The number of COVID-19 cases in Watertown increased for the first time since January.
The Town’s cases over the previous 14 days was 73 according to the Mass. Department of Public Health report of March 25, which is 14 higher than the previous week. The last time Watertown had more cases than the previous week was in the Jan. 21 report, when there were 295 cases (the highest number of cases in one week for Watertown).
The percent of positive cases also went up slightly, from 1.09 percent on March 18 to 1.29 percent on March 25. The last time that the positive test rate went up was Jan. 7, when the rate was. 5.14 percent — the highest rate for the Town.
The increase in COVID cases in Watertown follows the statewide trend. On March 25 2,090 new cases were reported, according to the MassDPH.
The most new cases in Massachusetts have been seen in youth, with the fewest among the elderly. The statewide breakdown of new cases by age group over the past week, according to MassDPH:
- 0-19: 5,316
- 20-29: 4,137
- 30-39: 3,272
- 40-49: 2,807
- 50-59: 2,769
- 60-69: 1,734
- 70-79: 627
- 80+: 281
Free Testing
The Town of Watertown continues to offer free testing for residents. Each resident is eligible for one free COVID-19 test, by appointment only. No medical referral is required and you do not need to have COVID-19 symptoms to get tested, according to the Town Manager’s Coronavirus Update. Pre-registration is required. To register go here: https://proemscovidtesting.as.me/watertown
Testing will be held inside the Commander’s Mansion 440 Talcott Avenue on the following dates and times:
- Tuesday March 30 from 1 PM to 7 PM
- Wednesday March 31 from 8 AM to 2 PM
For information on other ways to get a COVID-19 test, go to the state’s website: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/find-a-covid-19-test#eligibility-
Vaccines
In Massachusetts, 1.25 million people have been fully vaccinated, as of March 28, according to MassDPH. A total of 3.369 million doses have been administered statewide and 2.11 million people have received the first dose of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine (which require two doses for full vaccination). The Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which requires only one dose, has been administered to 83,277 people.
The Watertown Health Department has administered 2,500 doses of vaccine, Town Manager Michael Driscoll reported at last week’s Town Council meeting. That includes 17 homebound residents. The Health Department is working with the Watertown Fire Department to vaccinate the homebound, when vaccine is available. 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.
Watertown, MA COVID-19 Trends – Watertown Data (7) by Charlie Breitrose on Scribd
Currently, those eligible to get the vaccine include: people 60 and older, people with two or more qualifying conditions, low-income and affordable senior housing residents and staff, health care workers, long-term care residents and staff, first responders, congregant care residents and staff, educators (including teachers, childcare workers and school staff), and certain workers (click here for the list).
According to the Watertown Town Manager’s Coronavirus Update, veterans can get the vaccine from the Veterans Administration (VA). The report said: “Bedford VA Health Care system is Accepting Veterans enrolled in the VA regardless of age. 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.”
On April 5, people age 55 and above, and those with one qualifying condition will be eligible to get the vaccine. People over 16 will be eligible on April 19.
To preregister to get an appointment for a vaccine shot at one of the state’s Mass Vaccination sites when you become eligible, click here.