HomeMy Public PortalAboutTown Managers Coronavirus COVID19 Update 9-25-2020 TOWN OF
1630 N
WATERTOWN
• �f.: ''f` Office of the Town Manager
Administration Building
149 Main Street
Watertown,MA 02472
Phone:617-972-6465
Michael J. Driscoll www.watertown-ma.gov
Town Manager townmgr@watertown-ma.gov
Town Manager's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
September 25, 2020
Latest Data: COVID-19 Public Health Update
Testing Update: As of September 24th, over 18,000 new individuals tested by molecular(viral)tests were
reported in Massachusetts with 455 newly reported confirmed positive cases. The total molecular tests
administered to date is nearly 3.6 million.
Hospitalizations & Capacity Update: 376 people are hospitalized, with 75 reported to be in the Intensive
Care Unit(ICU). Key indicators from the latest Daily Dashboard are below.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health COVID-19 Dashboard- Thursday, September 24, 2020
4 :Dashboard of Public Health Indicators
DeathsNewly Reporied Total.Confirmed Newly Reported Total
Confirmed Cases Cases Deaths among
Today among Confirmed
...
455
12L,863 •
,150
New IndividuaLs Total.IndividuaN- Below IS(tic curf[fll 5tdtu!i
Tested by Tested by
Motecular Tests MoLecutar Tests Measure Status
+ 2,144,396 COVID 19 positive test rate 0
Number of individuals who died from COVID-19
Legend Number of patients with COVID-19 in hospitals 0
Tests . Pas;t;Veuerfd Healthcare system readiness
AdministeredInppogiess Testing capacity 0
• • • NegAive trend Contact tracing capabilities 0
1
Massachusetts Department of Public Health CDVID-19 Dashboard- Thursday, September 24, 2020
hice
Dashboard of Public Health Indicators PeLGwestment r bsErveount f[hang(LOV)i
� - Lowest Observed Value(LOV}
T Day Weighted
AVerage o1 positive 1 4.V4[.C16 T.Ql.10$A47i A4% fly16 A,3,__
Maie[Vler r[SL RAW OR% 54� 04t6 A9% 049E 94t6 A4t6 9.46 09%G9%9.91G p�K, pSgs Gb'N OA`.09?5 ll&°b '
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9E9E
� 15 lE 27 Ad9 ]P 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 3 8 4 16 41 17 13 � 4S 46 -7 td F4 7P 11 27 23
►uI_t sm rw-1 tav=0.846
3 aay Average of 3sy 359
NR1Rr11}4r W ISO339 }�y 346 }at y3y 346 36s 361 36i 3sa
CWlp•1g P liPntS 317 314 373 3,e 323 323 32D 3t1 3Z4 3 }15 32 345
in Hospitlpl•' 333 3Q2 io3 34R
300
F/ � � )T ]6 i4 L'1 i] 1 7 ] J 5 E F ! 9 10 11 17 13 12 tS 1d 1] 1A 19 211 j1 77 j3
Number of 6
Isu'9 iAli xity 3 3 3 5
SUr9$[d(iJ{�ty ] 2 7 7 } 7 7 ] 2 7
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
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25 36 27 7A 430 31 1 2 S 4 S d 7 d 7 1a 12 �} a 15 t6 t' t; 19 70 :I 3! 23
.., .
3oay Average of s ,s is is 1s Fs
COVIp•19 15 + 16 14 15 ,3 Td Fr
13 SR 12 13
dCD�lt6... 13 T+ tt f4 to
4 4
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ti 26 ]l TR py i7 i1 ; q 10 11 17 1} 1{ 1i Ip m ZF tW r
M1AV+sL SeylnMln
For more state data, visit httas://www.mass.izov/info-details/covid-l9-updates-and-information
Watertown has a total of 506 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 477 community members have recovered
from the virus. Seven Town employees have had confirmed cases. Watertown has recorded twenty-four
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'
I
19 1 andUnknown/no
Under I 1 I 1 JI . 1 I ' 11 69 over age recorded Total
26 83 111 64 70 66 85 1 506
New Weekly Public Health Data Report Released
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. Communities in the high-risk
category will receive additional support from the Commonwealth through a cross-agency COVID
Enforcement and Intervention Team.
