- Home
- Government
- Town Departments
- Health
- Coronavirus
Coronavirus
Welcome
to the Watertown Health Department COVID-19 Resource and Guidance Page!
Coronavirus (COVID-19) A Brief Summary: This novel coronavirus, which started as a localized novel zoonotic disease outbreak in China, has now been declared a pandemic (global disease outbreak) by the World Health Organization (WHO) after having rapidly spread to most countries around the world. The disease, known as COVID-19, is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 beta coronavirus virus. Symptoms develop 2-14 days after exposure and include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The majority of infections have been mild; however, severe life-threatening disease has developed in approximately 16% of cases according to initial reports. Emergency warning signs for severe infection include: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, Persistent chest pain or pressure, Sudden onset of confusion, Bluish tint of lips or face. *Immediately seek medical attention if experiencing any of these severe symptoms.* As a result, it is critical to implement personal protective hygiene and other preventive health behaviors such as frequent hand washing with soap and water, social distancing, and using proper cough and sneeze etiquette.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health Information
Click Here for Community-Level COVID-19 Data Reporting including color code level
COVID 19 Testing Sites in Massachusetts as of July 1, 2020
Virtual Map of Testing Locations
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stop-the-spread
Stop the Spread and Get Tested for COVID19
COVID 19 Compliance Concerns
Report possible concerns about non-compliance with the Commonwealth’s travel advisory quarantine, face covering, gathering, or other public health rules at: https://www.mass.gov/forms/covid-safe-practices-concern-form
If you have a concern about a workplace’s compliance with the Commonwealth’s workplace safety standards and protocols, you may report it to the Department of Labor Standards at: https://covid-19c.dls.eol.mass.gov/covid19/Complaints/create
COVID19 Vaccine Information
The Baker-Polito Administration and the Department of Public Health developed a vaccine distribution timeline after extensive consultation with the Massachusetts Vaccine Advisory Group, made up of leaders from health care, the faith community, community organizations, local government, and others.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/when-can-i-get-the-covid-19-vaccine
Information on the vaccine is ongoing and will be posted as it becomes available
CDC Recommendations
CDC Testing Tool / Self Screening for a COVID 19 Tests
If you are interested in determining if you should receive a COVID 19 test, please take advantage of the self screening tools provided on the CDC web site. CDC Self Checker
Testing
CDC Covid Testing Information and Guidance
Holidays
CDC Guidelines Winter Holidays 2020
CDC Guidance- Thanksgiving 2020
Halloween Recommendations for the Town of Watertown
Mass.gov Halloween During Covid19
FACE COVERINGS / MASKS 101
Emergency Order Mandating Face Coverings: Effective at 12:01 a.m., May 4, 2020 any individual who is age five (5) years or older, and not otherwise exempt per CDC guidelines, shall be required to cover their nose and mouth with a clean mask or face covering (e.g. disposable mask, cloth mask, face shield, bandana, scarf) when in or at any location open to the general public including all indoor locations open to the public, outdoor premises of private locations open to the public, and all public outdoor locations (e.g., parks, playgrounds, athletic facilities, sidewalks, streets, public squares, paths, all Town property).
Why do we need to wear face masks? In light of new data about how COVID-19 spreads, along with evidence of widespread COVID-19 illness in communities across the country, CDC recommends that people wear a face covering to cover their nose and mouth in the community setting. This is to protect people around you if you are infected but do not have symptoms.
When do you need to wear a face covering/mask? A cloth face covering should be worn whenever people are in a community setting, especially in situations where you may be near people. These settings include grocery stores and pharmacies. These face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing.
Do I still need to stay 6 feet apart from other if I am wearing a face covering/mask? YES.
What type of face cover/mask should be worn? Cloth face coverings can be made from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost.
Who should not wear face coverings/masks? Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children younger than 2 years of age, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance.