川普宣佈美國進入緊急狀態 將撥款500億元給州市政府因應

              (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導)美國50州有10餘州陸續宣佈進入緊急狀態後，美國總統川普(Donald Trump)今(3月13)日下午3點多宣佈，新型冠狀病毒的大流行，已使美國進入緊急狀態。

              川普在玫瑰花園開記者會表示，他正式宣佈全國性緊急狀況，將撥款500億元給地方州市政府因應疫情爆發。

              川普還表示他也要給健康及人民服務部部長Alex Azar緊急權力，可豁免於聯邦法規或法令的讓醫生，醫院在治療病人上有靈活度。

                          大部分感染者的症狀，輕微或中等，諸如發燒，咳嗽等，但是對某些人，特別是年紀較長的長輩，身體健康原本就有問題，可能造成更嚴重病情，包括肺炎。

川普記者會白宮現場直播截屏。

              根據世衛組織，大部分的人都復原了，症狀輕微的在大約兩星期內就痊癒了，那些病情嚴重的，會花三到六星期來痊癒。

              川普說白宮和國會還在討論補助方案，眾議院將於週五就眾院方案投票。

大部分感染者的症狀，輕微或中等，諸如發燒，咳嗽等，但是對某些人，特別是年紀較長的長輩，身體健康原本就有問題，可能造成更嚴重病情，包括肺炎。

川普記者會白宮現場直播截屏。

              根據世衛組織，大部分的人都復原了，症狀輕微的在大約兩星期內就痊癒了，那些病情嚴重的，會花三到六星期來痊癒。

             在回應記者提問時，川普坦言中國提供的相關新型冠狀病毒資料及數據，確有幫助。美國境內的檢測應該還不到非常缺乏的地步。

President Trump Holds a News Conference. 

https://youtu.be/feycmqjsLNw

TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:

Pursuant to section 201 of the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1621), I hereby report that I have exercised my authority to declare that the outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the United States constitutes a national emergency.  This declaration invokes section 1135 of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1320b–5, to allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to exercise the authority under that section to temporarily waive or modify certain requirements of the Medicare, Medicaid, and State Children’s Health Insurance programs and of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Privacy Rule throughout the duration of the public health emergency declared in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

I am enclosing a copy of the proclamation I have issued.

DONALD J. TRUMP

THE WHITE HOUSE,
March 13, 2020.

Baker: MA prohibiting gatherings of over 250 people

Governor Baker Issues Order Limiting Large Gatherings in the Commonwealth

Most gatherings of over 250 people will be prohibited

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker issued an emergency order prohibiting most gatherings of over 250 people in an effort to limit the spread of the Coronavirus. The order includes, but is not limited, to the following events: community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based events, sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions, fundraisers, parades, fairs, festivals, and any similar event or activity that brings together 250 or more persons in a single room or single space at the same time in a venue such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, theatre, or any other confined indoor or outdoor space. 

“Everyone has a role to play in stopping the spread of the Coronavirus, and by limiting large gatherings, we can further mitigate the spread of the disease,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “It is important to take these steps now to further protect the residents of the Commonwealth, and we will continue to encourage residents to maintain social distancing, and practice healthy personal hygiene to stop the spread of the virus.”

“Limiting attendance at large events will help our communities address Coronavirus at this crucial time,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Our administration will continue to work with partners at all levels of government to address the virus and we urge residents to continue to pay close attention to official guidance to stop the spread of the Coronavirus.”

The Governor also directed the Department of Public Health (DPH) to issue guidance implementing the terms of the Emergency Order. The full DPH guidance is as follows:

1. Gatherings subject to this Order include, but are not limited to: community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based events, sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions, fundraisers, parades, fairs, festivals, and any similar event or activity that brings together 250 or more persons in a single room or single space at the same time in a venue such as an auditorium, stadium, arena, large conference room, meeting hall, theatre, or any other confined indoor or outdoor space. 

2. The Order does not apply to normal operations at airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, libraries, shopping malls and centers, polling locations, grocery or retail stores, or other spaces where 250 or more persons may be in transit.

