HomeMy Public PortalAboutTown Managers Coronavirus COVID19 Update 2-5-2021Michael 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
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Town Manager's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
February 5, 2021
Watertown has a total of 1,943 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 1,783 community
members have recovered from the virus. Twenty-five Town employees have had confirmed cases.
Watertown has recorded thirty 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'
70
19 and and Unknown/no
Under 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 over age recorded Total
212 355 369 260 256 231
259
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1,943
Watertown is currently considered "yellow" or "moderate risk" for COVID-19 transmission.
The Watertown Health Department announces its first COVID Vaccine Clinic for
Watertown Seniors age 75 and older.
The Watertown Health Department has received a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines and per state
requirements is hosting a clinic for Watertown residents age 75 and older only (anyone born prior to
1945).
The Watertown Seniors Over 75 Clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, February 10. To register and for
more information, go to: https://www.maimmunizations.org/clinic/private_registration/46e75165-f79b-
4a45-aff3-8114d48036ac
Pre -registration is required for all appointments and seniors requiring assistance with registering can call
the Senior Center at (617) 972-6490 for assistance in making an appointment. The Clinic will be held in
the Community Room at the Watertown Police Station, 552 Main Street.
Residents who have other means to get the vaccine (Veterans who utilize the VA; persons with
transportation to get to mass -vaccination clinics) are encouraged to schedule appointments at those sites as
soon as possible so they can get an early appointment.
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).
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Because the clinic is limited, attendees will be required to provide proof of Watertown residency and are
advised to wear loose clothing that allows for easy access to the upper arm for administration of the
vaccination.
If you have insurance, please bring your insurance card with you.
Attendees will be required to be observed for 15 minutes after vaccination, and if you have had any allergic
responses in the past. The observation period is 30 minutes. Please plan accordingly.
Please note, at this time, the vaccine supply is very limited, and we will be hosting more clinics as
additional vaccines are allotted to us.
Finally, if you have received an appointment for this clinic and you were able to get your vaccine
elsewhere, please cancel your appointment for this clinic as it will allow us to vaccinate others. Thank you.
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
The Watertown Health Department's dedicated link for vaccine information is:
Covid-19 Vaccine Information I Watertown, MA - Official Website (watertown-ma.gov)
Veterans COVID Vaccine Information
Whitman VA/VFW Clinic
The VA and VFW are partnering to host a COVID vaccine clinic tomorrow Saturday, February 6th from
10am-lpm. This clinic is for Veterans over the age of 65. Already -enrolled Veterans can drop in, and
Veterans who wish to enroll in VA Health Care (they must in order to get a vaccine) can call 877-222-8387
or be prepared to fill out a VA health care form on the premises on the 6th. Veterans will be scheduled for
their follow up appointment on that day.
Bedford VA Health Care System
The Bedford VA Health Care system is Accepting Veterans 50 years of age or older. Veterans must be
enrolled in the VA Health Care system to receive the vaccination; they can call the Bedford Campus: (781)
687-2275 to determine eligibility. If they are already enrolled, they can call 781-687-4000 to schedule their
vaccination appointment.
Boston VA Health Care System
The Boston VA Health Care System is scheduling Veterans over the ae of 65. Veterans must contact their
local VA eligibility office to apply for VA benefits if they are not already enrolled in the health care
system. Please note: applying for VA health care does not guarantee you will receive a COVID Vaccine;
you need to be eligible and enrolled in order to schedule a vaccination. Changes to vaccine availability
within the VA system will be updated as soon as possible. Here are the phone numbers for all local VA
hospital eligibility offices: Brockton Campus: (774) 826-2515 or (774) 826-2513 Jamaica Plain Campus:
(857) 364-5269 West Roxbury Campus: (857) 203-5463 or (857) 203-3167.
Free COVID-19 Testing for Watertown Residents — Additional Slots
The Town of Watertown is offering, by appointment only, one - free COVID-19 Test for
Watertown residents. Testing is free, does not require a medical referral and you do not need to have
COVID-19 symptoms to get tested. Pre -registration is required to receive a test (pre -registration details
below) and we ask that you only sign up for one test to allow other residents access to testing.
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Testing will be held inside the Commander's Mansion 440 Talcott Avenue on the following dates and
times:
Tuesday, February 9 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday, February 10 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Tuesday February 16 from 1:OOPM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday February 17 from 8:OOAM to 2:OOPM
Tuesday February 23 from 1:OOPM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday February 24 from 8:OOAM to 2:OOPM
In order to obtain an appointment a Watertown resident must pre -register by clicking on the following link:
https://proemscovidtesting. as.me/watertown
This is not a drive -up test. Watertown residents who have an appointment will enter into the Commander's
Mansion and with the assistance of Pro Ambulance employees will conduct a self-administering nasal swab
(PCR test).
