Royalty 要開大麻店上華埠社區議會陳情 華埠居民反對 一華裔警員支持

波士頓華埠社區議會本次月會出席格外踴躍。(周菊子攝)

             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)波士頓華埠才剛成功拒絕大麻店Sanctuary進駐，王權集團(Royalty Group)又來嚐試，11月16日上華埠社區議會(CNC)做說明。會中發言者多持反對意見，波士頓警察Stephen Moy卻獨派眾議，以冗長發言支持，讓與會社區人士”跌碎一地眼鏡”。

              Sanctury Medicinals這公司想在天滿街(Tremont)南灣東座旁開大麻店，籌備了不下兩三年，由於華埠反對聲浪極高，波士頓牌照局上個月才拒絕該公司的牌照申請。

              為反對Sanctury而組成”華埠利益群組(Chinatown interest group)”的一批人，驚聞又有一家「王權集團」要來華埠開大麻店，簡直不敢置信，紛紛互相走告，使得波士頓華埠社區議會16日舉行的網上月例會，打破出席會議人數的歷年紀錄，至少有53人。

Royalty Group 預定開設大麻店地點。

              在會議中，Andrea Pearce以22頁PPT做介紹。在ppt上，Andrea稱「王權集團」是在州政府登記有案，由婦女經營的公司。她是公司擁有者暨執行長，在波士頓本地有15年的娛樂業等工作經驗。該公司打算在史都華(Stuart)街31-37號的Jacob Wirth餐廳舊址，開張「JW 三星(Three Star)」大麻店。

              在這些幻燈片中，Andrea介紹了該公司的7名主管，包括陳偉民在內的4名項目顧問，展示了大麻零售店面位置，選擇這地點的原因，預定採行的安全系統，設備及措施，將提供有關公共健康的教育性材料給該店所有顧客及社區。

Royalty Group 執行長Andrea Pearce。(周菊子攝)

在介紹該店提供給地方社區的機會上，Andrea表示，該店將可提供10到20個全職工作機會給地方居民，至少50%會聘請少數族裔或婦女，並允諾捐款給地方機構。在幻燈片上，「王權集團」註明該公司和「松街客棧(Pine Street Inn)」等8個地方機構直接洽談，得到了支持，其中唯一與華埠社區有關係的是亞裔青年會(YES)。

前任紐英崙中華公所主席陳家驊不敢置信的質問，「亞裔青年會的創辦人梁素英真的同意了?」。但Andrea並未回答。

波士頓華埠社區議會共同主席曾雪清。(周菊子攝)

Andrea說明，「王權集團」的牌照申請，至少有5個步驟，包括出席社區鄰里協會會議，和社區開會，接受波士頓大麻局(BCB)審核，和波士頓市政府一起申請店面所在社區的同意，向麻州大麻管制局遞出申請等。目前該公司還處於第一階段，預定12月將出席另一個鄰里的社區會議，將來也會出席華埠居民會月會。

在會議中，CNC議員周樹昂問「王權集團」是否已和Jacob Wirth餐廳屋主簽了約，Andrea坦言未簽，但雙方有共識。

昆士中學校長張可仁。(周菊子攝)

         昆士中學校長張可仁提出最多問題，包括質疑Andrea在解說時頻頻提到自己的老闆，到底誰是她的老闆。他也強調不要忘記波士頓華埠是住宅區，Sanctuary和王權集團選定開店的地點雖然不同，但都在波士頓華埠旁邊，而華埠居民已經很明白的對Sanctury說了「不」。

Andrea Pearce回答時說她的老闆是Brandon Warren。不過根據Radio Entreprenuer今年二月做的一個訪問中，Brandon Warren卻表示自己是營運長，在加州有10年的經營大麻生意經驗，因加州市場已經太過擁擠，才決定來波士頓。Andrea並表示自己在麻州要開三家大麻店。

波士頓警察Stephen Moy。(周菊子攝)

曾在波士頓稽核局(ISD)擔任高職的羅燕玲也提出一連串質問。

在發言者中，波士頓警察Stephen Moy的發言最令人驚訝。他直白表示，麻州有三分之二的選民支持大麻合法化，所以大麻店遲早(one way or the other)都會進駐華埠，華埠居民應該接受這一事實，選擇並容許一家比較好的大麻店進駐。他巡邏北端(North End)，華埠等地區二年半，和Andrea認識這麼久，相信她的為人。