3. The Order does not apply to restaurants, provided that they should, when possible, encourage social distancing.

4. The Order does not apply to typical office environments, government buildings, or factories where large numbers of people are present, but it is unusual for them to be within arm’s length of one another.

5. The Order does not apply to higher education or K-12 schools when classes are in session; provided, that assemblies or classes of more than 250 people are prohibited.

6. The Order does not apply to events that exclude spectators; provided, however, that members of the media may attend the event. Athletic and other events do not need to be cancelled or postponed if spectators and other attendees are excluded. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education shall issue guidance that shall govern scholastic athletic events. 

7. This guidance shall take effect immediately and remain in full force and effect until the State of Emergency declared by the Governor no longer exists or the Order is rescinded, whichever is earlier.

8. Regardless of whether an event or gathering falls within the scope of the Order, all persons are urged to maintain social distancing (approximately six feet away from other people) whenever possible and to continue to wash hands, utilize hand sanitizer and practice proper respiratory etiquette.

9. Regardless of whether an event or gathering falls within the scope of the Order, all higher risk individuals should avoid large gatherings. Higher risk individuals include older adults, anyone with underlying health conditions, such as heart or lung disease or diabetes, anyone with weakened immune systems, and anyone who is pregnant.  

The guidance takes effect today, March 13, and for the full order, please click here.

Earlier today, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education also issued updated guidance to superintendents. Click here for the full guidance.

The Administration will continue to update the public on further developments and individuals are encouraged to consult both the Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites for the most up to date information

KENNEDY TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES

KENNEDY TEMPORARILY SUSPENDS CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES

Watertown, MA -- Kennedy for Massachusetts Campaign Manager Nick Clemons just released the following statement:

"Effective close of business today, Kennedy for Massachusetts is temporarily suspending all campaign activities, in light of the growing threat of COVID-19. We don't believe it is appropriate or wise to continue political activities given the reality that Massachusetts families and communities are facing.  Our top priority is ensuring our staff, supporters, community, and the general public are safe.

"This suspension will last one week. We will reassess by close of business on Friday, March 20. 

"Our campaign will maintain a digital presence to ensure we are able to stay in contact with supporters and the general public as the crisis develops. This includes our digital town halls and a virtual office. We believe open lines of communication are essential. But these channels will be used exclusively to share information related to COVID-19 and the work Joe is doing."

"Congressman Kennedy will focus his time on his official capacity -- ensuring our Commonwealth and country have the resources they need to respond to this threat. He will be present as much as possible across his district and Massachusetts, working in partnership with local leaders to deliver the resources our communities needs.

"In practice, this means:

·  All Kennedy for MA offices will be closed by the end of the day.

·  All staff members will work remotely. 

·  All fundraising and voter contact will be suspended, saved for digital communication focused on COVID-19.

"The campaign notified organizers of the scheduled Western Mass News debate next week of this suspension and is hopeful all parties involved can work to reschedule."

第124屆波士頓馬拉松賽延至9月14日舉行 124th Boston Marathon Postponed to September 14

(Boston Orange)麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)，副州長白莉朵(Karyn Polito)，波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Marty Walsh)，波士頓體育會(BAA)執行長Thomas Grilk，約翰漢考克(John Hancock)執行長 and Marianne Harrison等人今早(3月13日)10 點15分，在波士頓市政府廣場宣佈，受COVID-19疫情影響，第124屆波士頓馬拉松賽延期至9月14日舉行。

波士頓體育會(The Boston Athletic Association，簡稱B.A.A.)表示，該會和州市官員一直都在定期開會，並密切關注新型冠狀病毒(COVID-19)疫情發展。自從麻州州長查理貝克在3月10日宣佈麻州進入緊急狀況後，考慮到波士頓市長以及州市政府各層領導人員正在採取各種可能做法來保護大眾的健康，波士頓體育會理解波士頓市決定波士頓馬拉松賽不能在今年4月20日舉行，將全面支援以各種合理的努力，來把第124屆波士頓馬拉松賽延期到2020年9月14日。

