Arlington Coronavirus Update: Cases Rise At Senior Homes

ARLINGTON, MA — The number of cases of the coronavirus continues to rise in Arlington, including at two senior care facilities. There were 95 positive cases of the virus as of Monday, according to the latest figures from the town. Public health officials said they are monitoring the situation at Sunrise Assisted Living and Park Ave Health Center, where coronavirus cases have increased.

The age breakdown of cases is:

• one case 19 years of age and under
• 8 cases 20-29 years of age
• 11 cases 30-39 years of age
• 9 cases 40-49 years of age
• 16 cases 50-59 years of age
• 11 cases 60-69 years of age
• 39 cases 70 years of age and over

COA Delivers Cloth Facial Coverings to Town's Senior Housing

Arlington's Council on Aging (COA) finished delivering 750 hand sewn masks to all residents in the five senior housing buildings in Arlington April 11. The addresses include 4 Winslow Street, Drake Road, 8 Summer Street, 54 Medford Street, and 17 Mill Street. The COA is now collecting fabric hand-sewn masks to be distributed to the Arlington seniors who are receiving weekly grocery deliveries through the Town, organized through the Arlington Food Hotline. This is approximately 250 more masks. COA plans to expand to older adults who live in highly dense apartment buildings within Arlington. If you want to donate fabric masks or personal protective equipment (PPE), you can donate here.

FY2020 4th Quarter Property Tax Bill Due Date Extended

Water and sewer bills late charges and penalties postponed. At its April 13th meeting, the Select Board voted to extend the due date for FY2020 4th Quarter Property Tax bills from May 4 to June 1. In addition, tax exemption applications may be submitted by June 1, 2020 to the Assessor’s Office.

The Board also voted to postpone late charges and penalties for spring water and sewer bills to June 30. The water and sewer bills that residents recently received will be due May 18, but will not incur late fees as long as payment is received on or before June 30. Any water and sewer bill paid after June will be subject to late fees dating from May 19.

The Select Board vote does not affect the due date for excise tax bills.

Nursing Home Family Resource Line

The state has launched a dedicated hotline that will connect family members of nursing home and rest home residents with information and resources they seek. The hotline was created so family and community members have one central contact that they can reach out to if they have questions or concerns about the care their loved one is receiving during the COVID-19 outbreak. The line is staffed from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., seven days a week. Staff will coordinate across state agencies to help callers find answers to their questions. Families and community members can call the line at (617) 660-5399.

Facial Masks Required for Staff at Grocery Stores, Pharmacies, Convenience Stores

Seniors in senior housing required to wear masks when leaving their apartment.

Starting immediately facial coverings must be worn by staff at all Arlington grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores. Facial coverings must also be worn by seniors in senior housing buildings when leaving their apartment to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Arlington’s Health Department provided notification and guidelines to these locations.

Continue to Heed Stay-at-Home Advisory

If you must go out to run an essential errand, wear a cloth face covering.

Public health officials remind all residents, regardless of age, to stay at home and away from anyone who does not live in your house, including relatives. If you have to go out to conduct a necessary errand, like grocery shopping, picking up medication, or checking in on a neighbor who may need assistance, it is crucial you practice social distancing (keep six feet away from others), and wear a cloth face covering.

Proper Disposal of Personal Protective Equipment

Rubber and latex gloves, paper face masks, and all wipes and paper towels with cleaner/disinfectant on them should always be placed in the trash. Read full details.

Peirce Field and Playgrounds Still Closed.

Do not congregate in parks and on the bike path.

Arlington police continue to field complaints of people on Peirce field (behind Arlington High School). The field is closed to all use and police will take notice. While on the bike path or in a park, do not congregate and be sure to keep 6' away from others. It is advised you wear a mask when running or biking, especially on the bike path and in areas where you come in contact with others.

Check Your Symptoms for COVID-19 Online

Massachusetts has launched an online resource that residents can use to assess symptoms and find the right care. Not to be used in place of emergency medical care, residents can visit a website to get advice from an online health assistant safely at home, for free. Read full details.

Register to Receive Arlington Alerts, Town Notices, and follow us on Social Media

We encourage residents to visit the Communications Center and sign up to all these methods to ensure you receive them. Having multiple ways of receiving updates from the Town during this time ensures you receive them in the event of any technical difficulty.