Stephen Moy還說，大麻店的座落地點不在華埠區域界線內，其實根本不需要到波士頓華埠社區議會陳情，現在來做說明，只是禮貌性的尊重而已。

波士頓市議員Ed Flynn強調華埠說廣東話的居民也有知的權利。
(周菊子攝)

              Stephen Moy的發言引得張可仁不敢置信的一連問，「這人是警察嗎?」，「你說的代表警察局的看法嗎?」，「波士頓警察局局長葛羅斯(William Gross)也支持這看法嗎?」。Stephen Moy慢斯條理的聳聳肩回答，「我不敢說我代表警察局，不過大概差不多吧!」。

              波士頓市議員愛德華費林(Ed Flynn)這天也出席了會議，並在會議一開場就質問，這場會議有沒有廣東話翻譯。他要求陳情公司公平對待他的選民，給予同樣的訊息說明。王權集團執行長Andrea Pearce強調，她事前問過，但被告知不需要。華埠社區議會共同主席曾雪清表示，該會無此慣例。

波士頓市長亞裔聯絡員Lisa Hy說明大麻店在波士頓申請開張的過程。
(周菊子攝)

              波士頓市長的亞裔聯絡員Lisa Hy也在會中解釋了大麻店在波士頓申請開設的步驟與程序。

              波士頓華埠社區議會共有21名議員，這天約有17人出席，其中包括在亞裔青年協會工作的英崙至孝篤親公所現任主席。游成康。另有出席者指出，曾任波士頓華埠社區議會議員，現在是「王權集團」顧問的陳偉民，還是紐

Royalty Group說明將捐款給那些社區機構。

東北地區州長聯盟呼籲大專學生回家過感恩節前做病毒檢測

東北地區州長聯盟宣佈大專院校會提供並鼓勵學生在回家過感恩節前做病毒檢測，並建議各校擴大遠距教學以其秋季課程可以安全結束 

REGIONAL COALITION OF NORTHEAST GOVERNORS ANNOUNCE COLLEGES WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO PROVIDE TESTING FOR STUDENTS BEFORE LEAVING FOR THANKSGIVING BREAK, RECOMMEND EXPANDED REMOTE INSTRUCTION TO END FALL SEMESTER SAFELY

Residential Colleges Across the Northeast Should Provide Testing For Students Before they Leave for Thanksgiving Break And Ensure Students are Aware of Quarantine Rules 

Governors Recommend That All Travel be Limited for Thanksgiving and Urge Colleges to Utilize Increased Remote Instruction to End Fall Semester, Reducing the Need for Students to Travel Back-and-Forth Between Campus and Home Multiple Times 

Multi-State Agreement on College-Related Travel Guidance Reached at Emergency Summit of Northeastern Governors this Past Weekend

BOSTON – Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Delaware Governor John Carney, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, and Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo today announced they will encourage residential colleges and universities in their respective states to provide testing for all students traveling home for Thanksgiving break to the maximum extent possible before they leave campus. Any student who tests positive will be encouraged to isolate on campus before they can travel or detail arrangements of their safe travel home with the local department of health. These efforts will help mitigate the threat of college students returning home for the holidays importing COVID-19 into their communities. In addition, colleges should inform students and their families of relevant quarantine policies in their home state.  

“The region is experiencing a surge in COVID cases and a surge in the serious health impacts this disease brings with it. Working together on travel and higher education policies like these, states can have a bigger impact on COVID spread as students travel for the holidays,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Gathering with friends and family significantly increases the risk of spreading the virus and while testing and isolation guidelines can help slow the spread, it is up to everyone to wear a mask and avoid gathering indoors with people outside of your household.” 

“As everyone predicted, cases are rising as temperatures drop, and New York is not immune. With the holidays approaching, we are fighting ‘living room spread’ from small gatherings in private homes – and adding college students’ interstate travel will be like pouring gasoline on a fire,” said New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo. “We know this virus does not respect borders, which is why governors from across the region are working together to stop the spread. Colleges and universities have to do their part by testing all students before they leave, informing them about quarantine rules, and keeping classes online between Thanksgiving and Winter Break. We beat back the COVID beast in the spring, and by working together we can do it once again this winter." 

