Baker-Polito Administration Announces Testing Site Expansion, New Restrictions For Grocery Stores, Crisis Standards of Care Recommendations

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Testing Site Expansion, New Restrictions For Grocery Stores, Crisis Standards of Care Recommendations

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced an expansion of COVID-19 testing sites for public safety personnel, new Crisis Standards of Care documentation for the Commonwealth’s health care facilities, and new guidance to further promote social distancing at grocery stores. 

Testing Sites Expansion: The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that COVID-19 testing for Massachusetts public safety personnel will be available at a second location beginning tomorrow, doubling the number of free, drive-through tests available for first responders and other emergency management workers. A mobile testing site at the Big E fairgrounds in West Springfield will begin operations tomorrow, and will supplement a site at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough that launched earlier this week. Each site will serve police officers, firefighters, EMS and PSAP personnel, correction officers, mortuary service providers, and state active duty National Guard personnel who perform critical public safety functions.

The mobile testing sites in Foxborough and West Springfield will each perform up to 200 tests per day, seven days per week, with appointments scheduled in advance by agencies and departments through a call center at the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. Testing is performed at no charge. The sites reflect a partnership among the Baker-Polito Administration, the Big E, Brewster Ambulance Service, the Department of Correction, the Department of Fire Services, the New England Patriots, the New England Revolution, Wellpath, and Quest Diagnostics.

Crisis Standards of Care: The Administration today released Crisis Standards of Care guidelines for the Commonwealth’s health care facilities. Upon the request of leaders in the health care system, the Department of Public Health (DPH) convened a Crisis Standards of Care Advisory Committee that included medical experts and ethicists from across the Commonwealth, representing both large academic medical centers and community hospitals. Their recommendations helped inform ethical, equitable and transparent guidelines for providing acute care during a crisis.

The guidelines, which are not mandatory, are designed to:

• Help health care institutions and providers make consistent decisions about the use and allocation of scarce medical resources;

• Ensure that critical resources are conserved and distributed efficiently, equitably and ethically across the health care system;

• Promote transparent decision-making and public trust in the fairness and equity of the system;

• Protect those who might otherwise face barriers to accessing care; and

• Assure patients and their families that they will receive fair access to care under the circumstances regardless of where they live in the Commonwealth.

Click here to read the Crisis Standards of Care document.

Grocery Store Guidance: Yesterday, the Department of Public Health released further guidance to promote social distancing at grocery stores. The new guidance requires that each grocery store limit occupancy to 40% of its maximum permitted occupancy level (except stores with a maximum occupancy of less than 25 people). It also sets out procedures by which staff should monitor occupancy levels. The guidance builds on a previous March 23 order for grocery stores, which set out policies for ensuring access to handwashing facilities and protecting employees in higher-risk populations, among other requirements.

Click here to read the new guidance.  

Governor Baker Files Legislation To Provide Health Care Workers Liability Protections During COVID-19 Response

Governor Baker Files Legislation To Provide Health Care Workers Liability Protections During COVID-19 Response

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today filed legislation to provide health care workers and facilities protections from civil liability while they are on the front lines of the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 response.

The legislation would protect health care professionals, including doctors, nurses, and emergency medical technicians, as well as certain health care facilities from liability and suit when the care that they provide is impacted by the COVID-19 emergency. The bill would also provide protections for the health workers staffing the unique Field Medical Stations being stood up at the DCU Center, Boston Convention & Exhibition Center and other locations.

“Ensuring that our health care workers have the resources and protections they need has been a top priority for our administration since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This legislation offers important protections for health care workers and facilities facing the unprecedented challenges that come with the outbreak of this virus, and we look forward to working with our legislative partners to enact this bill and take another step in our efforts to support the Commonwealth’s medical system.”

“Massachusetts is blessed to be home to some of the world’s best health care workers and institutions, and it’s important that the fear of liability does not prevent them from delivering the kind of medical response we need during this pandemic,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We look forward to working with our colleagues in the Legislature to enact this bill and further support our health care system during this emergency.”

Also today, Governor Baker issued a directive that will maximize protections for health care workers under the federal Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act (“PREP Act”) during the state of emergency. The directive will ensure that health care workers and facilities that distribute and administer testing, drugs and medical devices for the diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 are protected from suit and liability to the maximum extent possible under the PREP Act.

