Latest Newton Coronavirus Updates: March 29 - April 2

NEWTON, MA — The new coronavirus outbreak across the nation is having vast impacts in Newton, from the closures of several businesses to schools to a new normal that involves working from home and waiting in line at the grocery store 6 feet apart from the next person.

The number of cases of the illness caused by the virus, known as COVID-19, continue to rise and each day new measures and closures are announced. The state issued a Stay-at-Home advisory last week and then extended it to May 4 this week.

In Massachusetts the number of people who died because of coronavirus rose to 122. As of Wednesday evening, 7,738 had tested positive for the virus. Thirty-three people died during the past 24 hours, for the second 24-hour period in a row.

The last time Newton updated the numbers, on April 1, there were 94 people in the city diagnosed with the coronavirus. On April 1, the mayor announced that three people had died because of the virus.

Even as testing expands — more than 51,000 have been administered, DPH said Wednesday afternoon — the true totals are thought to be significantly higher.

Mayor Ruthanne Fuller also announced April 1 that per state guidance she would only release the number of deaths once a week, and give no details other than the number.

"The decision to share case counts is the responsibility of a city or town," Massachusetts Department of Public Health spokesperson told Patch in a statement. "DPH recommends that local boards of health respect the privacy and confidentiality of residents when providing case counts."

Here are the latest local updates from Newton:

SCHOOLS:

Closed until May 4, on the governor's most recent orders. The superintendent originally closed them through March 27, with a plan to reassess. MORE

BUSINESSES, RESTAURANTS

Newton restaurants, reeling amid the crisis, are offering takeout deals and special initiatives to help laid-off employees, after the governor ordered that people only get take-out from restaurants.

Here are some highlights:

• Take out Delivery Options In Newton
• The Chamber of Commerce is hosting a "#takeout" challenge, to encourage people to help keep restaurants afloat

MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS

All municipal buildings are closed until further notice, including:

The Senior Center: staff is still available by phone and meal services are happening.

City Hall: The City will continue to provide services in various ways, including by phone, email, conference calls, video conferencing and, in certain circumstances, by appointment.

The staff will continue to provide services using modified work plans that ensure the safety of the public and employees. City officials have employed rotational office coverage, remote work, disinfecting and social distancing.

PARKS, RECREATION

The governor has said that although it's OK to go outside, it's not an invitation to play sports or participate in activities with groups. Keep 6 feet distance from people not in your home, even outside. All of this is in an effort to mitigate the spread of the virus, which can transfer on playground and sports equipment.

Do not play on playground equipment.

No sports - no basketball, soccer or tennis

State of Emergency

Newton joined a number of other communities who have declared a local State of Emergency. That helps make the city more nimble with making decisions and with getting reimbursed from the Federal and State governments.

Social Distancing

The Centers for Disease Control and local and state health officials are urging everyone to practice "social distancing" by:

• Avoid any group setting of people other than your household members unless you can be six feet away from them.

• Do not have your children interact with children from other households, unless they are six feet away.
• If you need to go to the grocery store, drug store, a bank or a gas station, follow social distancing guidelines by going at off hours and keeping as much distance as possible from other shoppers and employees. Or Use take-out or delivery services with social distancing practices when picking up or accepting delivery.
• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water, especially before and after being in public places.

PUBLIC MEETINGS:

Gov. Charlie Baker signed an executive order temporarily modifying the state's opening meeting law to accommodate remote participation by board and committee members for meetings that do take place, as well as remote options for members of the public wishing to oversee such meetings. MORE

City councilors, boards and commission members can watch and virtually participate in meetings via online application ZOOM. Download ZOOM here.

Meeting identification numbers can be found on meeting agendas.
City Council meetings start at 7:45 p.m. HERE.
School Committee meeting info can be found: here.
NewTV will also stream the meetings.

OVERNIGHT PARKING:

With many family members home because of the COVID-19 situation, Newton Police Chief David McDonald is lifting the Overnight Parking Ban.

BOSTON MARATHON:

Postponed until Sept. 14. On March 13 officials announced that the Boston Marathon, which runs through the city each Patriot's Day was going to be postponed to September 14.
The mayor called it "a bit of a heartbreak." MORE.

FOOD PANTRIES:

There are four food pantries in the city and all are moving from a choose your own model to a grab and go model, in an effort to cut down on touch points, according to the mayor.

OTHER Closures, Cancellations:

• Heartbreak Hill Youth Race was already scheduled to be canceled, because of dwindling participation
• POSTPONED: IMAGES IN THE U.S.WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE MOVEMENT
• Newton Open Studios 2020 in April is canceled but enjoy art and browse the NOS website.

Got something to add to this growing list? Email us at Newton@Patch.com

Read more:

• Newton Coronavirus Update: Mayor Sets Up Special Management Team
• MA Asks Health Insurers To Make Coronavirus Treatment Free (March 7)
• Newton Cancels Large Gatherings (March 11)
• What Coronavirus Means For The Boston Marathon (March 11)
• Newton's Annual St. Patrick's Day Breakfast Roast, Canceled

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