波士頓體育會執行長Tom Grilk表示，在公眾健康安全上，該會遵循負責保護地方公共安全單位的官方指導。該會了解自己的位置，會和伙伴們一起確保所有參加者，志願工作者，觀賽者，支持者有個符合官員們所訂定標準的安全環境。

波士頓體育會已和沿線8各市鎮的地方領導合作，為第124屆波士頓馬拉松賽在9月14日舉行做協調。估計吸引10,000名參加者的波士頓體育會的5000英里賽，現改為9月12日舉行。(更新版)

124^th Boston Marathon Postponed to September 14

BOSTON—The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has been meeting regularly with city and state officials to discuss all updates related to the coronavirus (COVID-19). Governor Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency on March 10, 2020. In consideration of this and guided by Boston Mayor Martin Walsh along with state and municipal government leaders at all levels to undertake all possible measures to safeguard the health of the public, the B.A.A. understands the city’s decision that the Boston Marathon cannot be held on April 20, 2020. We offer our full support to take all reasonable efforts to postpone the 124^th Boston Marathon to Monday, September 14, 2020.

“On matters of public health and safety we take our guidance from the officials entrusted with protecting the public in this area,” said Tom Grilk, C.E.O. of the B.A.A. “We understand our role, along with our partners, in ensuring a safe environment for all participants, volunteers, spectators, and supporters that meets the standards set by those officials.”

The B.A.A. has been cooperating with municipal leaders across the eight cities and towns through which the marathon course runs to coordinate the September 14 date for the 124^th Boston Marathon. The B.A.A. 5K, which draws a field of 10,000 participants, will also be rescheduled to a later date.

“The B.A.A.’s mission of promoting health through sports, especially running, has guided our organization for more than a century. In collaboration with our many partners, we look forward to welcoming the world to Boston in September in celebration of the 124^th Boston Marathon,” Grilk said.

Registered participants and volunteers will receive additional information in the coming days. As this is a rapidly evolving situation, further details will be forthcoming.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Emergency Order Modifying the State’s Open Meeting Law

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Emergency Order Modifying the State’s Open Meeting Law

Order will allow state, quasi and local governments to carry out essential functions during COVID-19 outbreak

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced an emergency order temporarily modifying the state’s open meeting law in order to allow state, quasi and local governments to continue to carry out essential functions and operations during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

This emergency order suspends the requirement for public access to the physical location where a public meeting is taking place, provided there are other means of access available. This includes the use of a phone conference line for members of the public, social media or other internet streaming services, on-line meeting services, or methods of access.

Both the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) have advised residents to take extra measures to put distance between themselves and other people to further reduce the risk of being exposed to COVID-19. Additionally, the CDC and DPH have advised high-risk individuals, including people over the age of 60, anyone with underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system, and pregnant women, to avoid large gatherings.

Additionally, the order relieves the requirement that a quorum of members be physically present at a public meeting. During this period, members may all participate by remote or virtual means.

This order is applicable to meetings of public bodies including commissions, boards, and committees that engage in policy making at the state, quasi and local level, and it does not apply to Town Meetings or judicial and quasi-judicial hearings. It follows Governor Baker’s declaration of a State of Emergency on Wednesday, March 11, and it will remain in place until rescinded or the State of Emergency is terminated.

COVID-19非亞裔之罪 州市議員與AAC聯袂籲別種族歧視

薩福克郡地方檢察官羅琳思出席支持。 (周菊子攝) 
Suffolk  County  District Attorney Rachael Rollins came to show her support. (Photo by Chutze Chou)

                                                               (Boston Orange 周菊子整理報導) 麻州亞美局和10名州市議員及社區領袖，3月12日早上在麻州府大門前呼籲，COVID-19病毒傳染時並不分你我，不應該歧視，仇恨亞裔。薩福克郡地方檢察官羅琳思(Rachael Rollins)表示，有此行徑者，必追究負責。

 波士頓市議員吳弭表示，人們須圖截一致，對抗病毒。(周菊子攝)
Michelle Wu says this is a time for people to unite and fight against
 the virus. (Photo by Chutze Chou)

