May 20, 2021 – 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.
Town-specific case numbers are published by the state every Thursday.
- 1,752 Needham cases to date (5/20/2021). This is an increase of 6 cases since the 5/13/21 report.
- Total residents who have received at least one vaccine dose (as of 5/20/21): 22,025
- Fully vaccinated residents (as of 5/20/21): 17,452
- Needham is in the GREEN category this week. Read the state’s Weekly Public Health Report here.
- 125 Coronavirus deaths in Needham to date (5/20/21).
NEEDHAM VACCINE UPDATE
Doses Received to Date | Doses Administered to Date | Doses Scheduled for Distribution | Total Doses Administered or Scheduled |
6,716 | 6,929 | 13 | 6,942 |
Needham to Follow State Mask, Re-Opening Guidance, Update on Full In-Person Reopening Coming Soon
The Town of Needham will follow the state’s lead next week when the indoor mask mandate is lifted for all fully vaccinated individuals. Beginning May 29th, members of the public who are fully vaccinated will not be required to wear face coverings inside Town buildings. Please note, private businesses and residential building owners may still require the use of face coverings for individuals regardless of vaccination status. Needham Public Health and Town leaders ask that you respect these choices as we transition towards what we hope is the end of the pandemic. We also encourage the public to respect the choices that individuals may make to wear masks even if they are fully vaccinated. We have lived through an unprecedented time, and it will take time for everyone to readjust. Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation.
The Town will announce plans in the coming days for a full re-opening of Town offices without appointments. Town offices have been open by appointment since June 1, 2020.
Town Working to Maintain Outdoor Dining After June 15th State of Emergency Ends
With the Governor’s announcement that the Massachusetts COVID state of emergency will end on June 15th, the Town is working to find ways to continue to provide outdoor dining opportunities for the community that were allowed by the emergency order beyond June 15th. The emergency order allowed for outdoor restaurant seating in parking spaces/lots for restaurants, and outdoor dining and alcohol consumption on Town Common and in other outdoor public areas. We will provide additional information as we determine what steps must be taken to preserve some of these amenities.
Reminder – Library Re-Opens June 1st
The Needham Free Public Library will reopen for in-person browsing, computer use and item check out. More details will be available in the coming days and will be published to the Town and Library websites. Curbside service will end May 29th so that staff may refocus their efforts on providing safe, efficient in-person service.
Summer Hours Begin Next Week – Reminder That RTS Closes at Noon on Fridays, Open Regular Hours Saturdays
The Town of Needham begins summer hours next Monday, May 24th. The full schedule is available here. Please note: the RTS will CLOSE on Fridays at NOON. The RTS will be open all day Saturday for drop off from 7:30 am to 4 pm. Regular hours will resume September 3rd.