Newton Cancels Large Gatherings, After School Community Events

NEWTON, MA — Newton's officials announced they are implementing new precautionary measures in an effort to slow and prevent the spread of the new coronavirus just as the World Health Organization has declared it a pandemic, and a day after the governor declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts.

These recommendations - including the cancelling of large public gatherings and many city sponsored programs - are effective immediately, Wednesday, March 11, according to a memo sent out by Mayor Ruthanne Fuller.

"We acknowledge that deciding which activities are discretionary and/or large can be a difficult judgment call and the decisions may change as the COVID-19 situation evolves," she said.

Superintendent David Fleishman announced all evening and community events at Newton Schools are cancelled until further notice.

Large Gatherings in the City:

Per advice from the governor, the city is postponing, modifying (holding online), or cancelling discretionary or large gatherings scheduled and hosted by the city involving the public.

These include programs offered by Parks, Recreation and Culture Department and the Department of Senior Services.

Check the city website for information on specific programs.

City Hall and Public Meetings:

Regular business and internal business will continue for now, including but not limited to mandated public hearings and council, board and commission meetings. When possible, the mayor announced the city will encourage the public to send emails for public comment and the meetings will try to use alternatives like conference calls and other group communication tools.

Newton Public Schools:

All field trips are cancelled.

All evening and community events, such as meetings, student performances, PTO meetings and parent events, adult education and use of buildings by non-school groups at Newton Schools are cancelled until further notice.

Before school and after school care at our elementary schools, as well as after school programs and classes run by Newton Community Education will continue.

After school activities at the secondary level will continue including athletics, rehearsals, and clubs, although the district will not have outside spectators at indoor events.

The Newton School Committee meetings will take place as scheduled.

"We are fully aware that these decisions have significant ramifications and are difficult for our students, staff, families and community members," said Fleishman in a message to the school community. "The cancellation of many meaningful activities will be a great disappointment to those who have worked very hard. However, we believe these steps are necessary given the guidance from the state and the current status of the COVID-19 situation. We want to do our part to limit the spread of the virus and to reduce the risk of infection for our community."

Watch for a FAQ on the school website about the cancellations.

People at Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19 Illness

• People, regardless of age, with underlying health conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or chronic lung diseases like COPD, as well as those with severely weakened immune systems.
• Older adults. The risk begins to increase over 50 and increases significantly with age, with persons over age 70 and 80 in the highest risk categories.

The CDC and MDPH, advise people at higher risk:

• Stay home as much as possible.
• Avoid travelling on cruises and airplanes.
• Reduce as much as possible your presence in large gatherings of people.

What To Do If You Are Not Feeling Well, or Have Travelled Internationally Recently:

Call your primary care provider before you go to a hospital and tell them about your symptoms and if you’ve travelled to any of the areas listed in the CDC travel warnings which can be found here.

They will give you instructions on how to get care without exposing other people to your illness. While sick, avoid contact with people, don’t leave your home and delay any travel to reduce the possibility of spreading illness to others.
If you need to call 911, provide these same details on the phone; tell them about your symptoms and if you’ve traveled to any of the areas listed in the CDC travel warnings.

More information on how to reduce the potential spread of COVID-19 can be found here.

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Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).