“With Thanksgiving and the broader holiday season fast approaching, we have to recognize that any large family gathering — particularly among different age groups — runs the risk of turning the dinner table into a COVID hotspot,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “To reduce the risk of transmission across our region, we are encouraging colleges and universities to ramp up testing for students returning home, and for anyone who tests positive to adhere to their state’s quarantine restrictions. If we collectively recommit ourselves to the commonsense mitigation practices that got us through the first wave of this pandemic, we can save lives before a vaccine becomes broadly available.” 

"College students returning from highly infected states could accelerate the spread of COVID in Connecticut,” said Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. “I appreciate the joint effort of all our regional governors to clearly state the testing/quarantine rules for returning home from college." 

“There’s no sugarcoating it: this will be a difficult winter,” said Delaware Governor John Carney. “We are seeing rising cases, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 in our region and across the country as we enter the colder months. The holidays present a significant challenge. I’m thankful for the cooperation in our region, and will continue to urge Delawareans to do what works. Wear a mask. Don’t gather with anyone outside your household. Stay vigilant.” 

“It is our collective responsibility to protect our communities and our most vulnerable from COVID-19 and to continue to work together to get through this pandemic,” said Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf. “These targeted mitigation efforts, combined with existing ones, are paramount to decreasing the spread of COVID-19. We need everyone to be united in wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and washing our hands in order to save lives and help protect our economies.” 

“As our COVID cases and hospitalizations continue to rise, it’s critical that we come together as a region to slow the spread and keep our constituents safe,” said Rhode Island Governor Gina M. Raimondo. “We all need to be more vigilant about keeping our circles small and our masks on, while at the same time we’re continuing to ramp up asymptomatic testing across-the-board. This collaborative approach among Northeastern states will help us flatten the curve and contain spread over the Thanksgiving holiday.” 

The combination of rising cases across the country – including in the northeast – due to increased transmission of COVID in small, residential settings and Thanksgiving travel has created the perfect storm for viral spread. If people proceed with celebrations in small gatherings outside of their immediate families, they risk generating a dramatic spike in cases after Thanksgiving. All Governors are urging their residents to stay home and celebrate small this year in an effort to help eliminate the risk of unchecked COVID-19 spread in the coming weeks.  

The governors and their public health experts developed this guidance over the weekend at an emergency summit of northeastern governors. The governors also emphasized the importance of in-person education. Medical research as well as the data from northeastern states, from across the country, and from around the world make clear that in-person learning is safe when the appropriate protections are in place, even in communities with high transmission rates. In-person learning is the best possible scenario for children, especially those with special needs and from low-income families. There is also growing evidence that the more time children spend outside of school increases the risk of mental health harm and affects their ability to truly learn. 

In order to stop college-related travel spreading COVID, colleges and universities in New York, Massachusetts, Delaware, Connecticut, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania will be encouraged to make testing available to all students before they leave for Thanksgiving break and inform students and their families of states’ quarantine requirements. Any student who tests positive before they leave should be permitted to isolate on campus, or may travel safely with the approval of the local departments of health. Students who are already isolating or quarantining on campus must remain in place until completing their prescribed seclusion.   

In addition, the Governors are strongly recommending that colleges and universities finish their fall semesters by expanding remote instruction, enabling more students to learn from home for the few weeks between Thanksgiving and winter break rather than require students to travel back to campus and then back home again in December. Half of colleges and universities across the northeast have already indicated they will be fully remote between Thanksgiving and the end of their fall semester. Colleges and universities should prioritize on-campus programs for students who did not travel or who need in-person exams or clinical and laboratory experiences. 

If colleges and universities do reopen for in-person instruction during this period, all returning students should receive COVID-19 tests and comply with relevant isolation and quarantine protocols. These institutions should also double down on precautions including frequent health screenings and surveillance testing due the increased risk of COVID exposure from student travel.

麻州長查理貝克呼籲州民慶祝感恩節只小範圍聚會

麻州州長查理貝克強調戴口罩在防疫上的重要性。(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州綜合報導) 麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)今(18)日勸告州民，下週四(26日)就是感恩節，慶祝最好只和自己的直系家人聚會，如果是在外地上學的大專院校生，最好在72小時前先做新冠病毒(COVID-19)檢測，並取得陰性結果，再回家。

            查理貝克強調，慶祝感恩節雖然是傳統，但防止疫情傳播是每一個人的責任。

他指出，正式感恩節聚會這類活動，會擴大新冠病毒的散佈與流行，州政府呼籲大家今年選擇一個不同的方式來慶祝感恩節，不要忘記戴口罩，保持安全社交距離，勤洗手。

             查理貝克也提醒州民，麻州的外州旅遊限制仍然有效，除了從佛蒙特(Vermont)，夏威夷(Hawaii)，緬因(Maine)，以及新罕布夏(New Hampshire)等州進入之外，所有到訪麻州的旅客都必須在抵達麻州的72小內，新冠病毒檢測陰性，或者在麻州隔離14天。

