Baker-Polito Administration Announces Changes To Expedite Health Care Licensing, Increase Support For Local Boards Of Health And Small Businesses

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Changes To Expedite Health Care Licensing, Increase Support For Local Boards Of Health And Small Businesses

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced further actions to support residents, health care providers, and small businesses during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Administration today announced several emergency orders expediting the onboarding process of more licensed health care professionals. The Administration is also distributing an initial $5 million in emergency funding to local boards of health throughout the Commonwealth, with more funding to be distributed soon. The Administration also took additional steps to support small businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak by formally seeking relief from the Small Business Administration.

Supporting Expedited Licensing Of Health Care Professionals: The Administration today announced four new emergency orders to expedite the onboarding of more licensed health care professionals during the COVID-19 emergency. Changes as a result of these orders include:

• Licenses of physicians who have retired within the last year, without complaints at the time of retirement and in good standing, may be reactivated, and licenses that would otherwise be up for renewal may be extended for 90 days after the end of the public health emergency.

• Providers in good standing licensed in other states may obtain emergency licenses to practice in person or through telemedicine.

• The ability of residents to provide services, subject to appropriate supervision, will also be expanded.

• Assures continuity of care for college and university students, licenses for nurses, pharmacists and physician assistants that would otherwise be up for renewal for 90 days after the end of the public health emergency may be extended, and no nurse, social worker, psychologist or medical doctor may be prohibited from providing telehealth services across state lines to college or university students who have returned home.

• Recognizing the crucial need for sufficient EMS capacity during this public health emergency, these orders adjust minimum standards for ambulance staffing to ensure sufficient availability and capacity of EMS services.

• Expands telehealth by facilitating telehealth services across state lines.

Read the orders here:

Governor’s Order #1: Registration of Health Care Professionals

Governor’s Order #2: Expanded Access to Physician Services

Emergency Funds For Local Boards Of Public Health: The Administration today is distributing an initial $5 million emergency funding to address immediate needs of the Commonwealth’s community health boards, with more funding to be distributed soon. This additional funding will support COVID-19 public health emergency resources in cities and towns, and the Baker-Polito Administration will execute emergency contracts with cities and health districts that have sufficient capacity to receive and utilize funding.

Small Business Administration Declaration: Building on yesterday’s announcement of a $10 million emergency loan fund for small businesses, Governor Baker today formally requested that the federal Small Business Administration issue a declaration of economic injury for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which would make it possible for impacted business owners to obtain low-interest loans.

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 US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites for the most up to date information.

The latest information and guidance regarding COVID-19 is always available at mass.gov/COVID19.

昆市府所有辦公大樓3月17日起停止對外開放 市民洽公可打電話，上網，發電郵

From City of Quincy

(Boston Orange)昆士市長柯奇（Thomas Koch）3月16日宣佈，所有市府辦公室將從2020年3月17日(週二)起對外關閉。市政府仍將辦公，工作人員照常上班，但市民得經由電話，網路或郵件來辦事。緊急服務不受影響。查詢完整的市府部們電話號碼及聯絡資訊，可上網www.quincyma.gov。

昆市府表示，如預期那樣，檢測擴大後，COVID-19的確診個案開始增加，和昆士市居民有關的病例，也新增8宗。

昆市府根據麻州州長查理貝克的行政命令，有以下一系列新規定:

所有學校將一直關閉到4月6日。

學生可以在北昆士(North Quincy)高中，昆士(Quincy)高中，Snug Harbor和Lincoln-Hancock等地領取“拿了就走( Grab and Go)”餐。膳食供應時間為上午11點至中午。其他詳細資訊可在昆士公校系統(QPS)網站上查詢。

從3月17日午夜開始，所有的餐館、酒吧都不准在店內讓人用餐或喝飲品。

禁止25人以上的聚會。

昆市府提供

所有的公開法規委員會會議將至少推遲到3月30日。

所有公共設施將繼續每天進行積極的環境清潔

例如老年人和身體有病的這些容易受傷害的人，和別人接觸時要格外小心。

關於預防感染病毒，昆市府提供的建議如下:

許多預防感冒和流感的措施，也可預防冠狀病毒等其他呼吸道病毒，

避免大型聚會

經常用肥皂和溫水洗手至少20秒鐘。

咳嗽和打噴嚏時要遮住。

如果生病，請待在家。如果要去診所，辦公室或急診室，先打電話過去索要說明。

目前沒有疫苗可讓人預防感染這種新型冠狀病毒。不建議人們在公共場所戴口罩。在某些場合，例如診所候診室，要防止患呼吸道疾病的某個人傳染給其他人，口罩可能有用，但沒有確鑿證據顯示，口罩可以在醫療場所以外的地方保護戴口罩的人。

