July 15, 2020 – The Town of Needham and Needham Public Health today provided the following update regarding COVID-19.
State DPH COVID-19 Numbers
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reports the number of positive cases and deaths daily on the state’s COVID-19 dashboard here.
Town-specific case numbers are published by the state every Wednesday on the COVID-19 Weekly Public Health Report.
- 334 Needham cases to date (7/15/2020)
- 77 Coronavirus deaths in Needham to date (7/15/20)
Ban on Reusable Bags Lifted
The state on Friday rescinded its ban on the use of reusable bags in grocery stores and other establishments. While there is no longer a state ban on the use of cloth bags to shop, individual stores may choose to restrict the use of such bags. Check with your store before visiting. Also, to continue to protect the health and safety of workers, please only bring clean bags for shopping.
Shop Local – But Safely – in Needham
Retailers in Needham are welcoming customers back to their stores and are excited to see (masked) faces again! On behalf of our retailers and the Town, we are reminding patrons that face covers are required in all indoor establishments. Many of the Town’s retailers offer hand sanitizer and disposable masks if you forget yours, but please remember that face covers are a state and local requirement. Retailers need your cooperation in order to continue to operate in a way that keeps their employees and the public safe. In addition, while many Needham retailers are located in small spaces, it’s particularly important to be mindful of social distancing. Retailers are also asking customers to minimize the use of cash and to plan your visit for another day if you’re feeling ill or showing signs or symptoms of COVID-19. Please help our retailers make it through this pandemic so they can continue to be a part of the fabric of Needham. Thank you for your patience during these times.
RTS Announces Paint Collection Day July 18, 2020
After a hiatus in May and June, The Recycling and Transfer Station will host a paint collection day this Saturday, July 18th from 8 am to 3:30 pm. The RTS will accept latex paints, oil/alkyd paints, paint thinners, stains, varnishes, polyurethane lacquers, enamels, linseed oil, and turpentine. All surplus paint must be in original container with label identification. This collection is for Needham residents only, with a current RTS disposal sticker. No materials will be accepted from commercial operations. No wood preservatives, creosote, wood bleach, pesticide, ISO cyanate’s (two-part paint), non-paint related products, oxidizers, corrosives. No hazardous materials (please take to annual hazardous waste day in October 2020).
Park and Recreation Hosting Needham Drive-In Movie at DeFazio
Park and Recreation is excited to host an outdoor Drive-in at DeFazio on Saturday, July 18th! Grab your family and load up your car for a fun night outdoors! Registration will begin on Thursday, July 16th at 12:00pm. Register online: needhampandr.activityreg.com. The cost is $40 per car and pre-registration is required. Vote in this poll to choose which movie will be shown - https://www.facebook.com/NeedhamRecreation/app/126231547426086/?app_data=%7B%22from%22%3A%22page_wall%22%7D. Movie will be announced Friday morning!
Pool Update
The Pools at RRC will open for the season on Tuesday, July 28th. Memberships to the Pools are no longer available for purchase for the 2020 season.
Registration for time slots will open for Members of the Pools at Rosemary Recreation Complex on Monday, July 20, 2020 at 12:00pm. Non-members will be able to register beginning on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 12:00pm. The registration website for timeslots is needhampandr.activityreg.com. Please ensure you have an account set-up with all members of your household prior to the registration opening. Time slots will open for registration three days at time and each individual (lap swim) or family (family swim) will only be able to register for one time slot during those three days. Waitlists will be available for each time slot.
Update: P&R Summer Recess Program
There has been a change to Park and Recreation’s Summer Recess program. The Newman Summer Recess program will be a Tennis-focused program (much like our Tennis Academy program) and will run all four weeks from 9:00am – 12:00pm. Registration for week 1 is currently open and will close Friday, July 17th at 5:00pm. The Eliot Summer Recess program still has some spots available for Week 1 and will also close at 5:00pm on Friday.
Registration for week 2 is currently open and will close Wednesday, July 22nd.
Park and Recreation’s virtual Summer Recess will be 1 hour each day Monday – Friday. There are three offerings: Crafty Kids for Ages 5 – 7, P&R Gameathon for ages 7 – 12 and Park and Rec Puzzles (Escape Rooms) for ages 8-10. Week 1 (July 20 – July 24) is now open for registration! Week 2 (July 27 – July 31) will open on Monday, July 20th at 9:00am.
Reopening Website Offers Local Reopening Information
The Town will continue to post reopening-related updates to a dedicated Reopening website. Check there for updates as new information is posted.