 麻州中小學教育廳廳長(Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner)
Jeffrey C. Riley表示在學校的病毒檢測須學生及家長同意。

             大專學生在離校回家前，也必須由學校做病毒檢測，並呈陰性反應。

             麻州中小學教育廳廳長(Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner) Jeffrey C. Riley今日在州長的疫情匯報中表示，麻州從聯邦政府那兒收到Abbot BinaxNow的測試劑，預定12月時，和134個公校學區，特許學校及教育機構合作，執行第一階段的新冠病毒檢測計畫。

            這一檢測將採自願方式執行，免費提供檢測劑給學校，以協助學校繼續面對面上課方式。選擇參加第一階段計畫的學校，需要符合6項標準，包括能夠完成DPH報告要求，確保執行檢測的員工受過訓練等。

            學校在給學生做病毒檢測前，必須獲得家長或監護人同意。

            Abbot BinaxNow是一種快速抗體檢測，在感染早期階段，病毒量通常最多的時候做檢測，會最有效。

            Jeffrey C. Riley表示，根據聯邦政府的指導原則，Abbot BinaxNow檢測不適宜在學校用做大規模的無症狀者檢測，學生，家長及員工應該知道抗體檢測結果不可當作診斷結果。要確認必須做PCR檢測。

            截至11月11日，麻州約有934名學生，573名教職員確診。這是全州大約45萬名學生，7萬5000名教職員有一部分到校上課下的情況。

聯邦眾議員克拉克(Katherine Clark)當選為助理議長

 

聯邦眾議員克拉克(Katherine Clark)。(檔案照片，周菊子攝)

          (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導)代表麻州，轄區包括摩頓市(Malden)的聯邦眾議員克拉克(Katherine Clark)，今(18)日獲選為聯邦眾議院助理議長，在眾議院內地位排名第四。

             在聯邦眾議院民主黨一半在華府酒店禮堂，一半藉Zoom舉行的閉門會議中，克拉克以135比92票，打敗了羅德島州聯邦眾議員西西里尼(David Cicilline )。

            克拉克今年57歲，住在米爾蘿絲(Melrose)。她將是繼聯邦眾議院議長佩洛西(Nancy Pelosi)之後，第一個在聯邦眾議院攀升至這麼高位階的民主黨女性。克拉克在眾議院民主黨黨員中建立支持的訣竅，據說為她贏得「無聲刺客」別號。當選為助理議長意味著在那些目前把持眾議院高位的耄耋長者一旦退休，就是她浮升之日。

            克拉克在一封9月份她宣佈競選助理議長的信中表示，「有效領導無關個人野心，是為共同利益」。

            民主黨在這次選舉中雖然保住了足夠的席位，讓民主黨成為多數黨，但共和黨奪走了至少8個席位，引發民主黨內激進派，中庸派的互相指責之聲。

            克拉克在2018年中期選舉，徵召民主黨人把共和黨在位者擠下來的行動中扮演重要角色，作為在眾議院中位階第六的民主黨團副主席，她也把自己妝點成在競爭激烈地區成員的支持者及盟友。她也已經成為多產的黨派籌款人。

            她和在無競爭對手中成功連任為眾議院民主黨團主席(排名第五職位)的紐約州聯邦眾議員Hakeem Jeffries已是緊密盟友。人們認為，在眾議院民主黨領袖，80歲的佩洛西(Pelosi)，以及眾議院多數黨領袖，81歲的Steny Hoyer，還有眾議院多數黨黨鞭，80歲的James Clyburn卸任後，克拉克和Jeffries將一起接手。

            克拉克是從米爾蘿絲(Melrose)學校委員會開始踏上從政之路，接著當選為麻州議員。2013年時，她贏了特別選舉，接下馬基(Ed Markey)成為聯邦參議員所空出來的聯邦眾議員席位。

            她的崛起是女性在麻州政治中具有標誌性的成就。麻州曾經出過8名聯邦眾議院議長，以及無數的委員會主席，但除了共和黨籍，在1947年到1949年，以及1953年到1955年率領退伍軍人事務委員會的Edith Nourse Rogers之外，全都是男性。