查詢更多資訊，可以到CDC網站https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html，或是州政府網站www.mass.gov。

市民有疑問，可以打電話到市長辦公室的市民服務處，617-376-1500，或者是昆士市公共衛生局617-376-1272。

Below is from the City of Quincy:

Monday, March 16, 2020

COVID-19 update:

· Mayor Thomas Koch today announced that all city offices will be closed to the public effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020. The City will still operate and offices will still be staffed, but residents will be required to conduct business via telephone, the Internet or through the mail. No emergency services will be impacted. For a full list of department phone numbers and contact information, residents can visit www.quincyma.gov

· As expected, the number of confirmed positive cases of the COVID-19 virus are

beginning to increase as testing expands. Today, there are a total 8 positive cases additional positive cases involving Quincy residents.

· Per Governor Baker’s order, all schools remain closed through April 6.

· Students can pick up “Grab and Go” meals at North Quincy High School, Quincy High, Snug Harbor and Lincoln-Hancock. Meals will be available from 11 a.m. to noon. Additional details will be available on QPS website

· All restaurants and bars will not be allowed on-site consumption of food or drink beginning at midnight on March 17.

· Any gathering of 25 or more people is prohibited.

· All public regulatory board are postponed until at least March 30.

· All public facilities will continue to undergo aggressive environmental cleaning on a daily basis

· Residents in potentially vulnerable populations, such as seniors and those with underlying medical conditions, need to be particularly careful in their contacts with other people.

· Many of the things you do to help prevent colds and the flu can help protect you against other respiratory viruses such as Coronavirus:

o Avoid large gatherings

o Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

o Cover your coughs and sneezes.

o Stay home if you are sick. If you are ill call your healthcare provider for instructions before going to a clinic, office or emergency room.

· There are currently no vaccines available to protect against this novel coronavirus infection. It is not recommended that people wear masks when they are in public. Masks can be useful in some settings, such as a clinic waiting room, to prevent someone who has a respiratory illness from spreading it to others. There is no hard evidence that wearing a mask protects the wearer outside of the healthcare setting.

· For more information visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html or the state’s website at www.mass.gov

· Residents with questions can call the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services at 617-376-1500 or the Quincy Health Department at 617-376-1272.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF BOSTON RESILIENCY FUND TO SUPPORT RESIDENTS MOST IMPACTED BY CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF BOSTON RESILIENCY FUND TO SUPPORT RESIDENTS MOST IMPACTED BY CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC BOSTON - Monday, March 16, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the formation and launch of the  Boston Resiliency Fund, which will coordinate the City's fundraising and philanthropic efforts to provide essential services to Boston residents whose health and well-being are most immediately impacted by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, and assist first responders and critical care providers. The Fund is being launched together with the support of a growing number of private and philanthropic partners, including the Vertex Foundation, Partners HealthCare, Jack Connors, Liberty Mutual, Gross Family Foundation, Bain Capital, John Hancock, John & Cyndy Fish, Mass Mutual and Shah Family Foundation.  "In the face of big challenges, our city shows its true colors. We've been seeing incredible acts of kindness and generosity and the Boston Resiliency Fund is a perfect example of that," said Mayor Walsh. "Through this fund, we are coordinating Boston's philanthropic efforts to support families that are facing the greatest need right now. I want to thank everyone who has already contributed, and look forward to seeing how we will all come together during this critical time of need to support one another." The emerging and immediate priorities of the Boston Resiliency Fund are to provide food to Boston's children and older adults, technology to Boston Public Schools students for remote learning, and support to first responders and health care workers so they can effectively do their jobs. While the Fund is initially focused on basic needs and critical services, the priorities of the Fund will continue to evolve as the COVID-19 situation and the needs of Boston residents change. Over the course of its first day, nearly $10 million has been raised to support the Fund,initiated by a $1 million donation by Vertex Pharmaceuticals.  "While we are facing unprecedented circumstances, we will - through the strength and compassion of our communities and the resilience of our people - find ways to meet the challenges that lay ahead," said Vertex Chairman, President and CEO Jeffrey Leiden MD, PhD. "The Vertex Foundation is honored to support this important initiative, which will help provide local families with much-needed resources during this time of uncertainty and hardship. We are proud to be a part of a community  that has come together to make sure that families in need have somewhere to turn." Other individuals, foundations and corporations making commitments include: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Blue Cross Blue Shield, The Boston Foundation, Charles River Labs, Dunkin, Elaine Schuster, Gross Family Foundation, Highland Street Foundation, John Hancock, John Rosenthal, John W. Henry Family Foundation, Red Sox Family Foundation, Robert Kraft, The Lynch Foundation, Sarepta, and Steve & Roberta Weiner.  The funds raised will be awarded to nonprofit organizations who provide immediate support and relief to residents of Boston across a spectrum of different needs and priorities. In the coming days, the City will also build a governance structure to inform grantmaking. The City expects grants from this Fund to be made on a rolling basis, beginning within the next few weeks and will share more information about the funding process in the coming weeks, as the fund grows. Updates will be published on boston.gov/boston-resiliency-fund.  The Boston Resiliency Fund will exist within the Boston Charitable Trust, an existing 501(c)(3) designated trust fund managed by the City of Boston's Treasury Department. For more information on how to make a donation, please visit: boston.gov/boston-resiliency-fund. For general inquiries, please email brf@boston.gov.  To protect Bostonians and their families from the spread of the virus, residents are reminded to practice caution: wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol; avoid shaking hands; cover your coughs and sneezes; clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces; and avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you think you might be sick, please call your doctor or 311 to be connected to the Mayor's Health Line. Residents are also reminded to practice social distancing: keep your distance from others (six feet apart); avoid crowded places.  Residents are asked to not call 9-1-1 unless you are experiencing a medical emergency. The City and BPHC will continue to provide updated information on bphc.org and boston.gov/coronavirus.

