COVID-19

Many Changes in Store for WHS Sports During COVID-19

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Watertown High School’s field hockey team, and other sports, will soon start their fall season, but with several changes due to COVID-19. Weekend games, reduced schedules and very limited fans — these are just some of the changes in store for Watertown High School athletes this fall. Last week, the School Committee approved the plans for holding high school sports during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most Watertown High School fall sports teams will be getting ready for their season to begin in late September. Outdoor sports, except for football, will compete this fall.

Board of Health

Face Covering Requirement Relaxed by Watertown Board of Health

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Watertown had one of the strictest face covering requirements in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, but on Wednesday the Board of Health voted to bring Watertown’s rules in line with those set by Massachusetts officials. The main difference between Watertown’s rules and the state’s was that people over age 5 had to wear face coverings everywhere in public, inside and out, in Watertown. The state guidelines have a face covering requirement when outside only when you cannot stay 6 feet or farther apart. People violating Watertown’s order face a possible fine of $300. Along with changing when face coverings must be worn, the amendment also makes the first violation punishable by a warning, and the second violation could result in a $300 fine.

Schools

Schools Providing Chromebooks for All Students, Support for Families

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A screenshot of the Watertown Public Schools Ed Tech help page for families. All students are starting the year remotely, and will use Chromebooks provided by their schools. Watertown students will be attending school remotely to start the year, and will do so on Chromebook laptops loaned to them by the district. To help parents and students navigate the virtual world, School officials have set up a tech information website. Superintendent Dede Galdston told the School Committee Monday that all students in grades 1-12 will receive a Chromebook from their school to use when attending classes remotely, Galdston said.

Police/Fire

Police Investigating Possible Break-In Attempt Caught on Video

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On 9/11/20 at approx 8:40 pm, the suspect depicted in the video, attempted to break into a residence on Adams Ave.The suspect ran from the scene leaving behind a backpack with a yellow crowbar. Anyone with information related to this incident or suspect, please contact the WPD pic.twitter.com/Jw4z8Q7bOV— Watertown Police (@WatertownPD) September 15, 2020

A man was caught on a home security camera walking around the backyard of a Watertown home, and appeared to attempt to break into the home, Watertown Police said. Police got a 911 call from an Adams Street resident on Sept. 11 at 8:42 p.m. after being alerted by the home’s Ring camera system, according to Watertown Police Lt. James O’Connor. “Officers responded, but the person had fled,” O’Connor said.

COVID-19

Metrics Look Good for Schools to Move to In-Person Classes, For Now

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A map from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health showing the levels of COVID-19 in communities. Green means fewer than 4 cases per 100,000, yellow between 4 and 8 per 100,000 and red more than 8 per 100,000. Grey is less than 4 per 100,000. If the COVID-19 rates were they same as they are this week, Superintendent Dede Galdston told the School Committee Monday that the Watertown will start in-person hybrid classes in late October for the elementary students, late November for the middle and high school. The Watertown Public Schools decided in August that the first day of school will be on Sept.

Government

Council Roundup: Fire Department Radios Approved, Election, DPW Openings

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The Watertown Fire Department will be replacing a key piece of equipment after the Town Council approved matching funds for a grant to pay for new portable radios. The Fire Department has 35 portable radios ranging in age from 1 year to 19, Fire Chief Bob Quinn told the Town Council on Sept. 8. Some of the radios have recurring battery failures and others lack clarity, Quinn said. “Communication is a critical part of a Department being able to operate efficiently at incidents each and every day,” Quinn said.

Arrests

Police Log: Alleged Drunk Drivers Caught After Accidents, Phone Scams Stopped

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department. Arrests

Sept. 2, 7:39 p.m.: Police got a call about a motorcycle accident on Pilgrim Road at Puritan Road. When officers arrived they found the rider standing on the front lawn of the home of a Puritan Road residence next to a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. He had been traveling northbound on Pilgrim Road and attempted to turn left onto Puritan when his bike went off the road and up onto a lawn.