Click below to read today’s legislation and directive:

• Liability Protection Legislation Filing Letter
• Liability Protection Legislation
• Governor’s PREP Act Directive

The Baker-Polito Administration will continue to update the public on developments related to COVID-19. Residents can visit www.mass.gov/covid19 for the latest information, call 2-1-1 with questions, and text “COVIDMA” to 888-777 to subscribe to text-alert updates.  

MAYOR WALSH PROPOSES FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE OPERATING BUDGET AND CAPITAL PLAN TO MEET THE NEEDS OF BOSTON RESIDENTS

MAYOR WALSH PROPOSES FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE OPERATING BUDGET AND CAPITAL PLAN TO MEET THE NEEDS OF BOSTON RESIDENTS

BOSTON - Wednesday, April 8, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today proposed his Administration's recommended $3.65 billion Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) operating budget and $3 billion Fiscal Year 2021-2025 (FY21-FY25) Capital Plan, building on years of record investments in high-quality and equitable services and programs for Boston residents. The proposed investments take into account the short and long-term fiscal impact of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and are made possible due to six consecutive years of proactive fiscal management that has well-positioned the City of Boston to continue investing in core city services and resident needs at a time of global economic uncertainty.  The budget proposal doubles down on Mayor Walsh's commitment to continue serving the people of Boston, no matter what challenges we face as a City. As laid out in his State of the City address earlier this year, the City of Boston is on track to make historic investments in education and housing over the course of the next year, both priority areas of the Walsh Administration.  "Through these unprecedented times, the work we do everyday in serving our residents has never been more important," said Mayor Walsh. "In the proposed budget and capital plan, we are putting forth smart and strategic investments in the areas that we know will have the most impact for our residents. I want the people of Boston to know that during this time of such uncertainty, they can count on their city government to help get through this difficult time. I believe that with responsible fiscal planning, with investments in the equity, health and wellbeing of our residents, and with our spirit of courage and collaboration, we will emerge together from this crisis stronger and more resilient than before." "Every year, the City is responsible for planning a balanced budget," said Emme Handy, Chief of Administration and Finance. "The rapidly changing economic reality brought on by the coronavirus pandemic presents new challenges in striking that balance. Rising to that challenge, the Mayor's FY21 budget makes necessary revenue revisions recognizing our new reality, while continuing to fund the Mayor's commitments to Boston today and into the future."  "In times of crisis, the programs and services provided by the City to its residents are more vital than ever," said Justin Sterritt, Budget Director. "The FY21 Budget acknowledges the new fiscal landscape the City faces but ensures those important City programs have the resources they need."  While the City has a growing tax revenue base, the City also continues to find efficiencies and prioritizes investing in innovative solutions to provide world-class City services. The FY21 budget includes over $13 million in identified savings from areas such as health insurance, energy efficiencies and other operational savings. In addition, for the sixth consecutive year, the City of Boston has received a AAA bond rating, reflecting the city's strong fiscal management and stable financial position. The City of Boston recently was named by Moody's as one of the best prepared cities to handle a national recession.   The recommended FY21 operating budget proposes an increase of $154 million (or 4.4 percent) over FY20, and makes strategic investments in improving city services and the quality of life for residents of Boston. The proposed FY21-FY25 Capital Plan will reach $3 billion for the first time in its history and will make strategic and meaningful investments in projects throughout the City.  High Quality Education for All Students  There is no better reflection of Mayor Walsh's commitment to equal opportunity than the City's continued strong investment in public education. In his State of the City address, Mayor Walsh announced a historic three-year $100 million funding commitment to Boston Public Schools (BPS), in new additional funding that is over and above standard cost increases. The proposed FY21 budget fulfills the first year of that commitment, through an overall $80 million increase, including an initial down payment of $36 million in new additional funding. Combined with a $17 million increase for our charter school students, Boston's total public education increase for next year reaches $97 million and represents 63 percent of all new City funding, the highlights of which include: BPS Operating Budget Overall budget of $1.26 billion, an $80 million or 7% increase $15 million towards raising the bar on student learning with new high-quality materials, resources and improved environments $12 million to increase teachers' skills through coaching, feedback and developing high-quality curriculum $9 million to provide students and families a strong foundation for success with more support to connect them to wraparound services, resources and information BPS Capital Plan $137.4 million for Boston Arts Academy in Fenway, which is currently under construction. This number reflects a $12 million increase over the previous year's capital plan $78 million in multi-school maintenance projects, including new funding for drinking water upgrades, bathroom renovations, entryway improvements, upgraded fire systems, general maintenance including painting, electrical, schoolyard improvements, and adding an additional 29 My Way Cafes in schools, adding to the 58 schools already outfitted with the cafes $3 million for K-6 conversions and a grade 7-12 master plan study. Growing the BuildBPS budget for future projects by $77 million, for a total of $230 million set aside for major BuildBPS projects Creating and Preserving Affordable Housing, and addressing Homelessness This year's budget proposal reflects progress made towards implementing Mayor Walsh's announcement in his State of the City address that over the course of the next five years, the City will invest $500 million in accessible and affordable housing for Bostonians through a combination of city funds, new dedicated funding from the sale of the Lafayette Garage and anticipated state passage of the real estate transfer tax. The budget proposal makes a $16 million investment in new City operating and capital resources for housing, the highlights of which include: