Watertown’s COVID-19 cases continued to increase for the third straight week. according to the Mass. Department of Public Health report, and nearly 1-in-5 Watertown residents have at least started the vaccination process.
The Town had 93 cases over the previous 14 days, according to the state’s report from April 8, a dozen more than the previous week. The positive test rate also rose for the third straight week, from 1.48 percent on April 1 to 1.72 percent on April 8.
Testing
The Town of Watertown is offering one free COVID-19 test to Watertown residents. The tests by appointment only. People do not need a medical referral and do not need to have COVID-19 symptoms to get tested. Pre-registration is required to receive a test.
Testing will be held inside the Commander’s Mansion, 440 Talcott Ave., 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
Vaccinations
In Massachusetts, 4.5 million doses have been administered, 1.76 million people have been fully vaccinated and 2.7 million residents have received their first shot of the two-shot vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer), according to the MassDPH’s April 11 vaccine report.
In Watertown, 38 percent of residents have received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to the MassDPH’s Municipality Vaccination data from April 8. The State reports that 7,429 people have been fully vaccinated (about 22 percent). In Watertown, 75 percent of residents age 75 and older have been fully vaccinated, 47 percent of people age 65-74, 22 percent of residents age 50-64, 20 percent of people age 30-49, and 12 percent of people age 20-29.
Those eligible for the vaccine in Massachusetts include people age 55 and older, as well as people with one or more qualifying conditions. The list of qualifying conditions include people who are considered overweight according to CDC guidelines (click here to calculate your BMI).
Others who qualify include: 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). People over 16 will be eligible on April 19.
Watertown, MA COVID-19 Trends – Watertown Data (9) by Charlie Breitrose on Scribd
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. See other options for vaccinations by clicking here.
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.govor 617-972-6446.
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.”