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Watertown Coronavirus Updates
Update May 21, 2021
On Monday, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that all remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted effective May 29.The Commonwealth’s face covering order will also be rescinded on May 29. The Department of Public Health has issued a new face covering advisory consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance (see below). Face coverings will still be mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings.
Update April 16, 2021
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.
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.
Update April 9, 2021
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. Testing will be held inside the Commander’s Mansion 440 Talcott Avenue on the following dates and times:
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).
Update April 2, 2021
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.
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.
Update March 26, 2021
Update March 12, 2021
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. Testing will be held inside the Commander’s Mansion 440 Talcott Avenue on the following dates and times:
Tuesday March 16 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday March 17 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Tuesday March 23 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday March 24 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Tuesday March 30 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday March 31 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:
MA UPDATES
Department of Labor Standards sector-specific safety standards effective May 10
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/covid-19-workplace-safety-measures-for-reopening
- Indoor/outdoor events https://www.mass.gov/info-details/safety-standards-and-checklist-indoor-and-outdoor-events
- Large capacity venues - https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-sector-specific-safety-rules-for-large-capacity-venues-permitted-to-open-to-the-public-in-phase-iv-of-the-commonwealths-re-opening-plan
- Restaurants - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/safety-standards-and-checklist-restaurants#key-documents-for-reopening-
- Retail - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/safety-standards-and-checklist-retail-businesses#key-documents-for-reopening-
- Theater/performance venues - https://www.mass.gov/info-details/safety-standards-and-checklist-theaters-and-performance-venues
Face Coverings Order:
Effective April 30th, the Face Coverings Order will be relaxed for some outdoor settings. Face coverings will only be required outside in public when it is not possible to socially distance, and at other times required by sector-specific guidance. Face coverings will still be required at all times in indoor public places. Face coverings will also continue to be required at all times at events, whether held indoors or outdoors and whether held in a public space or private home, except for when eating or drinking. At smaller gatherings in private homes, face coverings are recommended but not required. The $300 fine as an enforcement mechanism will be eliminated. For more information, visit mass.gov/reopening.
MA Update January 21, 2021
https://www.mass.gov/doc/weekly-covid-19-public-health-report-january-21-2021/download
MA Update December 15, 2020
MA Update December 9, 2020
MA Update November 6, 2020
MA Update November 2, 2020
MA Update October 21, 2020
Mass.gov COVID-19: Communities In Step 1 of Phase III, Not Designated Lower-Risk
Town Amendment Update September 16, 2020
Amendment to Town of Watertown Board of Health Emergency Order Mandating Face Coverings
Update March 5, 2021
Watertown Public Schools (WPS)
On Wednesday, March 3rd, the Governor held a press conference regarding vaccinations for K-12 staff. He announced that beginning next Thursday, March 11th, K-12 and early childhood educators, childcare workers, and K-12 school staff will become eligible to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments.
In addition, the Commissioner of Education proposed changes to the current Student Learning Time requirement with only in-person instruction counting towards time on learning. District Leadership is considering all options for a return to more in-person instruction in early April. The assumption is that the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will support the Commissioner’s recommendation at its meeting today, Friday, March 5th.
In WPS, we continue to work collaboratively and expeditiously with our teachers, administration, our Watertown Educators Association (WEA) Working Group, and our School Committee on this matter to make the best decisions for our timeline, which will be shared broadly when complete. We are confident that with all of the mitigation strategies that we have in place, we are in a good position to move into our next phase on the Bridge to Return. If something could have been done to improve safety, we have done it at WPS. Safety continues to be our primary consideration.
All of our student and staff COVID-19 tests have been negative for two weeks in a row!
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 12:00pm-1:30pm and 4:30pm-6:00pm.
Update February 19, 2021
Watertown Health Department No Longer Receiving Vaccine
No future public vaccination clinics planned, will conduct second dose clinics. While the State has expanded eligibility for additional groups of individuals including those 65+ and those with two or more qualifying health conditions, the State is not receiving additional vaccine doses from the Federal government. That has made an already limited supply even more constrained. Watertown’s vaccination efforts will be limited to homebound individuals, directing residents to mass vaccination clinics, and ongoing vaccine safety awareness. At this time, no new vaccination clinics will be scheduled, second dose clinics will be conducted. Watertown’s Health Department will support the State’s efforts and will continue to stand ready to conduct vaccination clinics if, and when, the State requests to do so. Read the full release from the State.
