麻州公共衛生署新發現一宗染猴痘個案 迄今7宗

(Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州公共衛生署 (DPH) 16日宣佈，又發現一宗民眾染患「猴痘 (monkeypox)」個案。加上這一宗，從5月迄今，麻州已共發現7宗「猴痘」染患案。

最新這宗個案的染患者為一名成年男性，最近出國旅行過。

最初的檢測是週三在牙買加平原的麻州公共衛生實驗室做的，確認檢測將由美國疾病防治中心 (CDC) 執行。麻州公共衛生署正和地方公衛人員，病患，及醫療護理提供者合作，以辨識有哪些人和染患者接觸過。

該名患者現已隔離。

根據美國疾病防治中心資訊，今年以來，美國境內共發現84宗染患猴痘個案，其中包括5月18日確認，在麻州的第一宗染患個案。

迄今在美國境內或全球，還無人因為染患猴痘死亡，染患者一般都在2到4週內復原。儘管許多的早期個案都和國際旅遊有關，最近的個案則有多宗為男同性戀者。

麻州公共衛生署從即日起，將每週四向公眾匯報「猴痘」染患個案，以及其他重要資訊。下一次的匯報預定為6月23日。更新的染患個案數據，也可在CDC的網站上查詢 2022 U.S. Map and Case Count。

Massachusetts Public Health Officials Confirm One New Case of Monkeypox

 

DPH will update cases weekly; updated case counts also available

through CDC

 

BOSTON (June 16, 2022) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced an additional case of monkeypox in an adult male with recent international travel, bringing the total number of monkeypox cases in the Commonwealth to seven since May. Initial testing was completed late Wednesday at the State Public Health Laboratory in Jamaica Plain; confirmatory testing will be done at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). DPH is working with local health officials, the patient, and healthcare providers to identify individuals who may have been in contact with the patient while he was infectious. The individual is currently isolating to prevent spread to others.

 

Current data from CDC indicate that there have been 84 cases of monkeypox virus this year in US residents; this includes the first identified case in Massachusetts which was confirmed on May 18. There have been no deaths in the US or globally related to this outbreak and patients generally recover fully in 2-4 weeks. Although many of the early cases were associated with international travel, recent cases are not. Gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men make up a large proportion of the cases identified to date. However, the risk is not limited to the LGBTQ community, and anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox is at risk.

 

Starting today, DPH will update the public on monkeypox in Massachusetts each Thursday, including case counts and other important information. The next update will be issued Thursday, June 23. Updated case counts can also be obtained on the CDC’s website: 2022 U.S. Map and Case Count.

 

While the virus does not spread easily between people, people can spread the infection once they develop symptoms. Transmission occurs through direct contact with body fluids and monkeypox sores, by touching items that have been contaminated with fluids or sores (clothing, bedding, etc.), or less commonly, through respiratory droplets following prolonged face-to-face contact. In many of the recent cases, the locations of the rash lesions suggest transmission during sexual contact. Examples where monkeypox can spread and where it does not:

• Monkeypox can spread through:
• Direct skin-to-skin contact with rash lesions. Sexual/intimate contact, including kissing while a person is infected.
• Living in a house and sharing a bed with someone. Sharing towels or unwashed clothing.
• Respiratory secretions through face-to-face interactions (the type that mainly happen when living with someone or caring for someone who has monkeypox).
• Monkeypox does not spread through:
• Casual conversations. Walking by someone with monkeypox in a grocery store, for instance. Touching items like doorknobs.

 

Clinicians are asked to be alert to the possibility of monkeypox virus infection in individuals who have rash illnesses consistent with monkeypox. Early symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, headache, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, but rash may be the first symptom. Rash lesions start flat, become raised, fill with clear fluid (vesicles), and then become pustules (filled with pus). A person with monkeypox can have many lesions or may have only a few. More complete information about how to recognize monkeypox is available here.

 

Actions for people to consider to help reduce the risk from monkeypox include:

 

• Avoid large gatherings like raves and dance parties where you may have lots of close body contact with others
• Ask any partner, especially new partners whose health status and recent travel history you are not familiar with, if they have any symptoms of monkeypox
• Stay informed by reading information available on the DPH and CDC websites

 

As the CDC advises, if you believe you may have monkeypox, you should contact your health care provider. If you need to leave your home, wear a mask and cover your rash or lesions when around others. Those who live with or care for someone who may have monkeypox should wear a mask and disposable gloves if they need to have any direct contact with lesions and when handling any clothes or bedding if the person cannot do it themselves. They should also wash their hands regularly, especially after contact with the person who is infected or with their clothes, bed sheets, towels and other items or surfaces they may have touched.