              世衛組織(WHO)定名為COVID-19，並於3月11日宣佈為大流行的這新型冠狀病毒，去年12月底先在中國武漢發現，隨後世界各地冒出病例並迅速擴散，人們漸心生恐懼，各地社區陸續傳出亞裔被人刻意保持距離，謾罵，歧視，甚至毆打的消息。各地中餐館或亞裔店鋪也都出現人們裹足不前現象，營業額低到威脅生存，有的甚至被迫關門。

麻州亞美局為導正亞裔被針對的歪風，3月10日一大早，在麻州州政府大樓前舉行記者會，強調病毒的發生，散佈、傳染，流行，和亞裔本身無關，因為恐懼就針對、怪罪亞裔，簡直莫名其妙，這種行為絕對不能接受，必須糾正。

波士頓市議員吳弭(Michelle Wu)，麻州眾議員陳德基，黃子安，麻州參議員陳翟蘇妮(Sonia Chang Diaz)，波士頓市議員愛德華費林(Ed Flynn)等約10餘名亞裔州市議員，麻州難民移民署署長張瑪莉(Mary Troung)，麻州講座(Commonwealth Semina)負責人李超榮(Leverett Wing)，這天紛紛響應，加入呼籲行列。

這活動的主要發言者有7人，包括麻州亞美局主席Vira Douangmany-Cage，麻州眾議員陳德基，美國醫師協會理事Elisa Choi，JP 富士集團董事長梁戰士，華人前進會行政主任陳玉珍，薩福克郡地方檢察官羅琳思，波士頓市議員吳弭。

Vira Douangmany-Cage表示，亞美局這天是要譴責那些攻擊，仇視，憎恨及偏執，不公平對待亞裔的行為。

陳德基強調，在數位時代中，資訊太多，太過紛亂，人們必須懂得過濾消息真假。

Elisa Choi表示，針對亞裔的種族歧視，語帶仇恨，刻意迴避，正越來越多。還有很多人在社交媒體上把這病毒稱為”中國病毒”。這絕對是不正確的，完全沒有任何遺傳因素會讓亞裔成為必然的”病毒”攜帶者。

在波士頓市，劍橋市，昆士市，尚莫維爾市等多個地點，開設不下5間餐館，另有建築、裝修，建材公司的梁戰士表示，很不幸也很不應該，社區中有很多謠言，但對抗病毒，還是要大家團結，一起來。

陳玉珍直言，在這場病毒風暴中，整個亞裔社區受創最嚴重，許多人的生計大受影響，人們需要考慮設置能夠照顧到每一個人的社會安全網。病毒在攻擊人時，並不會分辨性別，年齡，種族，或貧富，每個人受到的影響，其實都一樣。

羅琳思表示，病毒本身不會歧視，很不幸的是很多人會。她提醒那些以仇外，種族歧視等言行對待他人者，薩福克郡地方檢察官辦公室會追究責任。

吳弭表示，亞裔社區在病毒流行的環境中，受創嚴重，許多居民遭遇了刻板印象，錯誤資訊，以及種族歧視的對待。他們這些州市議員站出來，就是要支持亞裔社區。由於病毒還在持續擴散，估計人們得小心、謹慎至少二，三個月，彼此接觸時要注意身體保持6英尺距離，以策安全，但對抗病毒時，應該團結一致。政府方面正在研擬對策，並將盡量廣告週知，以協助人們對抗疫情。

麻州亞美局行政主任蔣如婷表示，他們站出來是要呼籲人們正視，制止社區內出現的不當行為，同時也提醒人們，在避免感染，降低病毒傳播危險上，應注意查察正確資訊。(更新版)

以下為麻州亞美局發表的聲明:
Below is from AAC:
BOSTON - The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Asian American Commission will not tolerate racism, xenophobia, and bigotry towards the Asian American community due to fear-mongering and misinformation about the coronavirus (COVID-19). Local Asian establishments have taken a huge hit economically, and there has been a surge in verbal insults and violent attacks against Asian Americans across the country. While we understand that it is human nature to fear the unknown, targeting and discriminating against a specific group only fuels the biggest epidemic of all—racism.