            麻州在眾議會建立了相當大的影響力。在克拉克的位置之外，轄區包括春田市的聯邦眾議員Richard Neal當選了很有權勢的財政委員會主席，屋斯特(Worcester)聯邦眾議員Jim McGovern則是眾議院法規委員會主席。

波士頓市長、公共衛生局提示民眾疫情期間如何安全慶祝感恩節

MAYOR WALSH, BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION OFFER GUIDANCE ON HOW TO SAFELY CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC   BOSTON - Wednesday, November 18, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) today released guidance on celebrating Thanksgiving safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, urging residents to stay home and spend the day with people in their own household. Health officials have advised that traditional Thanksgiving gatherings with family and friends can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19.  "Thanksgiving is normally a time when many families travel long distances to celebrate together. We know these aren't normal times, so we're asking everyone to take the necessary steps to prevent the further transmission of COVID-19 as we enter a critical period in this pandemic," said Mayor Walsh. "We can keep the spirit of thankfulness alive without putting yourself and your loved ones at risk. As always, I want to thank Bostonians for their cooperation during this difficult year."   Residents who may have COVID-19, are not feeling well, or have been exposed to the virus should stay home and not host or participate in any in-person gatherings. Residents who are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, such as older adults or those with certain medical conditions, should also not take part in any in-person gatherings. If you are planning on hosting or attending a Thanksgiving gathering: Keep it small and limit the number of guests. In Boston, indoor gatherings should be 10 people or less. Ask guests to wear a mask unless eating and drinking, and stay 6 feet apart when possible. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use. Ask guests to avoid going in and out of areas where food is being prepared and handled, like the kitchen. Do not share food, drink, or any utensils. Have guests bring their own food and drink. Avoid any self-serve food or drink options, such as buffets, potlucks, or drink stations. If sharing food, have one person (wearing a face mask and gloves) serve food and use single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable items like food containers, plates, and utensils. Consider small seating table arrangements in multiple rooms with plenty of spacing, instead of a large family table. Improve ventilation by opening windows and doors. For 14 days before and after holiday gatherings, minimize contact with other people, and leave home only for essential services like going to work, buying groceries, and appointments with doctors. If you are planning to travel for Thanksgiving:  Travel increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. If you must travel: Know the higher-risk states and what the Massachusetts travel orders mean for when you return home All visitors entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, are required to quarantine for 14 days or produce a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72-hours prior to your arrival in Massachusetts. Wear a face covering at all times in public Stay 6 feet apart from anyone who is not in your household Get a flu shot before traveling, if you have not already Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer Avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose and mouth BPHC health officials encourage families to find safer, alternative or virtual ways to celebrate Thanksgiving. The safest celebrations involve people from your household, are outdoors, and allow for social distancing and other safety measures.  Lower risk activities: Having a small Thanksgiving dinner with only people who live in your household. Host a virtual dinner with extended family and friends. Show off your favorite dishes and share your favorite recipes. Host a Thanksgiving meal outdoors, if possible. Go for a walk with extended family members, while wearing a mask and staying 6 feet apart.  Preparing traditional family recipes for family and neighbors and delivering them in a way that doesn't involve contact with others. Shopping online rather than in person on the day after Thanksgiving. Use contactless services, like curbside pick-up or shop in open air markets and stay 6 feet away from others. Higher risk activities: Attending or hosting indoor gatherings with people from outside your home. Sharing food and drinks. Shaking hands and hugging. Wave and verbally greet others instead.   Singing, dancing, and shouting. These activities increase your chances of catching COVID-19 through the air.   Read more on the Thanksgiving guidance released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more information on Boston's response to COVID-19, please visit boston.gov/coronavirus.

Kimberly Budd 獲確認為麻州最高法院首席法官

Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito Issue Statements on Confirmation of Justice Kimberly Budd to Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court

Kimberly Budd is confirmed as the Chief Justice
 of the Supreme Judicial Court.

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito released the following statements on the Governor’s Council’s unanimous confirmation of Justice Kimberly Budd as Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court:

 

“Justice Kimberly Budd is an exceptional and dignified jurist that has served on the Supreme Judicial Court with fairness and integrity and I have the utmost confidence that she will now lead the Commonwealth’s highest court and all those that come before it with grace and impartiality,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am honored to congratulate Justice Budd on her unanimous confirmation, and am grateful to the members of the Governor’s Council for their diligence in considering and approving her appointment.”

