Reopening Phase 3 Step 2 Begins on March 1

While residents continue to be frustrated by COVID-19 vaccine scheduling, the State will move forward with reopening. Phase 3 Step 2 begins on March 1 with relaxed capacity restrictions and openings for some performance and recreation venues.

50,000 New Vaccine Appointments

50,000 new COVID-19 vaccine appointments opened on Thursday, February 25. Those eligible to book appointments are individuals 65 years and older or those with certain medical conditions. 

Appointments can be scheduled online using the Massachusett...

Current Case Information, Vaccine Appointment Frustration

COVID-19 cases continue to be identified in Wellesley, including a report of the U.K. variant. Residents newly eligible for vaccine appointments experience delays and frustration with the State scheduling websites.

Vaccine Appointments for 65+ and 2+ Medical Conditions

Residents age 65+ and those with two or more certain medical conditions can now book COVID-19 vaccine appointments. Be patient as scheduling websites are seeing an extremely high volume of requests.

Chamber to Administer Food Assistance Program

Wellesley is receiving $40K from a new food assistance program providing restaurant meals to those in need impacted by COVID-19. The Newton-Needham Regional Chamber will administer grants to local restaurants with help from the Health Department.

Vaccine Update and New Mask Guidelines

COVID-19 vaccinations continue for seniors 75+ with more scheduling options becoming available. The CDC is announcing updated mask guidelines for extra protection from the virus and possible variants.

Second Shots and More COVID-19 Vaccine Help

Wellesley first responders receive their second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Health Department officials continue to ask the State to allocate more doses so vaccine clinics can take place locally in Wellesley.

2-1-1 Hotline and Capacity Increasing to 40% for Businesses

A 2-1-1 call center is now open to help seniors 75+ schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments, and capacity restrictions at businesses will increase to 40 percent.

New Grants for Voter Education and Vaccine Planning

Money from the Wellesley COVID-19 Relief Fund will support the League of Women Voters March election education campaign and the Health Department COVID-19 vaccine efforts. These are the first grants awarded by the Fund in 2021.

Case Update, Vaccine Scheduling Support

As cases in Wellesley continue to rise, residents should remember to follow restrictions. The COA is providing help for seniors 75+ who are trying to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments.

Restrictions Eased, Vaccines for All in Phase One

The Stay at Home advisory and early closing curfew will be lifted on January 25. All eligible residents in Phase One can receive the COVID-19 vaccine. There is no start date yet for Phase 2 vaccinations.

COVID-19 Vaccines for Veterans

Wellesley veterans currently enrolled in the VA Health Care Systems can receive the COVID-19 vaccine from the Federal government. 

To be eligible, a veteran must be 65+ years and high risk for becoming severely ill with COVID-19. The VA will follo...

COVID-19 Vaccine, Phases and Timeline

Vaccinations for first responders are continuing. The State has the most up-to-date vaccine information, phases, eligibility, and timelines. Wellesley Health officials are not vaccinating other groups or the general public at this time.

Vaccines for First Responders

Wellesley first responders rolled up their sleeves to receive the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine on Monday, January 11. 

Firefighters Brian Hester and Joanie Cullinan were chosen to get the first shots. Both have recently faced serious health...

Community Support and Small Business Relief

Take part in a community support effort to help manage stress and uncertainty. And as COVID-19 restrictions are extended, there is more help for our small businesses.

New State COVID-19 Dashboard, Local Cases Climb

The State has a new interactive COVID-19 dashboard, and local health officials are seeing spikes in virus cases among members of the same family. Please remember to isolate if you feel sick.

Non-Essential Businesses Closed Until May 4, Entire Wellesley College Campus Closed

The Governor extended the non-essential business closure until May 4. The entire Wellesley College campus is now closed to the public.

Take-Out Safety Tips, New Remote Building Inspection Protocols

The Health Department is providing take-out safety tips, and effective immediately the Building Department will begin conducting all inspections remotely.

Control Pets, Protect Our First Responders

Town officials are reminding residents to control pets to maintain social distancing, and support first responders while keeping them and others healthy.

Use Official Trusted Sources

Residents are reminded that Town briefings are Wellesley's official, trusted source for Coronavirus information.