Operating Budget $2.4 million to create affordable homeownership opportunities, including $1.4 million to double existing resources for down-payment assistance for first-time homebuyers and $1 million to provide more homebuyers with a discounted interest rate on the ONE Plus Boston mortgage program $3.2 million to preserve and generate affordable rental opportunities, including $2.5 million to create Boston's first City-funded housing vouchers to subsidize the rents of those with the most need, $350,000 in new resources for preserving expiring-use, income-restricted units, $250,000 to help families preserve their tenancy or secure new housing, and $135,000 to connect more people to resources and legal assistance through expanding the Housing Court Navigator program $1.8 million for rapid rehousing for youth and young adults, and funding to address chronic and family homelessness by expanding front door triage, street homeless outreach, and an advisor on family homelessness $150,000 to support affordable housing development through assistance for small, local, minority- and women owned developers Capital Plan $5 million to renovate and upgrade affordable housing units for older residents and individuals with disabilities in Boston's public housing developments $5 million to launch a public infrastructure housing fund to support developments and expand the number of affordable units in the city  Health, Safety and Wellness for a Growing City Mayor Walsh recognizes that a growing city needs to have robust, effective and accountable public safety services and a force reflective of the communities in which it serves, and through this year's budget proposals, he is proposing the following investments: Operating Budget $9 million in new funding to expand capabilities and services provided by Public Health Commission (BPHC), including an additional $354,000 in funding for violence prevention capacity building, $1.5 million for essential equipment replacements for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) including 340 radios, $216,000 for enhanced Health of Boston population-level data, and $250,000 to study the implementation of a 40-bed respite housing shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness and substance use disorder. This new funding brings BPHC's total operating budget to over $100 million $1.7 million for industrial cleaning and facility repairs for the Boston Fire Department Growing the Boston Police force by 25 officers in 2021 by adding a second recruit class $1 million for an enhanced citywide campaign that aligns all existing resources to reach underserved populations with opportunity oriented programming, as part of the city's violence prevention efforts Capital Plan An additional $15 million for the BCYF Curley Community Center in South Boston, bringing the total investment to $30 million An additional $4.6 million for the East Boston Senior Center, bringing the total investment to $5.6 million $2.5 million for the Marshall Pool in Dorchester and new investments in the Paris Street Pool in East Boston Protecting our Environment Mayor Walsh has been at the forefront of recognizing and addressing the risks of climate change, and protecting our environment. During Mayor Walsh's time in office, Boston has retained its title as the most "efficient city in the United States," as named by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy. As part of his leadership, Mayor Walsh has committed for 10 percent of all new capital spending to be dedicated for resilience projects. The highlights of the City's environment proposals include: Operating Budget $330,000 in new support to maintain the City's Urban Wilds and Tree Canopy $630,000 to expand the Zero Waste program including a robust composting pilot program,more Project Oscar compost locations, and other education and Zero Waste supports Capital Plan $1 million increase in funding to plant and maintain trees across the city, significantly increasing the amount of trees planted annually $3 million Climate Resilience Reserve fund supporting opportunities to enhance the climate resilience of existing capital projects $36 million in authorization for new and ongoing open space projects, including at the Back Bay Fens pathways, McConnell Playground in Dorchester, Malcolm X Park in Roxbury, Garvey Playground in Dorchester, Jeep Jones Park in Roxbury and Millennium Park pathways in West Roxbury Expanding Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity The citywide resilience strategy aims to ensure every resident can reach their full potential regardless of their background, and to remove the barriers that hinder Bostonians from having access to opportunities. To that end, the City is proposing investments in areas of equity and prosperity, including: Operating Budget $200,000 to increase financial security for older Bostonians $100,000 to expand and support the Boston Saves banking program for students $136,000 to expand equitable City procurement and supplier diversity $97,500 to expand the childcare entrepreneur fund Transforming the Future of Mobility Our economic strength is dependent on our ability to move people around our city to businesses, jobs and homes. Building on Boston's long-term transportation plan, Go Boston 2030, the FY21 budget proposal makes targeted investments in public space and improved mobility, including: Capital Plan Increasing mobility options by investing $14.4 million to add 7 new dedicated bus lanes and $1 million to install 11 new BlueBikes stations, and adding 440 new bikes to the fleet Addressing safe streets through an $8.9 million investment to finish building 15 neighborhood slow streets $11 million for transportation infrastructure improvements, including pedestrian ramps, crosswalk and lane markings, and street lighting $54 million in additional funding for the Northern Avenue bridge project for a $100 million total to build a transformative multi-modal bridge that prioritizes pedestrians and shared public space on the waterfront About Imagine Boston 2030 Mayor Walsh's budget proposal continues to invest in preserving and creating a strong middle class, and creating opportunities for all those who live in Boston, and supports Boston's long-term plan, Imagine Boston 2030. Imagine Boston 2030 is Boston's first citywide plan in 50 years aimed at guiding growth to support our dynamic economy and expand opportunity for all residents. The plan prioritizes inclusionary growth and puts forth a comprehensive vision to boost quality of life, equity and resilience in every neighborhood across the City. Shaped by the input of 15,000 residents who contributed their thoughts to the plan, Imagine Boston 2030 identifies five action areas to guide Boston's growth, enhancement and preservation, and is paired with a set of metrics that will evaluate progress and successes. To learn more visit, imagine.boston.gov. For more information on the budget proposal, please visit budget.boston.gov.

