Latest Waltham Coronavirus Updates

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

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. This week, the governor extended that advisory to May 4.

On Monday, Mayor Jeannette McCarthy announced Waltham's first death from the coronavirus. Read more: First Coronavirus-Related Death In Waltham. The local man joins 55 others across the state who have also died after contracting the coronavirus as of Monday.

As of Thursday, 77 people in Waltham had tested positive for the virus.

The Massachusetts case count grew to 7,738 on Thursday, including 221 deaths. Thirty-three people died over the last 24 hours for two days in a row.

Here are the latest local updates from Waltham:

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. Read more.

BUSINESSES, RESTAURANTS

Waltham 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:

• Waltham Takeout, Delivery Options During Coronavirus Shutdown

MUNICIPAL BUILDINGS

All municipal buildings are closed until further notice, including:

• The Senior Center: The city announced March 12 it would be closing the senior center until the end of April. Read more.
• City Hall: The City will continue to provide services in various ways, including by phone, email, conference calls and video conferencing.

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 group sports — no basketball, soccer, baseball, tennis, Frisbee, etc.

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. Read more.

Read more:

• 33 More Deaths, 1,000+ New Cases In Latest Update
• MA Coronavirus: Car Crashes Plummet As Commuters Stay Home
• Baker Requests ‘Major Disaster’ Declaration