DPH has also posted an archive of previously released city and town data dating back to April on the
COVID-19 reporting page. The Weekly Public Health Report includes also includes data on recoveries,
along with detailed case and death data related to long term care facilities. The report also includes
information on new nursing facility staff baseline testing, infection control audits, and more. You can also
find information related to contact tracing by local boards of health, and the Community Tracing Collabora
orts, and raw data files, are available by visiting the COVID-19 Resnonse Renortiniz na2e.
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).
2
Free COVID-19 Testing in 18 Communities is Extended through October
The state's "Stop the Spread"initiative has extended free COVID-19 testing through October 31. The
testing is available in 18 high priority communities across the Commonwealth: Brockton, Chelsea, Everett,
Fall River, Framingham, Holyoke, Lawrence, Lynn, Marlborough, Methuen,New Bedford, Randolph,
Revere, Salem, Saugus, Springfield, Winthrop, and Worcester. The Stop the Spread initiative is a data-
driven targeted effort to reduce the prevalence of COVID-19 in communities that are above the state
average in total cases and positive test rates.
Residents can visit the initiative's website at mass.aov/stovthespread to find testing locations and additional
information. The Stop the Spread program is intended to provide low barrier, free, and easy to access
testing to all Massachusetts residents.
New Indoor Visitation Guidance for Nursing Homes,Rest Homes and Assisted Living Residences
New guidance was announced yesterday that allows safe indoor visitation to resume in nursing homes and
rest homes, and further expands indoor visitation options in assisted living residences (ALRs) starting today,
September 25. The guidance from the Department of Public Health(DPH) and the Executive Office of
Elder Affairs (EOEA)balances the important role visitation plays in supporting resident emotional health
and quality of life, while ensuring necessary infection control measures are in place.
View the full DPH lone-term care visitation Quidance
View the full EOEA ALR visitation Guidance
New Restaurant Guidance
Earlier in the week, Governor Baker announced the following changes to food establishments starting on
September 28th. For both indoor and outdoor dining,parties can now be up to 10 persons (up from 6).
Restaurants may use bar area for food service, while following safety protocols. Bars and nightclubs will
remain closed.
Federal Approval for September Pandemic EBT
The Baker Administration announced that it received federal approval to issue additional Pandemic EBT, or
P-EBT,benefits in September to promote increased food security for families who participate in the United
States Department of Agriculture's National School Lunch Program(NSLP). These funds will help cover
the cost of missed school meals from the month of September due to delayed school opening or remote
learning, for over 470,000 students and their families. Benefits will start being available (being distributed)
September 30, 2020 for an estimated total amount of over$40 million of federal dollars. (Press release
here).
Amendment to Emergency Order Mandating Face Coverings
On September 16',the Watertown Board of Health amended its Emergencv Order to align with the
one issued by the Governor. This Amendment is also consistent with guidance that is being put out by
State agencies on reopening.
#MaskUpMA Initiative Launched
On Friday, July 31, the Baker-Polito Administration launched#MaskUpMA, an effort to continue to remind
residents to wear masks and face-coverings in public to stop the spread of COVID-19. The effort
underscores the importance of wearing masks across multiple channels including video testimonials on
social media, a new PSA, and a website, Mass.Gov/MaskUp
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In May, Governor Baker issued an order requiring residents to wear face-coverings in public where social
distancing is not possible. This applies to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Exceptions include children under
the age of 2 and those unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition.
Watertown Public Schools (WPS)
The Watertown Public Schools returned to learning on Tuesday, September 22. Most of the students are
beginning remotely on the 'Bridge to Hybrid" as we continue to monitor the trajectory of the virus and the
readiness of our schools to reopen for in-person instruction. Our first checkpoint for beginning hybrid in-
person instruction will be on October 22 with a start date for elementary school students on October 27 and
secondary students returning at the end of November. Several of our students in specialized programs
started school in-person this past Tuesday.
The WPS School Nutrition Department is providing free grab and go meals for families on Tuesday and
Fridays from 11-1 or on Wednesday evening from 5:30 -7. This service provides 7 days of free breakfast
and lunch for any student or family who could benefit from this offer.
The Watertown Farmers' Market is open weekly through October 14th1
Wednesdays, 2:30—6:30pm, Saltonstall Park, 149 Main Street, next to Town Hall
The market is open as an essential food access point offering a wide variety of farm fresh, locally grown and
produced foods. The market offers safe and efficient on-site shopping as well as pre-order options.
Volunteer Shoppers are available for those with medical, mobility, or transportation needs. Market flyer
with SNAP information (HERE).