羅德島副州長感謝華人社區捐贈20萬個口罩

羅德島州副州長麥基(Dan Mckee，中)和葉超(右)，
吳子平(左)一起驗收捐贈的口罩。
(羅德島州副州長辦公室提供)

           (Boston Orange) 羅德島州副州長麥基(Dan Mckee)日前發出一份新聞稿，和羅德島州民分享好消息，報告羅德島華人社區送給羅德島公共衛生廳，以及數個市鎮共208,000個面罩，支援抗疫行動。

           新聞稿稱，黑石谷商人葉超和大澳集團吳子平應羅德島州副州長麥基要求，安排捐贈，並由羅德島華人抗疫委員會籌款，從中國買來這些口罩。

            羅德島州副州長辦公室去年秋天推出一項志工計畫，鼓勵羅德島人用他們的國際關係來吸引投資，在羅德島州創造經濟機會。葉超和吳子平是在那時選為第一任羅德島國際經濟大使。最近因為新型冠狀病毒的流行，副州長麥基要求他們這些大動用關係，爭取物品及資源來支持羅德島。
               麥基說，羅德島民站出來幫助我們對抗COVID-19的行為，真是太棒了。我深深感謝羅德島華美社區，我為能和他們一起幫助羅德島州取得重要物品來對抗流行病毒感到驕傲。 
               葉超表示，”吳子平和我很高興能和副州長辦公室，以及羅德島州攜手，與本地華美社區協調促成這一捐贈。那真是團隊努力的結果。現在，我們必須團結一致，合作無間的制止COVID-19擴散。

                這次捐贈活動中有總數20萬個口罩捐給羅德島公共衛生廳，各3000個口罩分別捐給克蘭斯頓市和普塔基市，2000個口罩捐給中央瀑布市。

             羅德島州民及企業有意捐贈醫療用品者，可訪問羅州公共衛生廳網站

 https://health.ri.gov/covid/howtohelp/index.php。

               

昆士市收到140份房租援助申請 某護理機構11人確診

             (Boston Orange 編譯)昆士市愛國者報報導，該市公共衛生局，警察局，消防局，以及可負擔住宅信託，4月6日(週一)時在虛擬會議中向市議員匯報疫情，

             昆士市公共衛生局局長Ruth Jones 詳述了該市189名確診者概況。4月7日時，昆士市確診人數已增至218人。

             Ruth Jones指出，確診者中，有40%感染來源不明，10%來自二月份時的百奧健(Biogen)會議，20%是醫療工作人員，20%是接觸了其他的確診者。剩下的就是出外旅遊感染，或是仍在調查中。

