Newton Coronavirus Updates: What's Closed, Canceled

LAST UPDATE: 8:30 PM March 17

NEWTON, MA —Newton school, the libraries and now City Hall are closed along with several city sponsored events, as Newton Mayor Ruthanne Fuller and city officials declared a local state of emergency work to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus. >> Mayor Declares State Of Emergency.

The Newton Department of Health and Human Services is currently monitoring five people who have tested positive for COVID-19, the city announced Sunday. Read more>> positive for coronavirus.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health said there were more than 200 cases of coronavirus across the commonwealth as of Tuesday afternoon. According to the state, 89 of the cases are situated in Middlesex County.

Gov. Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency on March 10. Then, on March 11, the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic. The pandemic declaration refers to the scope of the new coronavirus — but not its severity — and means it has become a "worldwide spread of a new disease." On March 13, President Donald Trump declared the pandemic a National Emergency.

Local health officials say the next two weeks are critical for slowing the spread of the coronavirus. Officials are recommending residents practice social distancing, or remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining about 6 feet from those who are not in their household when possible.

"In the last couple of days what’s becoming even clearer, is the personal responsibility each of us have to follow safe practices so that we don’t inadvertently make the infection spread faster," Fuller said.

Libraries:

Closed until further notice.

Senior Center:

All group programming is postponed. The senior center staff is still there in person and is available by phone to answer questions. All one-on-one services, including services that help walk people near age 65 how to sign up for medicare and how to file taxes are still happening.

The low cost lunch service was temporarily suspended, but the city is looking into how to provide meals in another way, according to the mayor.

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.

Schools:

Closed until April 6, on the governor's orders. The superintendent originally closed them through March 27, with a plan to reassess. Read More>> Newton Public Schools To Close For A Week

City Hall, Municipal Buildings

Closed. The city upped efforts to disinfect high touch point surfaces, and has set up tables to help keep visitors a healthy distance from employees where possible. Then, the mayor announced all municipal buildings would be closed to the public beginning March 17 "in the interest of public health."

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.

State of Emergency

Newton joins 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.

• Do not use playground equipment. It is impossible to keep children’s hands clean when climbing on play structures.

• 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. Better yet, use take-out or delivery services with social distancing practices when picking up or accepting delivery.

• Wash your hands frequently for 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. Read more>> Governor Baker Signs Executive Order On Open Meeting Law In MA

City Council, School Committee, Boards and Commissions:

The City Council, School Committee and other Boards and Commissions will meet fully remotely using Zoom software to run meetings online.

The remote conferencing software ZOOM will allow City Councilors, Board and Commission members and the public to not just watch but virtually “raise their hand” and then participate.

This new method is in place Monday, March 16, when the City Council and School Committee will hold their first meetings via ZOOM.

You can download ZOOM here. Meeting identification numbers can be found on meeting agendas.

Here is the link to “attend” City Council meetings starting at 7:45 p.m.: https://zoom.us/j/823398448

Get the ID number for Tuesday night’s School Committee meeting at: https://www.newton.k12.ma.us/.

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.

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."

Restaurants, bars and food establishments:

The governor ordered that people only get take-out from restaurants.

Other Closures, Cancellations:

• Heartbreak Hill Youth Race was already scheduled to be canceled, because of dwindling participation
• Newton's Annual St. Patrick's Day Political Breakfast Roast, Canceled
• 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 Schools:

• Newton-China Exchange Postponed Amid Coronavirus Concern ... -
• Newton North Students, Staff Who Went To Italy Told To Stay Home Amid Coronavirus
• Newton Parent Tests Positive For Coronavirus (March 8)
• Coronavirus School Closings In MA: List (March 8 - present)
• Newton Cancels After School Community Events (March 11)

Around Newton:

• 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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