Coronavirus In Waltham Update: What To Know

Last updated March 20

WALTHAM, MA — The mayor activated the city’s Emergency Response Center and is asking that residents pay their bills online wherever possible and to follow the Centers for Disease Control guidelines to help slow the spread of the new coronavirus as the number of cases hit six in the city.

The U.S. President declared a National Emergency March 13. The mayor said that between the governor's declaration of a state of emergency on March 10 and medical testimony at a meeting of metro mayors, Waltham is taking a number of steps to help mitigate the spread of the disease.

Known Coronavirus cases:

There are six known cases of coronavirus in Waltham. The state's Public Department of Health on March 19 announced 328 cases of COVID-19, an increase of 72 from Wednesday's numbers. Forty-three of those cases so far have required hospitalization.

Every county in Massachusetts now has a positive case of COVID-19. Middlesex County has the most cases with 119, while Suffolk jumped to 72 cases and Norfolk County 52 cases.

The state saw its first coronavirus-related death. A man in his 80s died on March 19.

Read More: Waltham Coronavirus Count: 6 Cases. >> Person Exposed To Coronavirus Told To Self Quarantine: Waltham.

• All Waltham Public Schools are closed

All schools will be closed through April 6, after the governor made the announcement March 15.

"We understand that this is a serious inconvenience to all, but necessary to protect students, staff and the general public. It is extremely difficult to prevent 'people to people' contact in a school," according to the mayor's office. The Superintendent will assess conditions at the end of two weeks. >> Read More: Waltham Public Schools Close For 2 Weeks

• Waltham Public Library Is Closed

On March 13 the city closed the library indefinitely. Library materials will not be due back until May 1. Fines will be waived, according to the library.

• Waltham Senior Center Is Closed Until May

The city announced March 12 it would be closing the senior center until the end of April. Read more>> Coronavirus Concern: Waltham's Senior Center Closed Until May

• Do not come into any city building unless absolutely necessary:

The mayor's office asks that any city business be done by e-mail, phone or electronically for payment of bills.

• Taxes

Real estate tax fees are due May 1. But late fees will not be given to anyone who is not able to pay their real estate tax by June 1.

• City programs will be canceled for two weeks.

The mayor's office said the city will assess the conditions at the end of two weeks.

The ticktock trolley will not be running.

Restaurants

The governor has announced restaurants and bars should only permit take-out options. No restaurant or bar or bakery or coffee shop is to permit dine-in options until April 6.

Read more>> Waltham Takeout, Delivery Options During Coronavirus Shutdown

• Practice "social distancing"

The mayor's office encourages residents to follow CDC guidelines and keep 6 feet away from each other and continue hand washing and sanitizing spaces.

See more here: Remain Vigilant

Public Meetings:

As the governor has recommended that events with more than 25 people should be postponed or canceled, several events planned for Waltham have also been canceled or postponed. When it comes to city council meetings the governor just signed a temporary order that would allow city councilors to meet remotely, if technology provides.

Read more here>> Governor Baker Signs Executive Order On Open Meeting Law In MA

On March 10, the same day Boston cancelled the St. Patrick's Day parade, Gov. Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency. 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.”

School committee planned to hold a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 18 to discuss a modified schedule. Officials implored residents to watch from home and said they would explore remote participating in the days to come.

• Waltham Fire Department Adjustments

No walk-in service at the Waltham Fire Prevention Bureau, but phone calls and emails accepted.

Read More>> Coronavirus Proceedures At the Fire Department

The disease, which apparently originated in animals, is transferring from person to person, although the mechanism is not yet fully understood. Symptoms include fever, coughing and shortness of breath, and many patients develop pneumonia. There is as yet no vaccine against COVID-19 it and no antiviral treatment.

According to the CDC, the best way of preventing the disease is to avoid close contact with people who are sick, to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, to wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and to use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.

What else is closed?

• Josephs Two Restaurant-closed

Add others in the comments below.