In an effort to prevent further mishappenings, the Commission encourages our communities to stand up against such discrimination and emphasize the importance proper hygiene rather than acting out insensitively against others. Additionally, we highly encourage the media to dispel the spread of misinformation. Lastly, we urge our public officials to invest in emergency response and testing efforts to prepare for this evolving situation. We recognize that this is an ever-changing situation but it remains crucial to have factual information on the virus and to practice good hygiene as one would with the flu. 

Helpful links:
State of Massachusetts website about the Coronavirus: https://www.mass.gov/guides/information-on-the-outbreak-of-2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19
Facts on the Coronavirus:
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
Report hate crimes:
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/protections-against-hate-crimes

波士頓馬拉松賽可能改到秋天舉行

(Boston Orange 編譯)波士頓的聖派翠克日遊行決定取消後，今年已有31000人報名參加，約三分之一來自外地、他國的波士頓馬拉松賽，現在也計畫延期到秋天舉行了。

COVID-19正在逼使整個世界緩慢下來，大型會議，聚會，活動取消了，學校或者停課，或改網上授課，公司開始遠距上班，飛機場，車站人漸稀少，就連道路也突然不塞車了，幾乎要讓人誤會，是不是到了另外一個世界。

大波士頓人其實都不希望這每年一度，全世界矚目的活動取消，但是新型冠狀病毒疫情的日趨嚴峻，逼使波士頓馬拉松塞路徑的沿線政府官員認真討論，不取消，但延期到秋天舉行的可行性。

不取消，但延期的原因包括，波士頓馬拉松賽每年從世界各地吸引近一百萬人到訪，一但取消，經濟損失可高達2億多美元，何況自從COVID-19疫情擴散後，餐廳，酒店及會展、旅遊業，全都生意銳減，改在秋天舉行的話，大波士頓地區商家還有機會爭取回一些失去的生意。

在越來越多人表示出，在疫情擴大的情況下，波士頓馬拉松賽就算取消，也是可以接受的之後，

相關市鎮工作人員正和波士頓體育會(BAA)商討，這比賽延期到勞動節(Labor Day)的可能性，或是另外創造個週一假日，好形成長週末，讓人們更容易來參加活動。

芝加哥馬拉松賽已排定在10月11日(週日)舉行，所以改到哥倫布日不可能。

Boston Health Officials Announce Closure of Eliot K-8 School Due to Coronavirus Concerns

Boston Health Officials Announce Closure of Eliot K-8 School Due to Coronavirus Concerns

BOSTON - Wednesday, March 11, 2020 - Today the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), in conjunction with the Boston Public Schools (BPS), announced the closure of the three campuses of the Eliot K-8 School after a non-student member of the school’s community tested positive for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). At this time, BPS plans to reopen all three sites of the Eliot school on Thursday, March 19, 2020.    BPHC staff are working on an ongoing basis to assess risk and follow up with all known contacts of this individual. At this point we encourage everyone who has been physically inside one of three Eliot buildings to practice social distancing and avoid public places until Thursday, March 19, 2020. If you or anyone associated with the school develops fever 100.4°F/38°C or higher, cough or shortness of breath, please contact your primary care provider or the Mayor’s Health Line 617-534-5050 or Toll-Free: 1-800-847-0710.   What does “monitor your health” mean? Take your temperature with a thermometer twice a day and watch for a fever. A fever is a temperature 100.4°F/38°C or higher. Watch for symptoms including a fever, cough, trouble breathing, shortness of breath. If you experience a fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher) or any other symptoms, call your health care provider immediately. Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room. What does it mean to practice social distancing? Keep your distance from others (6 feet or 2 meters away) Do not take public transportation, taxis, or ride-shares during this period. Avoid crowded places (shopping centers, schools, workplace, church and movie theaters) As of March 11, 2020, there is one confirmed case of COVID-19 in Boston residents, and 18 presumptive positive cases for a total of 19 cases. Since January, the Boston Public Health Commission and Boston EMS have taken extensive steps to prepare for a potential outbreak of COVID-19. BPHC and Boston EMS is engaging in daily communications with the CDC, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), Boston EMS, City of Boston departments and other community partners, including hospitals, schools and public safety to make sure we have the latest information on guidance, best practices and recommendations.    BPHC will continue to provide updated information on bphc.org and boston.gov/coronavirus.   Additional Resources: The Mayor's Healthline: 617-534-5050 or Toll-Free: 1-800-847-0710 The Massachusetts Department of Public Health website on COVID-19