Coronavirus Community Spread, WPS More Robust Remote Learning

The Health Dept. is reporting more community spread of COVID-19 in Wellesley, and Wellesley Public Schools will announce robust plans for remote learning to support students through May 4.

Disaster Request for MA, Landscaping Clarification

The U.S. has the world's most reported number of COVID-19 cases at 81,321. The Governor has submitted a disaster request for Massachusetts, and the Town has received clarification on landscaping services.

New RDF Rules, Effective Immediately

The Recycling and Disposal Facility (RDF) has implemented new restrictions due to COVID-19. These rules are effective immediately and remain in place until futher notice.

Schools Closed Until May 4, New RDF Rules, Plastic Bag Ban Temporarily Lifted

The Governor orders schools to stay closed until May 4. New RDF rules are in effect to prevent recycling congestion, and Wellesley's plastic bag ban is temporarily lifted.

Emergency Orders in Effect, RDF Recycling Changes

All non-essential COVID-19 businesses and services are now closed until April 7. New RDF recycling procedures will protect users and staff.

Emergency Orders, Protect Our First Responders

All State and Town emergency orders remain in effect as the Coronavirus pandemic is now widespread throughout Massachusetts.

Cases in Wellesley Remain at Eight

The number of COVID-19 cases in Wellesley remains at eight. Community efforts continue to ensure that Wellesley Will Be Well.

Emergency Childcare, Wellesley College Closed to Public

Early childhood education centers are closed effective March 23, except for emergency childcare programs. All Wellesley College buildings, facilities and parking lots are closed to the public.

A Message from the RDF About Coronavirus Precautions

In anticipation of the weekend, the Recycling and Disposal Facility (RDF) is asking residents to read, and heed, this important message about Coronavirus precautions.

Medical Reserve Corps, Fire Inspection Changes, RDF Precautions

Do your part to make sure Wellesley Will Be Well. Volunteer for the Medical Reserve Corps, know the new fire inspection changes, and follow RDF precautions.

Wellesley Will Be Well Campaign

As the Coronavirus continues to spread, Town officials urge cooperation, halt building inspections and ask residents to join together in the Wellesley Will Be Well campaign.

WPD Notice for Public Land

The Wellesley Police Dept. asks the public to be responsible and stay away from closed areas in Town during the Coronavirus crisis.

New Restrictions, Take-Out Challenge, Volunteers Needed

Coronavirus concerns are becoming increasingly serious; the community needs to provide a serious response. See new restrictions, take the take-out challenge and volunteer.

Town Meeting Postponed, Local Business Support Resources

Coronavirus concerns postpone Town Meeting; Town Hall is closed to the public and other restrictions are fully in place; and officials are developing local business resources.

Elections Postponed, Town Buildings Closed, Operations Move Online

According to State orders, Wellesley town elections are postponed, all public buildings, parks, playgrounds, and fields are closed. Online operations are encouraged.

New State Orders Restrict Interactions, Protect High Risk Groups

State officials issue orders to restrict interactions to slow the spread of Coronavirus. Wellesley provides more information on how to help everyone in the community stay safe and healthy.

Municipal Buildings Operating with Limited Public Access

The Town of Wellesley will be limiting public access to municipal buildings and suspending additional programming to slow the spread Coronavirus and help keep residents and employees healthy and safe.

Wellesley Public Schools, Tolles Parsons Center Closed for Two Weeks

Wellesley Public Schools and the Tolles Parsons Center will be closed for two weeks beginning on March 13. Council on Aging programs and Wellesley Free Libraries programs suspended.

Wellesley Modifies COA, Library & Rec Programs, WPS Cancels Events, Trips, Activities

Wellesley is moving forward with strict precautionary measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

Partners HealthCare Offers Coronavirus Hotline

Partners HealthCare in Massachusetts is offering a Coronavirus hotline for physicians, patients and members of the public.

This centralized call line will serve as as resource for physicians, patients, and members of the public who may have questions about...

Town and School Events to Go On As Scheduled

The Health Dept. has issued an updated Coronavirus briefing to the community. Town and School events currently may take place as scheduled.