 

Clinicians should consult with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at 617-983-6800 to determine if testing is indicated. Consultation is required before submitting specimens.

 

For more information about this virus, visit https://www.mass.gov/monkeypox and https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox.

 

麻州 8月13、14日 購物免銷售稅

 Sales Tax Holiday dates set

It’s the information everyone has been waiting for. The sales tax holiday date has been set and will take  place on August 13-14 this year. The sales tax exemption applies for those two days to any retail purchase in Massachusetts of $2,500 or less with some exceptions. Find out what is and isn’t included in the sales tax exemption holiday by reviewing the FAQs.

    (Boston Orange) 麻州稅務局宣佈，今年 (2022)的銷售稅假日，已訂為8月13及14兩日。

    在這兩天中，除了少數例外，民眾購買任何價格在2500元以下的零售品，都不需要付銷售稅。，

波士頓慈濟 6/18 再掃街

 

槍枝安全組織創辦人 Giffords 支持 Maura Healey 參選麻州州長

Giffords Endorses Attorney General Maura Healey for Governor of Massachusetts

Washington DC — Giffords PAC, the gun safety organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, announced its endorsement of Attorney General Maura Healey for Governor of Massachusetts. Giffords and Healey held a roundtable with gun violence prevention leaders in Chelsea, Massachusetts on Wednesday.

Former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords:

“For years, Attorney General Maura Healey has fought side-by-side with us to end gun violence. She has dedicated her career in public service to ending gun violence, by supporting commonsense gun reforms and calling for gun manufacturers to be held liable for facilitating the illegal trafficking of firearms. Maura Healey is the type of leader Massachusetts needs to enact solutions that will keep schools, streets, churches, and neighborhoods safe. She is a gun safety champion with the courage to lead, and we are proud to endorse her bid for governor.”

Attorney General Healey:

"Congresswoman Gabby Giffords is an inspiration. She has stood against hate and for common sense gun safety reform in our communities, and it’s an honor to have her support in our campaign. We know that Massachusetts' strong gun laws save lives and should serve as a national model to better protect our kids, our families, and our communities."

As the chief law enforcement officer in her state, Maura Healey has worked across party lines with local, state, and federal law enforcement to support commonsense gun reforms, including efforts to get illegal guns off the street and to regulate assault weapons. She has successfully defended several challenges to her state’s strong gun laws in court, and she’s joined forces with survivors of gun violence—including Gabby Giffords—to stand up to the gun lobby.

But despite this progress, she knows there is still work to be done to keep her constituents safe—and she’s prepared to take action. In office, she has been a leading advocate for universal background checks and bans on bump stocks, as well as a vocal proponent of extreme risk protection orders. In 2020, she also sued the Trump administration to stop the deregulation of 3D-printed ghost guns and later partnered with state law enforcement officials to prosecute ghost gun holders. As governor, Maura Healey will continue her efforts to mitigate the devastating effects of gun violence on families and communities in Massachusetts. With rates of violence spiking to record highs, it is more imperative than ever that voters elect gun safety champions like her to office.

 

Governor Baker Nominates Attorney Janine M. Simonian as Associate Justice of the District Court

Governor Baker Nominates Attorney Janine M. Simonian as Associate Justice of the District Court

 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Baker nominated Attorney Janine M. Simonian as Associate Justice of the District Court.

 

“Attorney Simonian is well-suited for this new role on the District Court,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am pleased to submit this nomination to the Governor’s Council for their advice and consent.”

 

“Attorney Simonian will bring valuable experience to the District Court if confirmed,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We are proud to submit her nomination for consideration.”

 

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties; all misdemeanors; and all violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. The District Court is located in 62 courts across the Commonwealth.

 

For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage.

 

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

  

About Janine M. Simonian

 

Janine M. Simonian began her legal career as a law clerk for Ronald A. Wysocki, Attorney at Law, in 2001. In 2004, she joined Geary and Associates as an associate attorney before joining the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office in 2006 as an Assistant District Attorney. Since 2013, Attorney Simonian has served as an Assistant District Attorney at the Hampden Country District Attorney’s Office and has worked within the Domestic Violence and Adult Sexual Assault Unit. She is also an active member of the community, previously serving on the Norris Elementary 6th Grade Committee, volunteering at the KEVS Foundation Annual Hockey Tournament and coaching youth soccer in Southampton. Attorney Simonian received her bachelor’s degree from Hood College in 1998, her Master of Social Work from the University of Connecticut in 2000 and her Juris Doctorate from New England School of Law in 2003.