Test results: As a reminder, a negative test does not mean you cannot spread COVID-19, or get infected
with COVID-19, at a later date. Residents should continue to practice physical distancing and hygiene,
regardless of a negative test result.
The above dates and times are the only dates and times available for Watertown residents through
this program.
There are several additional ways that Watertown residents can get tested for COVID-19:
The state's "Stop the Spread" testing sites are open to all Massachusetts residents, and testing is free of
charge. The sites are located in several nearby communities (Framingham, Marlborough, Chelsea, Everett,
Revere, Winthrop). Many of these sites are walk-up or drive -through and do not require appointments.
Details about each site are provided at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stop-the-spread#eligibility-
Contact Your Health Care Provider
If you think you may have COVID-19, call your health care provider and tell them about your symptoms.
COVID-19 symptoms may include fever, sore throat, loss of sense of smell, cough, difficulty breathing,
body aches, or chills. Your health care provider will help you decide whether testing is appropriate. If your
provider thinks you should be tested and cannot do the test on -site, they will make the referral to a testing
site near you. Here is a current list of COVID-19 testing sites in Massachusetts:
https://www.mass.gov/doc/ma-covid-19-testing-sites/download
Use the State's Free Online Telehealth Service
The state is partnering with Doctor on Demand to offer free telehealth visits to Massachusetts residents
who want to get a quick assessment of symptoms and/or do not have health insurance. Through this
service, you'll be evaluated online and connected to testing if needed. To access this free service, go
to: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/check-your-symptoms-for-covid-19-online
Call the State's 24 -Hour Hotline
If you do not have interne access or do not feel comfortable using websites, you can call 2-1-1, a 24 -hour
state -supported telephone hotline. Hotline staff can provide guidance on testing.
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RESOURCES
• Massachusetts COVID-19 testing page (Mass.gov)
• COVID-19 Test Site Locator tool
MEMA COVID-19 Command Center Situation Report
Yesterday, the Command Center released the comprehensive COVID-19 Weekly Public Health Report,
including community -specific COVID-19 case and testing data. The report also includes risk categories for
each city and town based on the average daily incident rate over the past 14 days.
When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The Baker -Polito Administration and the Department of Public Health developed a vaccine distribution
timeline after extensive consultation with the Massachusetts Vaccine Advisory Group. The timeline
reflects several priorities: protecting our most vulnerable, maintaining health care system capacity, and
addressing inequities in health care access and COVID-19 burden.
• When Can I Get the COVID-19 Vaccine https://www.mass.gov/info-details/when-can-i-get-the-
covid-19-vaccine.
Please note: The webpage is updated frequently; please check back often.
• COVID-19 Vaccine e-mail address COVID-19-Vaccine-Plan-MA@mass.gov
Health Department
The Health Department has 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/Coronavirus
Watertown Public Schools (WPS)
Watertown continues to provide hybrid instruction or remote learning for our students in grades K-12, with
our students in specialized programs attending four or five days a week. Our student and staff testing
program continues, with approximately 80% of families and staff participating in the weekly testing.
Our school nutrition department continues to offer seven days of free breakfast and lunch for any students
in Watertown. Distribution takes place in the schools for students who are in person and at the high school
parking lot for anyone who is remote on Mondays from 12:00-1:30 and 4:30-6:00.
Town Hall is open to the public by appointment and drop-off transactions only.
All payments may be placed in the silver box next to the Library book drop-off labeled "Payments Drop-
off' located on Thaxter Street. You may also drop-off transactions in person in the Philip Pane Hearing
Room, Saltonstall Park side of Town Hall 9:00 AM — 4:00 PM Monday through Friday. Members of the
public must wear a face covering while in the building and is asked to maintain physical separation from
employees and other visitors of at least six feet.
Many departments offer residents and businesses the ability to conduct transactions by phone, online or by
mail. Individuals should check with their intended departments to see if there are options for service.
Visit the Department directory for phone numbers.
This includes the following Town Offices:
- Town Manager, TownMgr@watertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6465
- Health Department, Health@watertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6446
- Senior Center, SeniorCenter@watertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6490
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- Recreation Office, Recreation@watertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6494
- DPW Administrative, DPW1@watertown-ma.gov, (617) 617-972-6420
- Inspectional Services, buildinginspector@watertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6480
- Treasurer/Collector, Treas&Collectors@watertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6450
- Assessor, Assessor@watertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6410
- Town Clerk/Vital Records, TownClerks@watertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6486
- Veterans Services, PGeorge@watertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6416
All Departments are open 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Monday — Friday. The Building Inspectors' Offices
are open at 7:30 AM.
Recreation Department
Winter Session I, Extended Until February 14
Our current Winter Session I programming schedule has been extended until Sunday, February 14.
All programs now in process will continue, same day, same time, same location.
