Around Town

Area Hospitals Preparing for Peak of COVID-19 Outbreak in Massachusetts

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Dr. Kristin Cox wears a protective mask that has become a staple at Newton-Wellesley Hospital and other medical facilities during the COVID-19 outbreak. Cox is the Medical Director of Quality and Safety at Newton-Wellesley.

Massachusetts has been in prevention mode to help curb the spread of COVID-19 for the past few weeks and the predicted peak of the virus is expected to hit in mid-April. Meanwhile, hospitals in the Bay State, including two that serve many Watertown residents, have been planning and adapting to the new virus to make sure they are prepared for the worst of the outbreak.

Around Town

LETTER: U.S. Post Office Using Social Distancing to Protect Mail Carriers During COVID-19 Outbreak

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Dear Editor:

During these challenging times, postal employees are working hard to ensure residents stay connected with their world through the mail. Whether it’s medications, a package, a paycheck, benefits or pension check, a bill or letter from a family member, postal workers understand that every piece of mail is important. While service like this is nothing new to us, we need our communities’ help with social distancing.

Around Town

Know of Someone Doing Something Awesome in Watertown, Nominate Them

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Kate and Allie are the first people featured in Watertown Wednesdays, which focuses on people and groups doing something awesome in Watertown during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Looking for a way to celebrate the positive things during the time of COVID-19, a Watertown business has started a weekly feature focusing on a person, group or even a pet doing something great in town.

Around Town

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

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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.