care. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. Massachusetts residents can visit Buoy to get advice from an online health assistant safely at home, for free. Buoy will connect you with the appropriate health care resource based on your symptoms and risk factors for COVID-19. 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. Hospitals Urge People Experiencing Medical Emergencies to Seek Care Boston -area hospitals are urging residents who are experiencing emergency illnesses other than COVID-19 to seek appropriate medical care. Hospitals have seen a decrease in residents seeking treatment for medical issues like heart attacks, strokes and injuries as people are concerned about contracting COVID-19. Hospitals have launched a Public Service Announcement (PSA) encouraging residents to seek care and assuring patients that Emergency Rooms are clean and safe. Watch the PSA. 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: htlps://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 1 lam to Ipm. They are currently serving meals to 200+ students. Next week, May 4-8, is National Teacher Appreciation Week. The Watertown community thanks all of its teachers, administrators, and support staff for all that they are doing to continue learning while the school buildings are closed. Watertown Free Public Library The Watertown Free Public Library will remain closed until Monday, May 18th. New virtual programs are added regularly. View the events calendar at watertownlib.org/events. Subscribe to the enewsletter for weekly updates during the closure watertownlib.org/newsletter. The COVID-19 community resource guide is available at www.watertownlib.org/covidl9guide. New resource alert: The Library has added two new streaming services to their elibrary. Qello provides full length concerts and music documentaries. Acorn TV offers streaming British tv, movies, and miniseries. For more information visit watertownlib.org/elibrary. Watertown Council on Aging/Senior Center/Food Pantry The Watertown Council on Aging/Senior Center will remain closed for all programs and services including all activities, exercise classes, AARP tax appointments, SHINE counseling, podiatry and blood pressure clinics, shuttle bus runs and Senior Parking Permits until Monday, May 18th. 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 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 SeniorCenter(d),watertown-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: PGeorgekwatertown- ma. ov 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 will remain cancelled until Monday, May 18th. All fields, courts, track, tot lots and dog parks in Watertown will remain closed until May 18t". 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 until Monday, May 18t". 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, TownMg_r(d,watertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6465 - Health Department, Health&watertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6446 - Senior Center, SeniorCenter(d),watertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6490 - Recreation Office, Recreation&watertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6494 - DPW Administrative, DPW I (d),watertown-ma.gov, (617) 617-972-6420 - Inspectional Services, buildinginspector(kwatertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6480 - Treasurer/Collector, Treas&Collectors(cwatertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6450 -Assessor, Assessorkwatertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6410 - Town Clerk/Vital Records, TownClerks(cwatertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6486 - Veterans Services, PGeorge&watertown-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. hqps://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) (8) Statements/Updates 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!