A mini version of very popular February Vacation Program will be offered from February 16 — 19 at the
Watertown Boys and Girls Club. We will offer 8 separate 2 hour sessions, 2 a day geared for different ages
and interests.
Please remember the Artificial Turf Field at Victory is open Monday Sunday from 8:00am to Dark (about
4:45), but our grass fields are closed.
All users of our recreational facilities need to abide by our COVID19 protocols and restrictions. (Face
Coverings are mandatory, regardless of distance from each other)
Watertown Free Public Library
The Watertown Free Public Library is open for browsing. The library is open Monday through Thursday
from 10 AM to 7 PM, Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to 12 PM. Monday through
Friday from 9 AM to 10 AM is reserved for patrons 65+ and with high -risk health conditions. Every person
entering the building must wear a face covering and staff will monitor capacity. In addition, every patron
will be asked to sign in with their contact information as required by the State of Massachusetts for contact
tracing purposes. That information will be kept confidential and only turned over upon request from the
state or local health department. The information will be destroyed after 14 days. For more information on
what to expect when returning to the library, please follow this link:
https://www.watertownlib.org/514/COVID-19-Library-Updates
NEW! Snowshoes, KitchenAid Stand Mixer, power washer —these items have nothing in common except
that they are all things you can now check out with your library card. On January 6 the Watertown Free
Public Library (WFPL) launched a new collection of non-traditional library materials known as the Library
of Things and they're waiting to be used. For more information about this new collection visit
https://watertownlib.org/things or call 617-972-6431.
NEW! Brainfuse HelpNow, a digital platform offering on demand learning support for all ages and levels is
now available to Watertown residents through the Watertown Free Public Library. Services include live
tutoring for students and an adult learning center. To access HelpNow, visit
www.watertownlib.org/brainfuse.
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Same Day Pickup is now available for in stock items. Ca11 617-972-6431 to speak with a librarian and get
your books today!
Curbside service continues and has been expanded. For more information visit
https://www.watertownlib.org/537/Curbside-Pickup
Hatch Makerspace is open by appointment only. For more information visit
https://www.watertownlib.org/576/Book-an-Appointment. Hatch will continue to offer curbside pickup for
3D prints and laser cut original work on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10 AM and 4 PM. Print and cut
jobs must meet certain eligibility requirements for this service. For more information, visit
watertownlib.org/hatchpickup
Laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots are available for a 2 -week loan period from the Watertown Free Public
Library. For more information visit www.watertownlib.org/laptops or call 617-972-6431
Homebound Delivery If you are stuck at home due to a medical necessity, we can deliver books to you.
Sign up here: watertownlib.org/delivery
Print from Home Don't have a printer? You can send up to 10 pages to us and pick up the next day at
WFPL. Learn more: watertownlib.org/print
Watertown Council on Aging/Senior Center/Food Pantry
The Watertown Senior Center remains closed, but Senior Center staff are available to connect you to
their Zoom programs and to provide other assistance. Senior Parking Permits can be renewed over the
phone by calling the Senior Center and new permits can be purchased by calling the Senior Center and
making an appointment. The monthly Watertown Senior News can be found at https://www.watertown-
ma.gov/150/Activities-during-COVID-19. The Senior Shuttle Bus is running again on a limited, by -
appointment basis to the Stop and Shop on Watertown Street. Call the Senior Center on Fridays from 8:30
AM -1 PM to reserve your ride for the following week.
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. Food donations (canned goods, cold cereals,
peanut butter and other shelf -stable items) are accepted at the Food Pantry on Tuesdays starting at 9:00 AM
until 2 PM. For more information about the Food Pantry or any senior issues, call the Senior Center at (617)
972-6490 or send an e-mail to SeniorCenter@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. Veterans who receive less than $2,000 monthly and have less than $5,000 in
assets ($9,800 if married) should consult Veterans' Services about Chapter 115 benefits. This is a
financial lifeline for eligible Veterans and families, please inquire at the contact info below. Water
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. Please
contact the VSO at: PGeorge@watertown-ma.gov or (617) 972-6416 (Office) and (781) 645-9127
(Cell)
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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 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 a COVID-19 email to allow residents and business owners to ask non-
medical questions specific to COVID-19 in Watertown. Questions can also be emailed to
COVID 19(apolice.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.
Please continue to take the following actions to limit the spread of COVID-19:
• Wear a mask
• 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.
Helpful Links:
• COVID-19 Travel Order
• Mass.gov/findfoodhelp
• Stop the Spread
• Reopening Massachusetts
• Mass.Gov/covidl9
• Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency
• Unemployment & COVID-19
• Dept. Of Transitional Assistance Online Portal
• Emergency Childcare Site
• COVID-19 Cost Eligibility and Tracking Guidance
• Watertown COVID-19 Resource Guide
Town Manager's Coronavirus (COVID-19) (44) Updates/Statements
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
COVID19(a police.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!
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