HomeMy Public PortalAboutTown Managers Coronavirus COVID19 Update 6-26-2020Michael 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
June 26, 2020
COVID-19 Numbers
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is reporting that as of June 25, 2020 there are:
• 107,837 cases statewide
• 23,741 Middlesex County
• 7,963 deaths statewide
For more state data, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-updates-and-information
Watertown has a total of 421 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 387 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-three 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 60- and Unknown/no
Under 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 69 over a ' e recorded Total
20
53
89
55
62
61
80
421
Baker -Polito Administration Initiates Transition to Step Two of Second Phase of Four -Phase
Approach (News Release)
The Baker -Polito Administration announced that Step Two of Phase II of the Commonwealth's
four -phase reopening plan, Reopening Massachusetts, began on Monday, June 22 to allow
additional industries to resume operations under sector -specific guidelines.
Businesses and sectors set to begin operating in Step Two of Phase II are subject to compliance
with all mandatory safety standards.
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
On May 18, the Administration released a four- phased plan to reopen the economy based on
public health data, spending at least three weeks in each phase. Key public health data, such as
new cases and hospitalizations, has been closely monitored and seen a significant decline allowing
for Step Two of Phase II to begin on June 22.
New COVID-19 Testing Website Launched
The Baker -Polito Administration launched a revamped testing website, "Get Tested MA," as a
more convenient resource for the public to find information on testing in one place. The website,
available at Mass.gov/gettested, has information on who should get a test, what to do if an
individual receives a positive test, and details on the different types of tests available.
Town Re -Opening Plan Update
As indicated in the May 22"d Coronavirus (COVD-19) Update, the Town is preparing to reopen
Town buildings and facilities. We are determining the best ways to responsibly and safely reopen
Watertown. The following is an update on the Town's Re -Opening Plan:
• The Watertown Recycling Center is opened on the regular schedule of Fridays and
Saturdays from 9:00 AM — 4:00 PM
• As of June 1St, the Department of Public Works Administrative offices has opened to the
public for issuance of permits and for other Public Works related services.
• The Watertown Free Public Library will remain closed in accordance with Phase I of
Governor Baker's Re -Opening Plan. The library continues to offer curbside pickup of
library materials.
• The Watertown Senior Center will remain closed as we continue to review best ways to
responsibly and safely reopen. We will provide more information once available in
COVID-19 Updates, on social media and on the Town's website.
Town Hall
Town Hall is open to the public by appointment only. Under this initial reopening, any member
of the public must wear a face covering while in the building. Additionally, the public 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
- 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
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- Veterans Services, PGeorge@watertown-ma.gov, (617) 972-6416
Town Hall Summer Hours through Friday September 4th will be as follows:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday 8:30 AM — 7:00 PM
Friday 8:30 AM — 2:00 PM
The Building Inspectors' Offices are open at 7:30 AM
Parks and Recreation
On Wednesday, June 3rd, the following opened:
• Parks and Athletic Fields (except Victory Field Turf)
• Victory Field Track
• Community Gardens
On Wednesday, June 17th, the following opened:
• Dog Parks
• Tennis & Pickle Ball Courts (singles play only - no doubles play)
On Wednesday, June 24th, the following opened:
• Playgrounds & Tot Lots
• Basket Ball Courts
• Picnic Tables & Grills (permit only)
These facilities are open for passive, non -contact use. No congregating, group activities or game
playing is allowed. Violations of the social distancing standards (no more than 10 people, staying
6 feet apart from others) may result in the field, park or track being closed.
Outdoor & Flexible Seating Initiative for Watertown Restaurants
In an effort to assist local restaurants, the Town of Watertown began a policy allowing outdoor seating
for restaurants and licensed establishments. The Town is accepting applications for temporary outdoor
seating and use to allow for this activity to be undertaken by restaurants in a safe and responsible manner
during the COVID-19 pandemic. The review process is designed to be streamlined with staff level
review and final approval by the Town Manager.
The following restaurants have been approved to have outdoor seating:
City Works Eatery and Pour House
91 Arsenal Yards Blvd
Gerry's Italian Kitchen
1072 Belmont Street
La Bodega
21 Nichols Avenue
Stellina
47 Main Street
Conley's Pub & Grille
164 Belmont Street
Greg's Restaurant
821 Mount Auburn Street
Ritcey East
208 Waverley Avenue
Tresca's Eating Place
25 Church Street
Deluxe Town Diner
627 Mt. Auburn Street
Ixtapa Mexican Grill
18 Mount Auburn Street
Shiraz Cuisine
72 Bigelow Avenue
3
June 29t'' Special Town Council Meeting
The Honorable Town Council will be meeting on Monday, June 29th at 6:00 PM for the purpose of
holding a public hearing and vote on the Town Manager's Proposed Budget for the Fiscal Year 2021.