川普政府公佈抗疫新建議 撥420億元資助州市地方

The White House • March 16, 2020 15 days to slow the spread This afternoon, President Trump and the White House Coronavirus Task Force issued new guidelines to help protect Americans during the global Coronavirus outbreak. 🎬 President Trump: Taking action now will keep America ahead of the curve The new recommendations are simple to follow but will have a resounding impact on public health. While the President leads a nationwide response, bringing together government resources and private-sector ingenuity, every American can help slow the virus’ spread and keep our most high-risk populations safe: Listen to and follow the directions of your state and local authorities.   If you feel sick, stay home. Do not go to work. Contact your medical provider.   If your children are sick, keep them at home. Contact your medical provider.   If someone in your household has tested positive for the Coronavirus, keep the entire household at home.   If you are an older American, stay home and away from other people.   If you are a person with a serious underlying health condition—such as a significant heart or lung disease—stay home and away from other people. Today’s guidelines build on the CDC’s recommendations to help prevent spread of the virus. Americans should continue practicing strict personal hygiene, including washing hands regularly for at least 20 seconds at a time and wiping down surfaces in the home regularly. Even if you are young and otherwise healthy, you are at risk—and your activities can increase the risk of contracting the Coronavirus for others. Everyone can do their part. There’s no better way to protect your family and your community than by arming yourself with accurate, up-to-date information. A massive, unprecedented nationwide response President Trump declared a National Emergency in response to the Coronavirus on Friday, freeing up more than $42 billion in resources for states and localities. The emergency declaration will give healthcare providers on the front lines of this pandemic the flexibility they need to respond. President Trump continues to cut through every piece of unnecessary Washington red tape that may hinder response efforts, and he is continuing to make every Federal resource available to those who need it. “I know I speak on behalf of the President and our entire team when I say how grateful we are for governors all across the country and the seamless partnership that we have forged with them and with state health officials,” Vice President Mike Pence said yesterday. “We also want to express great appreciation to the American people. Not surprisingly, it is inspiring to see the way tens of millions of Americans are responding with compassion [and] with common sense.” Kay Coles James: President Trump’s declaration helps mobilize our nation 🎬 VP Pence: No higher priority than the health of the American people Photo of the Day President Trump, joined by Vice President Pence and members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, delivers remarks at a Coronavirus briefing | March 15, 2020

SBA To Provide Small Businesses Impacted by Coronavirus (COVID-19) Up to $2 Million in Disaster Assistance Loans

 

WASHINGTON – SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza issued the following statement today in response to the President’s address to the nation:

“The President took bold, decisive action to make our 30 million small businesses more resilient to Coronavirus-related economic disruptions. Small businesses are vital economic engines in every community and state, and they have helped make our economy the strongest in the world. Our Agency will work directly with state Governors to provide targeted, low-interest disaster recovery loans to small businesses that have been severely impacted by the situation. Additionally, the SBA continues to assist small businesses with counseling and navigating their own preparedness plans through our network of 68 District Offices and numerous Resource Partners located around the country. The SBA will continue to provide every small business with the most effective and customer-focused response possible during these times of uncertainty.”

Process for Accessing SBA’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) Disaster Relief Lending

·       The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering designated states and territories low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Upon a request received from a state’s or territory’s Governor, SBA will issue under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration.

