Information About COVID-19 Resources from Congresswoman Clark’s Office

The following information was provided by Congresswoman Katherine Clark’s office:

Mental Health Resources

In addition to the physical risks associated with COVID-19, the stress of losing your job or income, being separated from your loved ones, or not having access to basic family support like child care can also be detrimental to your health. Many of our friends, family, and neighbors are struggling to cope with these new challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is important that all of us receive the love and support we need to get through these hardships. If you need to speak with a crisis counselor immediately, you can call the Massachusetts Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. The CDC has issued guidelines for coping with a disaster or traumatic event, as well as guidelines for helping children cope with emergencies.For seniors and other at-risk populations who have had to dramatically limit their interactions with others to avoid the spread of COVID-19, the AARP has provided a list of suggestions on how to fight social isolation.For resources on how to proactively monitor your behavioral health and avoid being overwhelmed by stress or anxiety caused by COVID-19, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has provided a list of useful tips for you to follow. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline also provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as prevention and crisis resources. If you or someone you know needs help, please call: 1-800-273-8255. Prevention Measures 

You’ve likely already heard about many of these preventative measures, but it is important that they be reiterated and regularly practiced as good hygiene and social distancing are the most effective ways of stopping the spread of this virus.

Minuteman Students, Superintendent Making Masks to Help Local Hospitals During COVID-19

The following information was provided by Minuteman High School:

Allison Sanzio, a Minuteman High School senior in culinary arts from Stow, and her mom have joined an effort in their community to make face masks at home during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Several members of the Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical High School community are doing their part to fight COVID-19 – from creating face masks to helping a local hospital expand its capacity to care for coronavirus patients. “All of us are making sacrifices right now, but no one is sacrificing more than the medical providers and first responders across the nation,” said Superintendent-Director Edward A. Bouquillon, who has sewn dozens of masks at home with his wife, Diane. “We want to help in any way we can. I’m so proud of the students and staff who are using their skills to pitch in.”

Three siblings from Arlington who all attend Minuteman – eleventh-grader Jacob Woolf (programming and web development major) and ninth-graders Leah and Mari Woolf (early education and design and visual communication majors, respectively) – are volunteering for MasksOn, an initiative launched in recent weeks to retrofit snorkel masks with medical-grade breathing equipment that can be used repeatedly by clinicians.

One Watertown Institution Reopening After COVID-19 Break, Another Scaling Back; Latest Case Numbers

Donohue’s Bar & Grill reopened after two weeks off due to the Coronavirus outbreak. A mainstay in the Watertown restaurant scene will be reopening after a couple weeks off during the Coronavirus outbreak, while a popular local market will be closing for in-store shopping. Over the weekend, J.D. Donohue announced that Donohue’s Bar & Grill will begin serving meals and alcohol for take out and deliver starting on Monday, April 6. “We closed after St. Patrick’s Day to give staff and kitchen staff and myself time to be quarantined,” Donohue said.

Town Holding Select Meetings Virtually, Budget May Have to be Presented Remotely

Since the social distancing requirements were put into place in Massachusetts due to COVID-19, there has only been one meeting held in Watertown. One more meeting is scheduled this week and others may be held this month with members participating remotely. On Thursday, April 9, the Historical Commission will hold a meeting, which will be conducted remotely and residents can attend by videoconference or call in with comments during public hearings. The first meeting held during the COVID-19 outbreak was a March 23 School Committee meeting, where committee members and the public joined using the Zoom app. There were some complaints of people not being able to hear, and concerns that they could not participate.

Gov. Signs Bill Allow Towns to Delay Property Tax Deadlines, Take Out/Delivery Alcohol from Restaurants; Cases Jump 1,400 in Mass.

Gov. Charlie Baker signed legislation Friday that gives cities and towns the ability to relax property tax deadlines and also allows restaurants to sell beer and wine for take out or delivery. The restaurants must already have a license to sell alcohol to take advantage of this new provision, according to the story on WCVB Channel 5. The person receiving the alcohol must be 21 or older and an alcohol must be part of an order that includes food. The bill also allows municipalities to delay the due date for property tax by one month. The City of Springfield has already delayed its property tax deadline from May 1 to June 1, according to Masslive.com.

Friday is First Day Businesses Can Apply for Paycheck Protection Loans, Part of COVID-19 Stimulus

One of the key form of aid to businesses dealing with the impact of the Coronavirus outbreak begins Friday — the Payroll Protection Program. The program is part of the Federal CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act, and provides loans not only to businesses, but also non-profits and sole proprietors. The PPP was announced just last week and details are still being ironed out, including where to to to get the loans. Doug Orifice, principal at Arsenal Financial and co-founder of the Watertown Business Coalition, said that he has spent most of the last week pouring over the details of the CARES Act looking for ways it can help small businesses. The PPP may be a big help.

Info on Town Services, Closures & Supporting Local Businesses in the Town Manager’s COVID-19 Update

Watertown Town Hall

The following announcement was provided by Watertown Town Manager Michael Driscoll’s office:

Essential Services Order

Governor Charlie Baker’s emergency order requiring that all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers and the public will be extended until May 4th. Businesses and organizations not on the list of essential services are encouraged to continue operations through remote means that do not require workers, customers, or the public to enter or appear at the brick-and-mortar premises closed by the order. This order also prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people until May 4th. On March 31st, The Commonwealth updated the “COVID-19 Essential Services” list, which is based on federal guidance that was updated earlier this week. While these businesses are designated as essential, they are urged to follow social distancing protocols for workers in accordance with guidance from the Department of Public Health (DPH).

Perkins Library Remains Closed, Find Out About Online Services

The following information was provided by the Perkins School for the Blind Library:

Dear Perkins Library Patrons,

As Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns continue to evolve, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has extended his March 23rd “Stay at Home” Executive Order requiring all non-essential businesses to close. At this time, the Executive Order will now extend until May 4, 2020. As we had previously communicated, the Perkins Library falls into this category, so no Library mail has been sent out since March 24. Additionally, we ask borrowers to hold all Library materials until you are notified that we are able to receive them by return mail. While we can’t ship physical materials, you can always download from our Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) service.