UPDATED: Third Watertown COVID-19 Fatality Reported as Mass. Death Toll Jumps

Two more Watertown residents have died from causes related to the Coronavirus since the Town’s first fatality was reported on Friday, April 10. On Tuesday, Massachusetts had its highest number of deaths in one day, 113. A 66-year-old man and a 94-year-old woman are the two most recent fatalities in Watertown, Town Manager Michael Driscoll announced during Tuesday night’s Town Council Meeting. The Town updated the number of cases were on the Watertown Health Department’s COVID-19 webpage. As of Tuesday, Watertown has 109 positive cases of the Coronavirus, and 34 people have recovered.

List of COVID-19 Resources Provided by Congresswoman Clark

Congresswoman Katherine Clark

The following letter was sent out by Congresswoman Katherine Clark, whose district includes Watertown. Hello Friend,

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has put a significant strain on families and students. I want to update you on what I’ve done in Congress to support the needs of our families and students, and also connect you to some relevant resources that are currently available for you and your loved ones. Last month, Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act and the CARES Act, two emergency funding packages that take important steps to help address the urgent challenges facing our education system as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, these new laws provide essential child care services for front line workers that are keeping us safe, as well as paid extended leave for parents and caregivers. For K-12 students, we have enacted increased access to child nutrition programs and far-reaching academic support so that classrooms in cities and in rural America can take advantage of remote learning tools.

Carroll Center Offers Virtual Rehabilitation for the Blind & Visually Impaired

The following information was provided by the Carroll Center for the Blind:

To ensure that people who are blind and visually impaired receive training and support during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton, MA has launched virtual program offerings for individuals of all ages and all stages of vision loss. The adjustment to vision loss does not stop given the ongoing pandemic—in fact, the need to stay connected to critical blindness rehabilitation is more important than ever. Although the nonprofit is not currently providing face-to-face instruction on its campus or in the community, the renowned blindness rehabilitation institution is providing instruction through a variety of remote methods to school-age students, adults, and seniors across the nation. The Carroll Center’s team of expert vision professionals are remotely teaching on a variety of topics, including:

·       Activities of Daily Living

·       Technology Skills and Assistive Technology

·       Braille

·       Low Vision Devices

·       Employment Readiness

·       Health Management

Recognizing that schooling and many workplace meetings are now being offered through Zoom and similar telecommunications platforms, the nonprofit is also teaching consumers how to effectively use these technologies. Additionally, the Center is providing counseling support, assistance with resources and diabetes management, as well as support to use the variety of remote methods such as Zoom.

Watertown Library Moves Programs & Classes Online

The historic facade of the Watertown Free Public Library. Even though the Watertown Free Public Library building is closed, the staff continues to provide services to residents online, including classes and programs.

The activities will be presented in a variety of virtual formats, including using Facebook Live and Zoom meetings. The library sent out the following information about its programs:

Yoga is back. Knitting group is back. Cook the Books is back.

State Closes Part of Greenough Blvd. to Traffic So it Can be Used by Pedestrians, Bicycles

A screenshot of a Google Map showing the section of Greenough Boulevard closed by the DCR for recreation use. It stretches from North Beacon Street to Arsenal Street. A section of Greenough Boulevard in Watertown along the Charles River has been closed to traffic to allow people to use it for recreation. The Department of Conservation and Recreation closed Greenough between Arsenal and North Beacon streets starting last weekend. The DCR’s announcement said, in part: “To expand pedestrian and cyclist access, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will open segments of three parkways in the Greater Boston Metro Area for recreational use starting Saturday, April 11, 2020 at dawn.

U.S. Postal Products Available from Home, No Computer Needed

The following announcement was provided by the U.S. Post Office:

You don’t have to go to the Post Office to use many postal products and services. In fact, most simple tasks can be done from the convenience and safety of your home with or without a computer. Like purchasing stamps. Using your computer, you can go to the Postal Store on usps.com and select different stamp denominations. USPS will deliver them right to your home.

Watertown Citizens Group Holding Monthly Meeting Online

The following information was provided by Watertown Citizens for Peace, Justice & the Environment:

Our April monthly meeting will be held Wednesday, April 15, at 7 PMAfter a brief business meeting and updates, Watertown Citizens for Black Lives will lead a discussion on systemic racism based on Peggy McIntosh’s article “Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack.” Please join us for this online meeting via Zoom. To connect to this meeting, go to the Watertown Citizens’ website at http://watertowncitizens.org. We look forward to seeing you.

Mass Cultural Council Offers Relief Fund for Individuals

The following information was provided by the Mass. Cultural Council:

Mass Cultural Council believes in the power of culture, and we recognize that the work done by creative and innovative individuals is key to our vital communities. We know that the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis has caused major disruptions for the careers of individuals who earn income through their work in the cultural sector. In response, Mass Cultural Council has launched the COVID-19 Relief Fund for Individuals. The purpose of the COVID-19 Relief Fund is to support individuals whose creative practices and incomes are adversely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.