·       Any such Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance declaration issued by the SBA makes loans available to small businesses and private, non-profit organizations in designated areas of a state or territory to help alleviate economic injury caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

·       SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance will coordinate with the state’s or territory’s Governor to submit the request for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance.

·       Once a declaration is made for designated areas within a state, the information on the application process for Economic Injury Disaster Loan assistance will be made available to all affected communities.

·       SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.

·       These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.

·       SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.

·       SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans are just one piece of the expanded focus of the federal government’s coordinated response, and the SBA is strongly committed to providing the most effective and customer-focused response possible.

For additional information, please contact the SBA disaster assistance customer service center. Call 1-800-659-2955 (TTY: 1-800-877-8339) or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES SUSPENSION OF REGULAR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY, UPCOMING CLOSURES OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND COMMUNITY CENTERS

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES SUSPENSION OF REGULAR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY, UPCOMING CLOSURES OF PUBLIC LIBRARIES AND COMMUNITY CENTERS

BOSTON - Monday, March 16, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced a series of updates relating to construction activity, the Boston Public Library system, and the Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF). As a reminder, all Boston Public Schools will be closed starting tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17 until Monday, April 27, 2020. Should the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency improve on a faster timeline than expected, Mayor Walsh and BPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius will look into reopening schools before April 27 if that is what is best for Boston's school communities. "COVID-19 is one of the greatest public health challenges our city has ever faced, and the steps that we take now to mitigate its spread are critical for the wellbeing of our residents," said Mayor Walsh. "We understand these steps are disruptive for our daily lives, and I want to remind everyone that this is a citywide effort that requires everyone to do their part to help us keep our city strong and resilient. I thank all of our residents, especially our first responders and medical staff, our educators, and everyone who is making a difference."  CONSTRUCTION SITES Effective tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17, 2020 the City is suspending all regular activity at construction sites in Boston. Employers should maintain the necessary crews to keep their sites safe and secure, keep any materials from blowing away, and prevent trespassing. This work needs to be completed in the next week, by Monday, March 23, 2020. After sites have been secured, skeleton crews will be permitted for the remainder of this suspension to ensure safety. The only work that will be permitted moving forward will be emergency work, which will need to be approved by the City of Boston's Inspectional Services Department.  That essential work includes: Emergency utility, road or building work, such as gas leaks, water leaks and sinkholes; New utility connections to occupied buildings;  Mandated building or utility work; Work at public health facilities, healthcare facilities, shelters, including temporary shelters and other facilities that support vulnerable populations;  Work which ensures the reliability of the transportation network;  Other work necessary to render occupied residential buildings fully habitable. In addition to the list of essential construction projects, the City will, on a case-by-case basis, review requests for exceptions to the temporary construction moratorium.  These may be granted by the Commissioner of Inspectional Services for building-related work or the Commissioner of Public Works for street-related work. These will be granted if they support increased public health and safety.   This policy is effective as of March 17 and will be reviewed at regular intervals. New projects cannot be started at this time, unless they meet the criteria above.  Any currently permitted and active construction project must be in a secure situation by Monday, March 23. This policy only applies to projects permitted by the City of Boston.   BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY As of 6:00 p.m. today, all branches of the Boston Public Library (BPL) system are closed until further notice including the central library in Copley Square. During this time, BPL will expand automatic renewals, and allow people to keep their books and other materials for an additional 15 weeks, instead of the standard three weeks.  All late fines will be waived until May 1, 2020 and library patrons will have until October to renew their library card if it is set to expire. In the coming days and weeks, BPL will increase online services, including ebooks, downloadable movies, audio books, and other information resources. As a part of the City's school closure plan, Chromebooks are being distributed to every student who needs them. Students will be encouraged to make use of the BPL's vast collection of resources during this time.  BOSTON CENTERS FOR YOUTH & FAMILIES All BCYF pools, gyms and fitness centers are closed. By this Wednesday, March 18, 2020, all BCYF programming will be suspended. Only select BCYF centers will be open for youth meal distribution during school closures. For a list of meal distribution locations, go to boston.gov/coronavirus. To protect Bostonians and their families from the spread of the virus, residents are reminded to practice caution: wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol; avoid shaking hands; cover your coughs and sneezes; clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces; and avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you think you might be sick, please call your doctor or 311 to be connected to the Mayor's Health Line. Residents are also reminded to practice social distancing: keep your distance from others (6 feet apart); avoid crowded places.  Residents are asked to not call 9-1-1 unless you are experiencing a medical emergency. The City and BPHC will continue to provide updated information on bphc.org and boston.gov/coronavirus.  ###