 

“I am proud to congratulate Justice Kimberly Budd on her unanimous confirmation to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, and am confident that as Chief Justice, her unique lens and perspective will ensure every voice is heard as the Court hears important and complex cases,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “I thank my colleagues on the Governor’s Council for their advice and consent in this process and appreciate their time and commitment.”

AG’S OFFICE INVESTIGATES COMPANY THAT SOLD INEFFECTIVE HAND SANITIZER ALTERNATIVE TO MBTA, REACHES $550,000 AGREEMENT TO RESOLVE FALSE CLAIMS

 AG’S OFFICE INVESTIGATES COMPANY THAT SOLD INEFFECTIVE HAND SANITIZER ALTERNATIVE TO MBTA, REACHES $550,000 AGREEMENT TO RESOLVE FALSE CLAIMS

Company Represented that Product Containing No Alcohol Could Sanitize and Fight off COVID-19 for Six Hours 

            BOSTON – After investigating a Maryland-based company that falsely marketed and sold a product claiming to be an effective hand sanitizer alternative to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Attorney General Maura Healey has secured a $550,000 agreement resolving claims that it illegally misled the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) into ordering  thousands of dollars’ worth of the product, which contained no alcohol – a key ingredient in hand sanitizer.

            The AG’s Office alleges that in March, the MBTA sought to purchase hand sanitizer as part of its efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at its facilities and contacted Federal Resources Supply Company after receiving a marketing email promoting “Theraworx Protect,” a product manufactured by Avadim Health, Inc., as a “COVID-19 product.” The MBTA was told by Federal Resources that the product sanitizes at a “30-second flash and provides a 6 hour prolonged effect” to fight off the virus, elaborating that “if you touch something it will fight it off.” The AG’s Office alleges that, after relying on these false statements by Federal Resources, the MBTA made three large purchase orders of the product, and now has unused product in storage.

            “This company’s reckless and deceptive actions put the health of our frontline workers and the public at even further risk during this unprecedented public health crisis,” AG Healey said. “We took action against this company because their attempt to exploit people during the COVID-19 pandemic for their own profit was not only unacceptable, it was illegal.” 

            “The MBTA greatly appreciates the work of the Attorney General’s Office, which held this company accountable and recovered the T’s costs,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “The safety of our employees is a top priority, and it’s shameful that, during a pandemic, a vendor would make false claims about a product’s effectiveness.” 

            The assurance of discontinuance, filed and entered in Suffolk Superior Court, resolves allegations that Federal Resources Supply Company violated the Massachusetts False Claims Act and the state’s Consumer Protection Act by promoting, without adequate evidence, that “Theraworx Protect” is effective as a hand sanitizer to combat COVID-19, when the product contains no alcohol. To prevent the transmission of COVID-19, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that if soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol is an effective alternative. The AG’s Office further alleges that Federal Resources Supply Company violated the law by promoting without adequate evidence that its product fights off the virus for six hours after application.

            According to the terms of the settlement, Federal Resources Supply Company will pay $400,000 which will go to the state’s general fund and will issue a credit of over $150,000 to the MBTA for the amount of product it used. The AG’s Office learned of the company’s deceptive actions and intervened before the MBTA paid for its three purchase orders. Federal Resources Supply Company will also retrieve the “Theraworx Protect” that is still located at the MBTA’s storage facility. Federal Resources Supply Company has agreed not to market or sell this product to any Massachusetts agency, and not to include any representation that “Theraworx Protect” is effective against COVID-19 in any marketing materials it distributes in the state, including that it has a multiple hour prolonged effect.

This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Mary-Ellen Kennedy of AG Healey’s False Claims Division, with assistance from False Claims Division Chief Amy Crafts. 

The False Claims Division was created by AG Healey in 2015 to safeguard public funds and promote integrity and accountability in public contracting. AG Healey urges anyone with information about suspected fraud or abuse relating to state or municipal contracts or funds to contact the False Claims Division’s tip line at 617-963-2600. 