About the Boston Public Health Commission  The Boston Public Health Commission, one of the country's oldest health department, is an independent public agency providing a wide range of health services and programs. It is governed by a seven-member board of health appointed by the Mayor of Boston. Public service and access to quality health care are the cornerstones of our mission - to protect, preserve, and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable. The Commission's more than 40 programs are grouped into six bureaus: Child, Adolescent & Family Health; Community Health Initiatives; Homeless Services; Infectious Disease; Recovery Services; and Emergency Medical Services.

麻州病例升至95宗 世衛今日宣佈COVID-19大流行

              (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導)麻州的新冠狀病毒病例，3月11日僅微升3宗，總數現為95宗，其中6宗確診，89宗仍待美國疾管局(CDC)確認。

               麻州公共衛生廳在網上公佈，截至3月10日，麻州共有1083名居民應該要隔離，其中638人已度過14天隔離期，仍在觀察中或隔離中的人有445人。

              前述95宗病例，住進醫院的有8人，醫護人員觀察中的有3人，其餘84人未住院。病例最多的是米斗塞郡(Middlesex)44人，其次為諾福克郡(Norfolk)23人，薩福克郡(Suffolk)19人，伯克夏爾郡(Berkshire)7人，Essex郡1人，Worcester郡1人。

              在這些病例中，77宗為百奧健(Biogen)員工，或和這些員工有過接觸者。4人曾出國旅遊，另有14人的感染原因仍在調查中。

              根據約翰霍普金斯大學資料，全世界現有122,399宗確診病例，4552人死亡，病毒散佈114國。

              世界衛生組織(WHO)今(11)日宣佈，新冠狀病毒(COVID-19)已成為全球流行病(Pandemic)，估計將有更多國家受影響。

              麻州已有越來越多學校宣佈停止面對面授課，改為網上教學，並要求學生搬出宿舍，大型會議紛紛延期或取消，就連中小型座談，研討會也要麼取消，要麼延期，公司行號在武田藥品，谷歌，臉殊要求員工遠距上班後，也大街上也開始人車漸稀。

              私募基金貝恩資本(Bain Capital)今日發現該公司有一名曾出國員工診斷出類似症狀，雖然待美國疾管局確認，已決定無特定限期的關閉位於Clarendon街200號的公司總部。在波士頓有700名員工的這家公司，要求員工改為遠距上班，等公司通知。

2020年牛頓台灣日宣佈取消

              (Boston Orange)「2020年牛頓臺灣日」原訂5月2日舉辦，牛頓臺灣日籌備委員會今(3月11)日宣佈取消。

            台灣牛頓日主辦單位表示，美國疾管署(CDC)建議在中國武漢肺炎(新冠病毒-19)疫情未平息前，各地取消大型聚會活動。麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)也甫於3月10日宣佈麻州進入緊急狀態，為配合防疫並確保大眾的健康，決定今年停辦牛頓臺灣日。

SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT TAKING PROACTIVE STEPS AGAINST THREAT OF COVID-19

SUFFOLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT TAKING PROACTIVE STEPS AGAINST THREAT OF COVID-19

Amidst the global outbreak of COVID-19, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department has begun the implementation of proactive measures that are designed to prevent potential exposure to the virus by staff and the men and women in Department care and custody.

The Department is monitoring the evolving COVID-19 situation closely, and, thus far, there have been a limited-but-growing number of COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts. As of March 10th, there was 1 confirmed case and 91 presumptive cases in Massachusetts, with 20 of these cases occurring within the communities of Suffolk County.

In accordance with state guidelines and recommendations, the Department is taking steps to minimize the possible exposure of staff and inmates and detainees, and to maintain a safe work place by reviewing, and where necessary, adopting new practices to protect the health of all employees and inmates while we continue to perform the Department’s mission.