Update January 29, 2021
Veterans COVID Vaccine Information Veterans who are over the age of 65 may begin scheduling their COVID vaccination through their primary care provider at their respective VA. 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
Bedford Campus: (781) 687-2275
Update January 22, 2021
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. Testing will be held inside the Commander’s Mansion 440 Talcott Avenue on the following dates and times:
Wednesday, January 27 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Tuesday, February 2 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday, February 3 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Tuesday, February 9 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday, February 10 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
Update January 15, 2021
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. Testing will be held inside the Commander’s Mansion 440 Talcott Avenue on the following dates and times:
Tuesday, January 19 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday, January 20 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Tuesday, January 26 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday, January 27 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Tuesday, February 2 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday, February 3 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Tuesday, February 9 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday, February 10 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Update January 8, 2021
https://www.watertown-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/30887/Statements-40
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.Testing will be held inside the Commander’s Mansion 440 Talcott Avenue on the following dates and times:
Wednesday January 20, 2021 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Tuesday January 26, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Wednesday January 27, 2021 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).
Update December 18, 2020
Monday December 28 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM (New Additional Day)
Tuesday December 29 from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Additional Slots have been added)
Wednesday December 30 from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Additional Slots have been added)
In order to obtain an appointment a Watertown resident must pre-register by clicking on the following link: https://proemscovidtesting.as.me/watertown
Updated November 20, 2020
Updated November 13, 2020
Updated November 6, 2020
Update October 15, 2020
Tips for a Safe and Healthy Halloween During COVID-19 As a reminder, the following COVID-19 prevention and mitigation standards apply to all activities in Massachusetts, including Halloween activities. Residents should adhere to each of the following: • Wear a face mask or face covering. For more information on face masks and face coverings, please see the state’s Mask Up MA webpage. • Observe good hand hygiene, including hand washing and use of alcohol-based sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol. Carry hand sanitizer and use it often, especially after coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces and before eating candy. • Refrain from touching your face. • Stay home and refrain from Halloween activities, including handing out Halloween treats, if: o you feel unwell; o you have tested positive for COVID-19; o you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19; or o you have traveled to or from a state that is not classified as lower risk within the last 14 days. For more information on lower risk states, please see the state’s COVID-19 Travel Order webpage. • Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet of physical distance from all other participants who are not members of the same household. Residents and communities should follow the Halloween activity guidance released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to understand alternative ways to participate in Halloween that may limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19. As a reminder, any Halloween activities are subject to the current gathering size limits as well as applicable sector-specific workplace safety standards.
Update October 2, 2020
Transition to Step II of Phase III for Lower Risk Communities
Effective Monday, October 5th, lower risk communities will be permitted to move into Step II of Phase III of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan. All other communities will remain in Phase III, Step I. Governor Charlie Baker also issued a revised gatherings order. Industry specific guidance and protocols for a range of Phase I, II, and III businesses will also be updated.
Update September 25, 2020
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 14th!
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
Update September 16, 2020
https://www.watertown-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/30161/Amendement-to-Face-Covering-9-16-2020
AMENDMENT TO TOWN OF WATERTOWN BOARD OF HEALTH EMERGENCY ORDER MANDATING FACE COVERINGS
Update September 11, 2020
Watertown Public Schools (WPS)
Faculty and staff kicked off the 2020/2021 school year on September 1 with 13 full days of professional learning, family meet and greets, technology distribution, and COVID training. WPS teachers are diligently preparing their remote learning lessons, as we begin our year on the Bridge to Hybrid on September 22. Several of our teachers and staff will begin the year working with our specialized populations in person while the majority of our students will start the year remote as we continue to monitor the COVID 19 data.
The School Nutrition Department will continue to distribute breakfast and lunch out of the high school parking lot on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:00-1:00. All families are welcome to pick up meals during these hours
Update August 28, 2020
https://www.watertown-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/29980/Town-Manager-COVID19-Update-8-28-2020
Massachusetts Launches “My Local MA” Campaign to Drive Economic Activity and Safely Support Small and Local Businesses
On Tuesday, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito announced the launch of an effort to encourage residents of the Commonwealth to support their local economies by shopping at local Massachusetts businesses and attractions, safely – in person, online, and using curbside pickup or takeout.
The Baker-Polito Administration’s “My Local MA” advertising campaign is kicking off this Friday in tandem with the Sales Tax-Free Weekend taking place August 29-30, and was developed as a response to the economic impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Massachusetts local businesses and communities.