波士頓市採用新指標衡量新冠疫情

波士頓市政府健康及人民服務長Marty Martinez。(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導)波士頓市政府健康及人民服務長Marty Martinez，以及波士頓公共衛生局醫療主任Jennifer Lo等人今(17)日開會說明市府衡量新冠病毒疫情的新指標，將密切關注每日的確診個案數是否超過339.6宗，或每10萬人有50宗。

              波士頓市府公佈了不下6項指標，包括確診個案數，調整個案的累計數算，測試，波士頓醫院的上門急診人數，成人重症病房剩餘數量，新冠病毒病人佔用醫院重症病床比率等。

波士頓市公共衛生局醫療長Jennifer Lo。(周菊子攝)

              如果確診率超過5%，或有4個鄰里的確診率超過8%，未佔用的重症病房只剩不到20%，非手術用成人重症病房有95%已被佔用，波士頓市就會拉警報。

              Marty Martinez表示，波士頓市希望在使用新指標後，能夠更精確的掌握波士頓疫情。

              根據波市府公共衛生局資料，波士頓市在11月17日有累計24,393宗新冠病毒(COVID-19)確診個案，有20,065宗已痊癒個案，迄今有889人死亡。

Add caption

              若已族裔分，在累計的24,393宗確診個案中，4%患者為亞裔，共899人，28%為黑人，共5,978人，33%為拉丁裔人，共7,148人，27%為白人，共5,745人。另有8%為其他類。在累計死亡的889人中，亞裔57人，佔6%，黑人308人，佔35%，拉丁裔100人，佔11%，白人399人，佔45%。另有其他類25人，佔3%，      

              波士頓市府公佈的資料還包括，截至11月12日，全市共有371,108人次做過新冠病毒檢測，總確診率為6.4%。在全市劃分成15個的區域中，芬衛區(Fenway)做過病毒檢測的人最多，有48,991人，但確診率低至1.6%。東波士頓有23,354人做過檢測，確診率卻高達13.9%。在這15個區域中，並無華埠，比較靠近的是南端(South End)，共有23352人做過檢測，確診率5.8%。

https://bphc.org/Documents/Metrics%2011-16-2020.pdf

https://bphc.org/whatwedo/infectious-diseases/Infectious-Diseases-A-to-Z/covid-19/Pages/default.aspx

麻州新冠確診數回升至2263 全世界確診人數累計已超過5540萬

           (Boston Orange 編譯)麻州新型冠狀病毒(COVID-19)確診人數，昨(16)日下降至2000以下，今(17)日又回升至2263，累計已達186,774。目前麻州有835人因為新冠病毒住院中，159人住在重症病房，新增20人死亡，累計已有10,360人因為新冠病毒離開人世。

麻州的7日平均確診率已增至3.25%，遠比9月時的0.8%為高。目前有32,309人因染患新冠病毒，正在治療中。

確診率最高的仍然是米斗塞郡(Middlesex)的有474人，益士石郡(Essex)349人，以及屋斯特郡(Worcester)281人。

根據聯邦疾病防治中心的數據，11月17日，美國新增15萬1,855宗新確診個案，累計已達1113萬6253人，新增762人死亡，累計已有24萬6232人因為染患新冠病毒死亡。美國的7日平均確診率高達每10萬人有47.5人染患新冠病毒。

約翰霍普金斯公佈的數據則是，全球已有5540萬零24宗確診個案，美國確診人數最多，已逾1129萬，其次為印度887萬餘，巴西587萬餘，法國204萬餘，俄國195萬餘，西班牙151萬餘，英國141萬餘，阿根廷131萬餘，義大利123萬餘。

全世界因為新冠病毒死亡的人數，累計已達133案3632人，美國也已經有24萬8027人死亡(約翰霍普金斯大學數據)，其次為巴西16萬餘，印度13萬餘，墨西哥9萬8861，英國5萬2839人。

MAYOR WALSH, CITY OF BOSTON CELEBRATE REOPENING OF DORCHESTER PARK, FOLLOWING RENOVATIONS

MAYOR WALSH, CITY OF BOSTON CELEBRATE REOPENING OF DORCHESTER PARK, FOLLOWING RENOVATIONS

 