The Department is taking the following steps:

1.     Increasing orders for personal safety equipment, including gloves, masks, hand sanitizers and dispensers, soap and paper towels;

2.     Communicating with staff through postings, roll calls, and e-mails about the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and reminding them about effective methods to safeguard against it;

3.     Increasing the regular cleaning and sanitizing of communal surfaces and frequently touched objects;

4.     Disinfecting transport vehicles regularly;

5.     Suspending all inmate/detainee visits, except for attorney visits;

6.     Restricting volunteers and outside program staff and activities;

7.     Coordinating with medical and food vendors to ensure preparedness; and

8.     Developing contingency plans to address the potential needs of the institutions should an inmate(s)/detainee(s) be diagnosed with COVID-19, in addition to a host of other measures.

With respect to the temporary suspension of inmate and detainee visits, the Department will be providing the opportunity for them to make a call to family members and friends to notify them of the temporary suspension. Attorneys will continue to have access to Department facilities for client visits.

For more information concerning visits and/or contacting your friend or loved one, call the House of Correction at: (617) 635-1000 x2007 of the Suffolk County Jail at: (617) 635-1100 x3001.

For additional information about COVID-19, please visit the websites for the Centers for Diseases Control at: www.cdc.gov and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at:  https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

新冠狀病毒推動教育科技化 大專院校紛紛宣佈網上授課

                  (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導)新冠狀病毒疫情在麻州正越演越烈，從摩頓市一所特許學校於3月5日時宣佈下週停課開始，多所中小學，大學，陸續宣佈停課，改為網上授課，取消會議，甚至提前放春假，要求學生搬出校園，放完春假也別回學校。

                麻州地區企業響應避免面對面接觸呼籲，陸續要求員工遠距上班，別到辦公室去。教育機構回應得更為積極。麻省理工學院起初要求校內150人以上會議，改為網上舉行，10日再進一步，所有課程改為網上教授。哈佛大學也不但宣佈改為網上授課，取消多個大型會議，甚至還要求學生在3月15日以前，搬出校園。

                 在哈佛，MIT之外，麻州大學，東北大學，波士頓大學，愛默生學院，塔芙茨大學，巴布森學院，Olin工程學院，惠頓(Wheaton)學院等等大專院校，都宣佈改為網上授課了。

            摩頓市的神秘谷特許學校(Mystic Valley Charter School)早在3月5日宣佈停課時，家長一片錯愕聲。

              接著，麻州政府公佈的麻州待確認新型冠狀病毒病例，每日倍增，3月6日時還只是1宗確診，7宗待確認，7日就跳升至15宗，8日增至28宗，9日增至41宗，10日增至92宗之外，還出現查不出感染來源病例。

               麻州州長查理貝克，波士頓市長馬丁華殊在這幾天，本來還都一直強調，疫情危險程度仍低，民眾不須驚慌，只要各人各自注重清潔，消毒工作，勤洗手，用肥皂或消毒液，每次至少洗20秒，打噴嚏時遮掩口鼻，沒必要時別到人多的地方去，應該就沒問題。

             3月10日，確診病例卻陡增至92，甚至還至少有1宗查無來源，麻州州長查理貝克鬆口，坦言疫情危險程度增加了。宣佈麻州進入緊急狀況，主要是為容許州政府更靈活地採取措施來因應可能情況。

             麻州境內各所學校起初都只是宣佈停課一，兩天，或是因為學生，家長，學校職工本人，或是有關係的人確診，接觸過確診者，甚至校內完全沒人接觸過確診者，都開始紛紛採取擴大防範疫情措施，提早放春假、延長春假日數，取消大型會議、改網上授課，然後有學校，例如哈佛，索性要學生春假放完，也都別回學校了，留在家，上網學習。

             麻省理工學院就有一名最近到過該校的招聘人員，可能感染了病毒，促使該校決定採取更為審慎措施，不但所有課程改為網上教授，還要求該校大學部學生搬出學校宿舍。

             羅德島州的羅傑威廉斯大學(Roger Williams)決定展延春假一週，所有課程也將改為網上交授，看情況需要多久就多久。