Around Town

2 Firefighters Test Positive for COVID-19; 2 More Virus Related Deaths in Watertown

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Several Watertown Firefighters quarantined themselves after two members of the Fire Department tested positive for the Coronavirus. One of those who tested positive has already recovered, and the second is still recovering, said Watertown Fire Chief Bob Quinn. “When the first Firefighter tested positive we had to quarantine four other Firefighters for 14 days,” Quinn said. “None of them developed any symptoms and are all back to work. We had another firefighter test positive and had to send three others for testing due to the possible exposure, but luckily they all came back negative.” Where the firefighters became infected is not known, Quinn said, but it is possible it was while they were on duty.

Around Town

Watertown Library Creates One-Stop COVID-19 Info Webpage

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The Watertown Free Public Library has created a one-stop guide for information about COVID-19 and related issues, including unemployment, where to get food assistance and people’s physical and mental health. See more information in the announcement sent out by the library below:

There is so much information about the COVID-19 pandemic available, sometimes it can feel overwhelming. To help Watertown residents navigate this confusing time, the Watertown Free Public Library has developed a COVID-19 Resource Guide, a “one-stop shop” website that makes it easy to find the latest health guidance and assistance programs available. View the Watertown COVID-19 Resource Guide here: watertownlib.org/covid19guide

In Watertown, there are many resources available to those who are struggling with physical and mental health concerns, unemployment, and food insecurity. Now, as so many lives and livelihoods are turned upside-down by the COVID-19 pandemic, those resources are more valuable than ever. 

WFPL’s Resource Guide covers food security, financial assistance, housing assistance, elder care, scams, community engagement and more.

Around Town

Watertown Library Moves Programs & Classes Online

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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.

Around Town

Library May be Closed, But There are Plenty of Resources for Kids & Teens, Even if You Don’t Have a Card

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Library:

Watertown Free Public Library

As directed by Town Manager Michael Driscoll, the Watertown Free PublicLibrary will remain closed to the public until Monday, May 4th to help minimize the spread of COVID-19. This extends the Library’s previous closure period by four weeks. Although the doors at 123 Main Street may be closed to the public, that doesn’t mean the Watertown Free Public Library has gone dark. In the past two weeks, the Library has increased digital collections of ebooks, audiobooks, movies, and news sources. Library staff are also creating online classes, demonstrations, and activities for kids to reach residents stuck at home.

Around Town

Watertown Library Increasing Numbers of Titles Available Online, Find Out How to Access Them

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Watertown Free Public Library

The Watertown Free Public Library may have closed during the Coronavirus outbreak, but that does not mean people can’t access books, videos and music. The Library has a number of ways to access ebooks, audiobooks, videos and more, and the staff has added more copies of popular titles. There is also content for kids, access to newspapers and magazines and information to medical information. The following announcement came from the Watertown Library:

Here’s what we’re doing at the Watertown Free Public Library to keep you digitally connected to books and media while we’re closed. We’ve increased our digital collections.

Around Town

Watertown Library Closed for 3 Weeks, Online Services Available

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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.

Schools

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

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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.

Coronavirus

Town Closing Library, Senior Center, Rec Dept Until Late March in Response to Coronavirus

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In an effort to stop the spread of the Coronavirus, the Watertown Library, the Senior Center will be closed and all Recreation Department activities will be cancelled, Town Manager Michael Driscoll announced Friday afternoon. Town Hall will remain open. Driscoll spoke at a special School Committee meeting held Friday afternoon. This follows Thursday’s announcement that the Watertown Public Schools will be closed through March 27. While the Senior Center will be closed from Friday, March 13 to the end of March for activities and exercise programs, some senior services will continue.