BOSTON - Tuesday, November 17, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston Parks Commissioner Ryan Woods announced this week the unveiling of recent improvements in Dorchester Park located at 2180 Dorchester Avenue. During the first week of November the City of Boston reopened the George Wall Playground following $626,000 in renovations funded by Mayor Walsh's Capital Improvement Plan and Youth Lead the Change, the Mayor's participatory budget for accessible equipment that gives young people power over one million dollars of the city's capital budget.  Dorchester Park is one of several Boston Parks and Recreation Department facilities reopening this fall within current health guidelines. Other renovated parks opening this year are in the neighborhoods in Hyde Park, Mattapan, and South Boston.   "We are investing in parks citywide as part of Boston's plan to provide quality green spaces for all residents and play spaces for the children of our city," said Mayor Walsh. "Families are encouraged to follow social distancing guidelines and enjoy fresh air at the improved Dorchester Park playground before winter sets in." The design retains the large climbing structure central to the playground while two age-appropriate play structures were replaced with new state-of-the-art equipment for children ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12. The project includes four bays of swings, but the bays are separated and rearranged with a single bay of swings with two toddler bucket swings. A separate bay of swings features three belt swings, an ADA-compliant bucket swing, and a "Friendship Swing" that allows two children or a parent and child to swing together. An ADA accessible drum set adds another play feature to the playground.  In response to requests from the community to emphasize the connection between the playground and nature a curved path now leads users through the play area. The path connects to a mulched surface around a climbing rock. Children no longer need to traverse the area behind the swing bays to get to this exciting nature play. This not only encourages children to reach out beyond the manufactured play area, but it keeps them safer and out of the swing area. The Parks Department also added a wooden play frame encouraging children to reach further into the natural areas and engage their creative play. New site furnishings include benches and an ADA accessible community picnic table. Since 2014, the Walsh administration has invested more than $115 million across the city's parks system, representing some of the most significant parks investments in Boston's history. The Fiscal Year 2021-2025 (FY21-FY25) Capital Plan includes enhanced support to maintain the City's Urban Wilds and Tree Canopy, increases in funding to plant and maintain trees across the city, as well as $36 million for new and ongoing open space projects. For current social distancing guidelines in City of Boston parks please visit www.boston.gov/news/coronavirus-covid-19-updates-boston-parks-and-recreation. An outdoor drum set is one of the new play features at Dorchester Park. Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department recently reopened the playground at Dorchester Park following $535,000 in improvements including site furnishings and a variety of state-of-the-art play equipment.

AG HEALEY ISSUES GUIDANCE TO SCHOOLS TO HELP PREVENT AND ADDRESS HATE AND BIAS

 AG HEALEY ISSUES GUIDANCE TO SCHOOLS TO HELP PREVENT AND ADDRESS HATE AND BIAS

Provides Guidance and Resources to Assist Schools 

BOSTON – To help ensure that all students across Massachusetts feel safe and supported, Attorney General Maura Healey’s Office today issued guidance to school officials about their legal obligations to prevent and address hate and bias incidents at their educational institutions. At a time of heightened strain in school communities, the AG’s Office is providing guidance and resources to help schools respond properly if a hate incident occurs. 

The AG’s Guidance on Schools’ Legal Obligations to Prevent and Address Hate and Bias Incidents, which was sent today to school superintendents, charter school leaders, and school administrators, describes how schools must respond to hate and bias incidents involving students and what proactive steps schools must take to prevent such incidents. It also highlights several best practices that schools should consider for preventing and responding to hate incidents. The AG’s Office is also offering a directory of relevant training and other resources. The Office wants to ensure that all school officials have the information and tools that they need if a hate incident occurs 

“I commend our school leaders, teachers, and staff across the state who have been on the front lines of providing essential educational and social-emotional services during this time of uncertainty and distress amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and as we’re all grappling with racial injustice and its negative effects on individuals and society as whole,” said AG Healey. “We want to make sure schools have the information and support they need to address and prevent incidents of hate and bias and ensure that every student can learn in a nurturing and welcoming environment, free from bullying and harassment.”

The AG’s Office has recently engaged with school administrators, teachers, staff, parents, students, and community members who are concerned about hate incidents in the state’s elementary and secondary schools and who are re-examining the role of schools in preventing and addressing these incidents. Student misconduct that involves hate, bias, or prejudice can have a devastating impact on victims and can severely disrupt the school environment. The AG’s Guidance is designed to assist schools in their continuing efforts to combat hate and foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive educational environment, consistent with their obligations under state law.

The AG’s Guidance, which can be found here, describes schools’ obligations to prevent and respond to hate and bias incidents under Massachusetts’s anti-bullying and anti-discrimination laws; details required, affirmative steps to help create a positive school climate and prevent these incidents; and provides examples of best practices to implement education, prevention, and remediation measures. A list of additional resources for schools can be found here.

The AG’s Office is committed to securing the civil rights of all students in Massachusetts. If you have questions about this Guidance or other civil rights concerns, you may contact the Office online or at 617-963-2917.