             在這189名確診者中，有54人已痊癒，4人仍住院。4月7日時，有60人已痊癒。

            確診者的平均年齡是48歲，已經開始有幾宗病例的患者是年輕人。

             昆士市的輔助居住機構，以及頤養院，也有院民確診，其中一家頤養院迄今已有11人確診。頤養院病例目前由州政府直接處理。

             Ruth Jones表示，她相信有更多病例市府還不知道，也因此保持社交安全距離，待在家，十分重要。

             消防局長Joseph Jackson表示，消防局為因應病毒，在營運上做了一些調整，消防員現在工作48小時，休假6天，以減少局內的人事變動，危險品小組負責一週兩次的消毒整個消防局，卡車，以及位於聖瑪莉街的消防學校大樓。

             幾星期前，有一名消防員確診了。他是在家裡接觸了從事醫療護理工作的某個人，現在已差不多完全恢復了，估計本週就可以上班了。

             另有幾名消防員在自我隔離中，另有9名消防員檢測後呈陰性反應。整個消防局狀態良好。

             警察局局長John Keenan表示，警察局也採取了類似措施，對輕微犯行只發傳票，並不逮捕，以減少警察需要到警察局的次數。警察局大堂也關了，聽取報案都經由電話來執行了。

            警員也將開始一連16天工作12小時，然後休假16天，以減少和其他警員接觸，或病毒在警局傳開的機會。

             有一名警察確診，3人檢測呈陰性，2人的檢測結果還沒出來。警察局現在面對的最大問題是耗用品。他們在求，在借，甚至在偷設備。警察局的洗手液，擦拭紙都快沒了，不過他們的社區夥伴和市民們都來幫忙了。

             昆士市長幕僚長Chris Walker向市議員們報告了兩星期前，市議會撥給的50萬元因應新型冠狀病毒經費。

             他說，迄今，這筆錢已經花掉一半，5萬元用在給滿能(Manet)社區醫療中心的新移動檢測站買帳篷，5萬元用在把YMCA開放為”比爾神父的地方”這流浪漢庇護所的第二個地點，該庇護所現在大約有47人每晚睡在YMCA，以幫比爾神父維持社交安全距離標準。

            錢還花在其他地方上，包括10萬元給本地食物儲藏室，63,000元為第一線工作人員購買個人防護設備，3萬元花在全市郵件上。

             他說，溝通是市府在做的一大工程。有些人可能不用臉書，不看youtube視頻，而市府希望能進入每一戶人家，讓他們知道可以到那兒獲取資訊。

            Chris Walker還說，從星期四起，大約140名昆士居民向市府新設的租金援助項目提出申請。

             可負擔住宅信託上個月撥款100萬元，要幫助因為COVID-19而被裁員的酒店及服務業員工們付房租。該筆經費由昆士商會經管，處理酒店、餐飲業員工的申請案件，昆士社區行動項目處理例如髮廊，以及其他服務業員工的申請案。

             Chris Walker表示，昆士商會大約收到100份申請書，昆士社區行動項目收到大約40份申請書。付給房東的第一筆費用，估計本週稍後將寄出。

            昆士市議會下一次的虛擬會議將在4月13日舉行。

麻州死亡人數一日新增96

(Boston Orange 編譯)麻州今(7)日的新型冠狀病毒疫情變化是確診新增1365，累計15202人，死亡人數新增96，累計356人。

做過新型冠狀病毒檢測者，今日新增4,915人，全州累計81,344人。

死亡者年紀大都在70歲以上，40到70歲之間僅有15人。確診者的居住地，仍以Middlessex和Suffolk兩郡最多，依序各有3,187人，3,945人確診。

麻州較多華人聚居城市的確診病例概況如下”

