Business

See Which Watertown Restaurants are Offering Take Out or Delivery

By |

With Gov. Baker’s order to close restaurants, they will be one of the hardest hit during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The vast majority of Watertown restaurants remain open for take out, and many also deliver. Many restaurants around town put up messages on social media or on their websites. Food delivery apps such as Grubhub or DoorDash offer delivery from many places around town. If you know of others, please send information to watertownmanews@gmail.com or leave a comment below.

Coronavirus

Watertown Police Asking Residents to Call First, Try to Avoid Coming into Station

By |

In an effort to stop the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Watertown Police Department requested that people to avoid coming into the lobby of the Police Station, except in an emergency. Police Chief Michael Lawn sent out the request to avoid coming into the Police Station, and urged people to call. The Watertown Police also changed their policy during this period for filing reports. They can now be taken over the phone. Lawn also noted that officers may ask questions about residents’ health when responding to their home or business.

Coronavirus

Town Cancelling Meetings, Town Hall & DPW Closed to Visitors, Parking Passes Valid

By |

Watertown Town Hall

(CORRECTION: It was incorrectly stated in a previous version of the story that the March 23 School Committee meeting will be cancelled. It will be held remotely.)

The Town of Watertown will not be holding meetings for the next few weeks as a precaution against the Coronavirus, and Town Hall and the Department of Public Works Facility are the latest to close to public visitors. Town Council President Mark Sideris said all meetings through April 6. Town Manager Michael Driscoll also announced that Town Hall and the Department of Public Works will be closed through April 6, and asked residents to call or email if they need to contact town officials. Town Meetings

On Monday, Sideris informed the Town Council that he was cancelling meetings.

Around Town

Watertown Library Closed for 3 Weeks, Online Services Available

By |

Watertown Free Public Library

The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Free Public Library:

The Watertown Free Public Library will be closed to the public from March 14 – April 6 to help minimize the spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19.) The Library is currently scheduled to reopen on April 7. This date is subject to change. During the Library’s closure, patrons are encouraged to keep borrowed items at home, even if they are overdue. The Minuteman Library Network (MLN) is extending all due dates until at least mid-April. Fines will be waived while the Library is closed.

Transportation

MBTA Reducing Service in Effort to Curb Spread of Coronavirus

By |

An MBTA bus in Watertown. The MBTA announced Monday that beginning March 17, service will be cut back in an effort to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, also called the Coronavirus. Most buses and trains will be running on a Saturday schedule, and the 504 express bus from Watertown Yard will also be impacted (click here to see the schedule). The T will also be cleaning vehicles and stations, according to the announcement. The MBTA released the following announcement:

Reduced Service for March 17, 2020

Updated Monday, March 16, 2020, 2:49 PM

At the start of service on Tuesday, March 17, 2020, trains and buses will run with reduced service to support efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Schools

Watertown Schools Now Closed Thru April 7, Tips to Keep Students Learning

By |

With Gov. Baker’s announcement that schools statewide will be closed through early April as a response to the Coronavirus outbreak, the Watertown Public Schools will be closed longer than first announced. Students can still keep their mind active. On Thursday, Superintendent Dede Galdston announced the town’s schools would be shut for two weeks (originally March 27). Now that has been extended to April 7 with the Governor’s announcement Sunday night, which also impacts restaurants, and gatherings over 25 people. See the Watertown School’s entire update from Sunday night father below.

Around Town

Mass. Gov. Bans Gatherings, Over 25, Makes Restaurants Take-Out Only & Closes All Schools

By |

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker announced some sweeping steps to try to control the outbreak of Coronavirus in Massachusetts Sunday evening, including limiting the size of gatherings, allowing restaurants only to serve take out meals and closing all the schools in the state. During the press conference he said there are no plans currently to have residents shelter in place to stop the spread of COVID-19. He did stress that people should only gather in small groups, according to a report on WCVB Channel 5. “These gatherings include all community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based events, sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions and any similar event or activity that brings together 25 or more people in single room or a single space at the same time. This includes venues like fitness centers, private clubs and theaters,” Baker said.

Around Town

Watertown Boys & Girls Club Closing as Precaution for Coronavirus

By |

The Watertown Boys & Girls Club announced it will follow the lead of the Watertown Public Schools and will close temporarily as a precaution after the outbreak of the Coronavirus in the area. Executive Director Renee Gaudette said: “At this point in time, WBGC will remain closed in sync with Watertown Public Schools. We are working closely with all town departments to ensure the safety of our members, families and community.” She added that updates about Club operations will be posted to the WBGC website (http://www.watertownbgc.org/) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/WatertownBoysandGirlsClub/). Originally, the Club planned to close for deep cleaning and reopen on Monday, but that was before the Watertown School’s decision to close through March 27.