BIO 宣佈新一屆執委

 BIO Elects New Board Directors and

Re-Elects Section Governing Board Chairs

 

San Diego, Calif. (June 15, 2022) – The Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) is pleased to announce the election of its new Executive Committee directors for the 2022-2023 term.

 

BIO’s Board elections took place Monday, June 13 during the 2022 BIO International Convention hosted by BIO in San Diego, June 13-16, 2022.

 

“On behalf of our entire BIO organization, I want to congratulate our incoming Board directors and section leaders,” said Dr. Michelle McMurry-Heath, President & CEO of BIO. “This is a critical time for our industry. Our BIO Board – especially one as diverse and multi-faceted as this one – will help drive policies that keeps pace with innovation’s promise to cure disease, nourish society, and protect our planet.”

 

BIO’s Executive Committee directors for the 2022-2023 term are:

§  Paul Hastings, Nkarta Therapeutics – Board Chair/Health Section Chair

§  Elizabeth Lewis, Takeda Pharmaceuticals – Board Associate Vice Chair & Secretary

§  Bradford Zakes, Ceravast Medical – BIO Board Treasurer

§  Ted Love, Global Blood Therapeutics – Health Section Vice Chair

§  Sylvia Wulf, AquaBounty Technologies – Agriculture & Environment Section Chair

§  John Crowley, Amicus Therapeutics – Emerging Companies Section Chair

§  Jeremy Levin, Ovid Therapeutics – Immediate Past Chair

§  Erika Smith, ReNetX BIO – Emerging Companies Section Vice Chair

§  Anna Rath, Vestaron

§  Doug Doerfler, MaxCyte

§  Stuart Arbuckle, Vertex Pharmaceuticals

§  Christi Shaw, Kite, A Gilead Company

§  Bill Sibold, Genzyme, A Sanofi Company

§  Fritz Bittenbender, Genentech Roche

§  Chris Boerner, Bristol Myers Squibb

§  Eric Dube, Travere Therapeutics

§  Sue Washer, Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation (AGTC)

§  Aamir Malik, Pfizer

§  Jannie Oosthuizen, Merck

§  Victor Bulto, Novartis Pharmaceuticals

§  Bill Newell, Sutro BioPharma

 

Additional directors who were confirmed as the Executive Advisory Board (EAB) to the Executive Committee:

§  Ron Cohen, Acorda Therapeutics

§  Rachel King, former BIO Board Chair

§  John Maraganore, former BIO Board Chair

§  Richard Pops, Alkermes

 

Newly Elected to the BIO Health Section Governing Board (2022-2025 Term):

§  Jannie Oosthuizen, Merck

 

Newly Elected to the BIO Emerging Companies Section Governing Board (2022-2023 Term):

§  Pablo Cagnoni, Rubius Therapeutics

§  Kaye Foster, The Boston Consulting Group

§  Mike Huckman, Real Chemistry

§  Elizabeth Jeffords, Iolyx Therapeutics

§  Sheila Mikhail, Asklepios BioPharmaceutical

 

Newly Elected to the BIO Agriculture and Environment Section Governing Board (2022-2024 Term):

§  Angela Ailloni, Ginkgo Bioworks

§  Rocco Morelli, Recombinetics

Roche provides update on Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative study evaluating crenezumab in autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease

Roche provides update on Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative study evaluating crenezumab in autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease

· Crenezumab did not slow or prevent cognitive decline in people with a specific genetic mutation which causes early-onset Alzheimer’s disease

· For more than a decade Roche has been working in collaboration with Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, the University of Antioquia in Colombia and the National Institute on Aging on this pioneering prevention study

· Initial data will be presented at the upcoming Alzheimer's Association International Conference

Basel, 16 June 2022 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), together with Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, today announced results from the Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative (API) Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease (ADAD) Colombia Trial. The study evaluated the potential of crenezumab, an investigational medicine, to slow or prevent Alzheimer’s disease in cognitively unimpaired people who carry a specific genetic mutation which causes early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The trial did not demonstrate a statistically significant clinical benefit in either of its co-primary endpoints assessing the rate of change in cognitive abilities or episodic memory function, measured by the API ADAD composite cognitive score and the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FCSRT) Cueing Index, respectively.