Update August 21, 2020
Voting and Polling Location Changes for 2020 Elections On July 6, 2020, the Massachusetts Legislature enacted Chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, which governs the conduct of the upcoming federal, state, and local elections during the pendency of the COVID-19 public health crisis. The legislation provides for the specific processes for changing the polling locations and precincts for the primary election on September 1, 2020 and the general election on November 3, 2020. On Tuesday, August 11th, the Town Council approved the following polling location changes:
To the voters of Precinct 2: Hosmer School, your polling location has been changed to: Hellenic Cultural Center 25 Bigelow Avenue
To the voters of Precinct 11: Cunniff School, your polling location has been changed to: 4 Watertown Middle School 68 Waverley Avenue
To the voters of Precinct 12: Cunniff School, your polling location has been changed to: Watertown Middle School 68 Waverley Avenue
For a complete list of locations see the following link. https://www.watertown-ma.gov/259/Voting-Polling-Locations
Update July 30, 2020
Watertown Public Schools (WPS)
The Watertown Public Schools continues considering three scenarios for reopening safely this fall: in-person every day, remote learning, or a hybrid of the two. The Superintendent and her team presented the three options at the Watertown School Committee meeting on Monday, July 27, and is currently conducting community and staff forums to gather input and feedback before making a final recommendation to the School Committee. If you wish to view the meeting, follow this link to the video: https://bit.ly/39Hi5fV.
The School Committee will meet on August 3 to learn more about the Superintendent's recommendation and ultimately vote on a final option either that evening or later in the week. The final plan for reopening schools in Watertown will be submitted to the State on August 10. Please check the Watertown Public Schools Website for more information about upcoming forums. Also, the Superintendent's Newsletter has more information about the three plans and other district news and can be found at the following link: https://www.smore.com/yrz4d.
Updated July 24, 2020
Park Concert Series
2020 Saltonstall Park Concert Series Great news! Concerts are still happening! This year marks twenty-one years that the Saltonstall Park Concert Series has provided free music and entertainment in Watertown’s historic Saltonstall Park. The concerts will be a very different experience this summer starting on July 29th. 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. We are very excited to invite our concert-goers back!
Updated June 24, 2020
Opening of Recreation Facilities in Watertown
Tot lot / playgrounds, basketball courts, tables / grills are now open as of Wednesday, June 24th
The Victory Turf and spray pads at Arsenal and Filippello are not open at this time.
Please follow all rules identified in the attached signage and documentation.
Please find the following documents.
· Tot lot / playground signage· Basketball court signage· Table / grill information· Permit applications with updated COVID19 information· Facility Availability Document
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- · If you are / have applied for a field / track / court permit for the summer
- o You must sign off on the new waiver.
- § If you already submitted a permit, you just need to send a signed new waiver sheet, not redo the actual permit.
- o You must send your insurance bonder.
- o You must send your plan of compliance for State Guidelines.
- o You must meet with me, or have a zoom meeting.
Updated June 19, 2020
Update on Reopening Plan in Watertown
https://www.watertown-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/29644/Town-Manager-COVID19-Update-6-19-2020
Updated June 12, 2020
Document for Watertown’s Reopening Plan
Updated June 11, 2020
Outdoor & Flexible Seating Initiative for Watertown Restaurants
In an effort to assist local restaurants, the Town of Watertown has developed a policy allowing outdoor seating for restaurants and licensed establishments. The Town is now 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 approval process will begin on Tuesday, June 16, 2020 based upon submission of complete and acceptable applications.
The attached application may be obtained at https://www.watertown-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/29480/Watertown_Temp_Outdoor_Seating_Application_2020_0611
Updates as of April 30, 2020
- Updated from BOH Mandating Use of 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).Nothing in this order shall be construed to require that a mask or face covering be worn by children under age five (5) years, or by persons who cannot wear a mask or face covering for underlying health reasons, or persons requiring a reasonable accommodation/modification as a result of a qualifying disability as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or any applicable laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Persons with underlying health conditions who cannot wear a mask or face covering are encouraged to wear a face shield.
Updates as of April 28, 2020
Essential Services Extension Order: EXTENDED TO MAY 18, 2020 (Posted April 28, 2020)
Updates as of April 1, 2020
- Essential Services Extension Order: EXTENDED TO MAY 4, 2020 (Posted March 31, 2020)
- Updated List of Essential Services: March 31, 2020
- Massachusetts DPH PPE Donation Online Portal: If individuals or Business(s) have Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) they would like to donate; please follow the above link for a fillable donation form.
- Health Care Professional Volunteer Form: If you are a health care professional and would like to volunteer, please follow the above link.