波士頓市確診2,287人，已痊癒258人，死亡15人。

昆士市確診218人，60已痊癒，10人死亡。

摩頓市府網站自3月31日起未再更新確診數據，但根據網友在一份華人社區填報的總表內，摩頓市有192宗確診病例。

劍橋市確診163人，死亡1人。

牛頓市確診178人。

MAYOR WALSH, BOSTON TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS

MAYOR WALSH, BOSTON TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS

BOSTON - Tuesday, April 7, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Boston Transportation Department today announced ticket amnesty for healthcare workers to assist those who are providing critical care during the public health emergency caused by COVID-19 (coronavirus). In addition, the Boston Transportation Department has launched a new mapping tool for healthcare workers to find parking spaces in Boston.  "With our Boston Transportation Department, we are working to provide transportation assistance to Boston's healthcare workers who are on the frontlines of this pandemic," said Mayor Walsh. "We understand transportation is crucial for medical professionals, and these updated policies will assist them during this public health crisis."  During this public health emergency, the Boston Transportation Department is working to assist medical workers getting to and from hospital and other care facilities as easily as possible, while practicing appropriate social distancing. To make these parking spaces accessible for medical workers, tickets issued in these areas to heathcare staff will be waived on appeal during the course of this emergency. Appeals may be initiated by emailing parking@boston.gov and sharing a copy of the ticket, and your hospital ID. This policy is also retroactive, and the timeline for healthcare workers to appeal a ticket has been extended to six months.  With this policy, if a healthcare worker gets a parking ticket for a non-public safety reason (for example, overstaying a meter), the City will waive the ticket upon appeal, if the person shares a copy of their work ID.  These exemptions do not include public safety violations, such as blocking a hydrant, sidewalk or handicap ramp. These policies will be in place only for the duration of the Boston Public Health Commission's declared public health emergency or as otherwise determined by the Commissioner of the Boston Transportation Department. To make it easier for hospital staff to find municipal lots as well as garages near them with free, reduced or reserved spaces, the Boston Transportation Department has created a map for healthcare workers  to access parking spaces.  In coordination with the Boston Public Schools, Boston Center for Youth and Families, Boston's faith community and the Mayor's office of New Urban Mechanics, the City is also exploring temporarily converting certain parking lots into employee parking for medical staff at specific hospitals across the City.   The following updates to parking enforcement policies are in effect until further notice in the City of Boston: Resident Parking  Residents with a valid resident permit sticker will be allowed to park in a metered or two-hour parking space, without having to adhere to the time limit or pay a meter fee, within their specific neighborhood.  For cars without the relevant resident permit parking sticker, standard time limit and meter requirements remain in place. Street Cleaning BTD has not been ticketing and towing for street cleaning, given challenges to finding alternative places to park in neighborhoods.  Inspection Stickers and Registration BTD will not ticket for expired inspection stickers or registrations, given potential challenges for people to renew inspections and registrations at this time. The RMV has also provided extensions for expiring inspections.  Parking Garages To support the medical community, BTD has identified facilities offering free, reduced rate or reserved parking for medical professionals. To receive discounted parking, medical staff will need to present a hospital ID.To see the list of participating facilities, please visit: https://www.boston.gov/news/discounted-garages-available-hospital-staff-boston BlueBikes  The City of Boston and its municipal partners of Brookline, Cambridge, Everett, and Somerville are offering all hospital staff a free 30-day pass for our public bike share, Bluebikes. To learn more about how to sign up for the program, visit boston.gov.  Pick Up/Drop Off Zones for Small Businesses  To help small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19, BTD is creating temporary pick up zones in front of restaurants that have transitioned to takeout and delivery only. Takeout food pickup zones restrict parking to five minutes to increase convenience for the quick pickup and delivery of takeout food from restaurants, and provide adequate room for social distancing of six feet or more. Restaurants that would like to request a temporary pick up zone can do so on boston.gov. Requests will be evaluated on a case by case basis.  With the exception of those changes noted above, BTD will continue to enforce parking violations, with a focus on public safety violations, such as blocking a hydrant, sidewalk or handicap ramp. Resources and information about COVID-19 are available on boston.gov/coronavirus. Resources available on boston.gov and through City departments include support for renters and homeowners; small businesses; free meals for Boston students; free toiletries for Boston students; emergency childcare centers -- including 27 centers in Boston -- support for older residents; information on homeless shelters; transportation options for healthcare workers; resources for those in recovery or those who have a substance use disorder; and mental health resources.  For additional questions or programs, please visit boston.gov/coronavirus or call 3-1-1, Boston's 24-hour constituent hotline. Text BOSCOVID to 99411 to receive text alerts on a regular basis, available in six languages.