Visit our website for more information: www.watertownmarket.com
2020 Saltonstall Park Concert Series
On Wednesday, September 30th, Southbound Train will perform! Concert starts at 6:30 PM, Saltonstall
Park. Southbound Train is a high energy, vocal oriented contemporary- seven-piece country band playing
the best of country music, past and present.
This year marks twenty-one years that the Saltonstall Park Concert Series has provided free music and
entertainment in Watertown's historic Saltonstall Park. We are requesting that everyone follow the latest
State and Town guidance in regards to masks and social distancing. The Saltonstall Park Concert Series
Committee will take steps to help make the process easier, such as social distancing squares. Enjoy the
show!
The 2020 concert series is sponsored by the Watertown Savings Bank, Eversource, Massachusetts Cultural
Council, Graphic Connections and Town of Watertown
Town Hall
Town Hall is open to the public by appointment only. 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, TownMu(cr�,watertown-ma.2ov, (617) 972-6465
-Health Department, Health(&watertown-ma.aov, (617) 972-6446
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- Senior Center, SeniorCenter(&watertown-ma.aov, (617) 972-6490
-Recreation Office, Recreationawatertown-ma.2ov, (617) 972-6494
-DPW Administrative, DPW 1(&,watertown-ma.2ov, (617) 617-972-6420
- Inspectional Services, buildinainspectorawatertown-ma.aov, (617) 972-6480
- Treasurer/Collector, Treas&Collectors(&,watertown-ma.2ov, (617) 972-6450
-Assessor, Assessor(&,,watertown-ma.2ov, (617) 972-6410
- Town Clerk/Vital Records, TownClerks(&watertown-ma.14ov, (617) 972-6486
-Veterans Services, PGeor2e(&,,watertown-ma.2ov, (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
Filippello (Grove) Field remains closed to the public and all users until the completion of the installation of
the new field lighting system for safety reasons. The lighting project is expected to be completed mid-
November. The Grove Street entryway, dog park, hard court surface,parking lot, playground,picnic tables,
spray park and the walkway remains open during the construction period.
Watertown's recreational facilities and activities' rules and regulations are guided by the Governor's
Phase III reopening plan. Please refer to this link for detailed instructions.
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 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
htt)s://www.watertownlib.or2/514/COVID-19-Librarv-Updates
Curbside service continues and has been expanded. For more information visit
httos://www.watertownlib.ora/537/Curbside-PickuD
Museum passes are back! The Watertown Free Public Library Museum Pass Program has resumed with
passes available for the Discovery Museum, Institute of Contemporary Art, Isabella Steward Gardner
Museum, and MA Audubon. Due to each museum's COVID-19 precautions, the procedures for using
museum passes have changed. Patrons are advised to carefully review the instructions before visiting
museums. For more information and reserve passes visit www.watertownlib.oria/museumpasses.
The Red Leaf Cafe is now open from 9am to 3pm for takeout only.
Hatch Makerspace is open by appointment only. For more information visit
htti)s://www.watertownlib.ora/576/Book-an-Ai)i)ointment. Hatch will continue to offer curbside pickup for
5
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.ora/hatchpickup.
Watertown Council on Aging/Senior Center/Food Pantry
The Watertown Senior Center and the Senior Shuttle Bus remain 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
htti)s://www.watertown-ma.aov/1 50/Activities-durin2-COVID-1 9.
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.aov.
Food Pantry Need
The Food Pantry is in need of healthy kid-sized snacks like granola or fruit bars, raisin boxes, fruit or
pudding cups, cookie and cracker mini packs, and drinks like juice boxes or pouches for our families. Our
goal is to send each family home with a week's worth of"School Snacks." Donations accepted at the Food
Pantry on Tuesdays from 8:00 AM— 1:30 PM at 80 Mount Auburn Street, Rear.
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: PGeorae(awatertown-
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. htti)s://www.watertown-
ma.fzov/965/CORONAVIRUS.
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 (mass21Lor2j.
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.2ov.
Please call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergencv.
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:
• 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.aov/findfoodhelp
• Ston the Spread
• Reopening Massachusetts
• Mass.Gov/covid 19
• Massachusetts Emeraencv Manaizement Aaencv
• Unemnlovment& COVID-19
• Dept. Of Transitional Assistance Online Portal
• Emeraencv Childcare Site
• COVID-19 Cost Eligibility and Tracking Guidance
• Watertown COVID-19 Resource Guide
Town Manager's Coronavirus (COVID-19) (26) 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(u,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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