June 29, 2020 Special Town Council Agenda
Watertown Farmers' Market
The Farmers' Market is opened as an essential food access point with a new market layout providing
social distancing, monitored entrance and exits, and one-way shopping, as our top priority is the health
and safety of all. The market will continue to offer a $15 SNAP match to eligible customers and include
farm vendors who can process Healthy Incentive Program (HIP) benefits. The market is also able to
process P-EBT cards.
The Farmers' Market will be held every Wednesday, 2:30 — 6:30 PM through October 14th at Saltonstall
Park, 149 Main Street, next to Town Hall.
While we have eliminated special events and community groups for the time being, you can still expect
to find locally grown and produced foods in our pleasurable, outdoor market space. Please visit our
website and sign up for our newsletter to receive important information and updates about vendors, pre -
ordering, and safety rules: http://www.livewellwatertown.org. If you are interested in volunteering,
contact Stephanie Venizelos, Community Wellness Program Manager at: svenizelos@watertown-
ma.gov.
Emergency Order Mandating Face Coverings
The Watertown Board of Health adopted an Emergency Order on April 30th mandating face coverings
effective Monday, May 4th
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 went into effect on May 6th.
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
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.
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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 8am to 4pm and the number for the call center is # 617-
972-6565. Questions can also be emailed to COVID19(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.
Four (4) electronic sign boards have been placed around Town with the message: "Wear Face
Coverings". Further message updates will be provided as needed.
ICYMI: New Data on COVID-19 Recoveries Added to Weekly Public Health Report
On June 3rd, the Department of Public Health (DPH) began reporting data on those who have
recovered from COVID-19 on page 22 of the report. Individuals who had a confirmed case of COVID-
19 and are no longer in isolation are considered for purposes of this report to be recovered. As part of
this definition, DPH is counting people as released from isolation after 21 days of illness or 21 days
past the date of their test in all settings including nursing homes and state facilities.
The Weekly COVID-19 Public Health Report also includes town -by -town case and testing
information, along with detailed case and death data related to long term care facilities. The report also
includes update on nursing facility audits and more. You can find all the data reports by visiting the
COVID-19 Response Reporting page. (Find the Data Files Here).
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/Coronavirus
Watertown Public Schools (WPS)
On June 25th, Governor Baker's office and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
released their initial guidance about reopening schools this fall. The goal of the guidance is the safe
return of as many students as possible to in -person school settings in order to best meet students'
academic, social, and emotional needs. Over the coming weeks, the WPS Reopening Task Force will
review the guidance to begin to understand how it impacts what we can do in Watertown. We also
acknowledge that these initial guidelines do not address every topic and that there will be additional
guidance coming throughout the summer. The full guidance document can be found at the following
link. Districts will need to develop three separate plans - one for return to full in -person instruction
with safety requirements, one for full remote learning, and one for hybrid learning that combines in -
person and remote learning. As we get closer to the opening of school, we will implement the plan
that makes the most sense for Watertown based on the information that is available at that time.
Breakfast and lunch is available for any student throughout the summer. Next week, pick up is on
Monday and Wednesday, June 29 and July 1, in the WHS parking lot from 11:00-1:00 Starting on July
7, meals will be available on Tuesday and Friday from 11:00-1:00 in the WHS parking lot. Any
families are welcome to take advantage of this offering.
5
Watertown Free Public Library
The Watertown Free Public Library building will remain closed in accordance with Phase I of
Governor Baker's Re -Opening Plan. The Watertown Free Public Library offers curbside pickup of
library materials. All items showing as available in the library catalog will be eligible for pickup.
Simply call the library Monday — Friday from 8am to 4pm at 857-203-8009 (new number as of
June 1st) to schedule a pickup. More details via the link
https://www.watertownlib.org/537/4929/Curbside-Pickup.
Hatch Makerspace is now offering 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.
The library continues to provide a wide range of online resources and virtual programming. Please
see the website for all of the details. https://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 the Town's Re -Opening Plan. 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 Parking Permits can be renewed
over the phone by calling the Senior Center. 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@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:
PGeorge@watertown-ma.gov or (617) 972-6416 (Office) and (781) 645-9127 (Cell)
Emergency Management Team
The Town of Watertown Emergency Management Team is meeting 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.
6
• 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) (15) 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
COVID19@police.watertown-ma.gov 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!