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HomeMy Public PortalAboutTown Managers Coronavirus COVID19 Update 4-2-2021Michael 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 Follow Watertown on Twitter: @watertowngov Facebook: watertowngov Instagram: watertownmagov Online: watertown-ma.gov Sign up for Notify Me Sign up for Emergency Alerts Town Manager's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update April 2, 2021 Watertown has a total of 2,268 confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 and 2,142 community members have recovered from the virus. Thirty-four Town employees have had confirmed cases. Watertown has recorded thirty-three COVID-19 fatalities. Our thoughts go out to the families as they mourn the loss of their loved one. Watertown COVID-19 Case a ' e Distribution' 19 and Under 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70 and over Unknown/no a ' e recorded Total 288 415 439 304 289 250 282 1 2,268 Watertown COVID-19 Positivity Rates Stabilize Continued vigilance urged as we work toward herd immunity. According to the Mass Department of Public Health (DPH) Dashboard, Watertown's weekly COVID-19 positivity rate has increased from 1.29% to 1.48% last week. View the DPH dashboard. 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. Homebound Vaccination Program The Watertown Health Department will be vaccinating our homebound population. The Watertown Health Department will be conducting these vaccinations with assistance from the Watertown Fire Department. Appointments will be based on supply of the vaccine from the State. Currently, Watertown has not received any vaccine from the State to support this effort but hopes to receive vaccine in the coming weeks. Please find a screening tool below to ensure your eligibility. 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 Q0: Before we begin, can you please tell me if you are able to travel to a vaccination clinic or site to get a vaccine?" If yes: NOT ELIGIBLE If no: proceed QL: Do you live in a Nursing Facility or a Rest Home? If yes: NOT ELIGIBLE If no: proceed t)2: Are you temporarily homebound, meaning while you cannot do so today, you would be able to go to a vaccination clinic or site If yes: NOT ELIGIBLE in a few weeks fe_g., broken leg, recently discharged from the hospitalP If no or unsure: proceed Q3: Are you capable of leaving your home for a routine medical appointment? If yes: skip to QS fasked: or for other activities such as to go outside, to go to the hairdresser, to o to the post office, or to get groceries?) If no or unsure. proceed Q4. To leave your home, do you need an ambulance or assistance from at least 2 people to get to a routine medical appointment? If yes: ELIGIBLE Nigh need) If no: ELIGIBLE QS. When you go to a medical appointment, do you need someone to go with you? (It -unsure: think about whether you needed someone to help you get to your last routine checkup or the lost time you sow a medical professional) If no' NOT ELIGIBLE If yes: proceed Q6. Could you go to a vaccination site or clinic with that person or someone else that goes with you? If no: ELIGIBLE If yes: likely not eligible, but proceed Q7: if you had a ride to a vaccination site, could you go to a vaccination site with that person? If no: ELIGIBLE (ff unsure: is not having a ride the only thing holding you bock?) If yes or unsure: proceed 08: You are likely not eligible for in -home vaccination. You will likely get a vaccfnatfon more quickly through going to vaccination site cod should try to find help from the person or that typically assists you to a medical appointment. Is that person or some else available to assist you in the weeks ahead? If yes: NOT ELIGIBLE If no: ELIGIBLE If you live in Watertown and are homebound or have any questions about the program, please contact Emily Laflamme at elaflamme@watertown-ma.gov or (617) 972-6446. Veterans COVID Vaccine Information Bedford VA Health Care System Bedford VA Health Care system is Accepting Veterans enrolled in the VA regardless of age, as well as spouses and caregivers. 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. Eligible spouses and caregivers will be required to provide the Veteran's name and last four of their SSN. Boston VA Health Care System Boston VA Health Care system is Accepting Veterans enrolled in the VA regardless of age Veterans enrolled in the VA Healthcare System can call 857-203-3919 to schedule an appointment for the COVID- 19 vaccine at VA Boston's Brockton, Jamaica Plain or Brockton campuses. Veterans must contact their local VA eligibility office to apply for VA benefits if they are not already enrolled in the health care system. 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. 2 Testing will be held inside the Commander's Mansion 440 Talcott Avenue on the following dates and times: Tuesday, April 6 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM Wednesday, April 7 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM Tuesday, April 13 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM Wednesday, April 14 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM 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. 2021 Memorial Day Parade In accordance with public health guidance, the Town of Watertown will be cancelling the 2021 Memorial Day Parade. Veterans' Services is finalizing plans for a series of events the week leading up to Memorial Day, with a static observation on Memorial Day. In -person participation will be allowed in accordance with the most up to date public health guidance. If you have any questions, please contact Patrick George at (617) 972-6416, (781) 645-9127, pgeorge@watertown-ma.gov. 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. Application Form The following restaurants have been approved to have outdoor seating: Gigi's Pizza Co. 129 Waltham Street City Works Eatery and Pour House 91 Arsenal Yards Blvd Gerry's Italian Kitchen 1072 Belmont Street Ixtapa Mexican Grill 18 Mount Auburn Street Intelligentsia Coffee 810 Mount Auburn Street Conley's Pub & Grille 164 Belmont Street Greg's Restaurant 821 Mount Auburn Street Jana Grill and Bakery 2 Watertown Street Deluxe Town Diner 627 Mt. Auburn Street Halfway Cafe 394-396 Main Street La Bodega 21 Nichols Avenue 3 Not Your Average Joe's 55 Main Street Stellina 47 Main Street Ritcey East 208 Waverley Avenue Tresca's Eating Place 25 Church Street Shiraz Cuisine 72 Bigelow Avenue Wild Willy's Burgers 46 Arsenal Street Any questions should be directed to Mike Mena, Zoning Enforcement, mmena@watertown-ma.gov 617 972-6427. Watertown Public School (WPS) Students in WPS will be returning to full in -person learning five days a week beginning with elementary students on April 5th. Middle school students will return on April 12th, with high school students returning on April 26th. Our faculty and staff are hard at work preparing our buildings for the increased number of students who will be back in our buildings- WPS will be ready. At this time, well over 78% of staff have received at least one dose of vaccine, or have appointments scheduled. We are confident that all staff who elect to be vaccinated will have at least their first dose before returning to full in -person schools. With a recommendation from the superintendent, the School Committee approved making student COVID-19 testing mandatory for students at its meeting on March 22nd, unless there are extenuating circumstances that would prevent a student from being tested. Our school nutrition department offers seven days of free breakfast and lunch for any students in Watertown. Distribution occurs in the schools for students in person and at the high school parking lot for anyone who is remote on Mondays from 12:00 PM -1:30 PM and 4:30 PM -6:00 PM. 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 - 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 4 All Departments are open 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Monday — Friday. The Building Inspectors' Offices are open at 7:30 AM. 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 (9 AM to 5 PM beginning March 20). 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 Beginning Saturday, March 20, the library will be open 9-5 on Saturdays, reinstating pre-Covid hours. Beginning Monday, March 22, the library offers in -library computer use and fax/scan by reservation only. Check the library website (www.watertownlib.org) or call the reference desk 617-972-6436 for more information. The Watertown Free Public Library, Wayside Multiservice Center, and Watertown Police Department have launched a mental health discussion series to help people cope with the emotional stressors of living through a pandemic. The series, led by mental health professionals, begins on February 25 at 6:30 pm with a discussion of sadness, isolation, and anxiety that will highlight strategies for coping and locally available mental health resources. To register for this zoom event, visit the library website or call 617-972-6431. Participants can remain anonymous. Series continues through the spring. 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 5 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). 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(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. 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) (52) Updates/Statements 6 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!