Small numerical differences favouring crenezumab were observed across the co-primary and multiple secondary and exploratory endpoints, but these were not statistically significant. No new safety issues were identified with crenezumab during the study. Further analyses of data are ongoing. Initial data will be presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) on August 2, 2022.

“We’re disappointed that the treatment did not demonstrate a statistically significant clinical benefit,” said Eric M. Reiman, M.D., Banner Alzheimer’s Institute executive director and one of the study leaders. “At the same time, we’re proud of the impact that this precedent-setting trial has had in shaping a new era in Alzheimer’s prevention research and we’re extremely grateful to our research participants and their families. This trial, the data, samples and findings that we’ll share with the research community, and the related work that we and others are doing promise to further accelerate the evaluation and approval of future prevention therapies.”

The trial enrolled 252 people who are members of the world’s largest extended family with ADAD in Colombia, with 94% of participants completing the study. Two-thirds of participants carried the Presenilin 1 E280A mutation which typically causes cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer’s disease around age 44. Participants were randomised to receive crenezumab, an investigational treatment discovered by AC Immune SA, or placebo over five to eight years. During the trial, the dose of crenezumab was increased as knowledge about potential treatment approaches for Alzheimer’s disease evolved.

“While this is a disappointing result, we would like to thank the participants and their families - they have made an enormous contribution to advancing both understanding and the search for new treatments for familial Alzheimer's disease,” said Levi Garraway, M.D., Ph.D., Roche’s Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. “We remain committed to contributing further scientific evidence to advance how Alzheimer’s disease is understood, diagnosed and treated.”

The study, which was supported by the National Institute on Aging, generous philanthropic contributions to Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation, and Roche, has generated a wealth of data that will advance the early detection, tracking and study of Alzheimer’s disease and inform the design of future Alzheimer’s prevention trials.

Within its Alzheimer’s pipeline, Roche is also evaluating the potential of gantenerumab in autosomal dominant Alzheimer’s disease, as well as for the prevention of sporadic Alzheimer’s and treatment of early Alzheimer’s in late stage clinical trials. Results from the phase III GRADUATE studies of gantenerumab in early Alzheimer’s are expected in Q4, 2022.

CAPAC Chair Statement on Nomination of Roopali Desai to the U.S Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

 CAPAC Chair Statement on Nomination of Roopali Desai to the U.S Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

 

Washington, D.C. – Today, President Biden nominated Roopali Desai to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Upon confirmation, Desai would be the first South Asian American to serve as appellate judge on the Ninth Circuit. Rep. Judy Chu, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), issued the following statement:

 

“I was excited to learn of Roopali Desai’s nomination to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. From her early work with survivors of domestic and family violence to, most recently, fighting back against election misinformation and false claims concerning the 2020 presidential election in Arizona, she has shown tremendous resiliency, dedication and compassion. I also want to applaud President Biden for continuing to act on his promise of nominating highly qualified and diverse candidates. Ms. Desai’s nomination marks a significant step forward in further diversifying the bench – and upon her confirmation, she will become the first South Asian American to serve on the Ninth Circuit as an appellate judge.”

High School Student from Pennsylvania Receives Top Honor at International BioGENEius Challenge

 High School Student from Pennsylvania Receives Top Honor at International BioGENEius Challenge

Students from Florida and Colorado receive Highest Honors

 

June 15, 2022 – San Diego, California – Okezue Bell (11^th grade, Easton, PA) was named the grand prize winner of the International BioGENEius Challenge, the premier competition for high school students that recognizes outstanding research and innovation in biotechnology. Judged by industry and academic experts, Okezue’s research on “A novel anthropomorphic myoprosthesis for transradial amputees” stood out among the impressive research from his 13 fellow finalists. Along with the top honor, Okezue will receive a cash prize of $7,500.

 

Okezue’s project in the Johnson & Johnson Innovation Global Healthcare Challenge seeks to provide a highly functional, low-cost prosthetic for below-elbow amputees comparable to or exceeding the performance of currently available alternatives.

 

Atreya Manaswi (9^th grade, Orlando, FL) and his research on “The development of a novel blend of volatile compounds from beer for small hive beetle treatment in honey bee colonies” along with Gitanjali Rao (11th grade, Highlands Ranch, CO) and her research on “Early directional diagnosis of prescription opioid addiction using µ opioid receptor” were awarded highest honors.

 

The winner and runners-up were named during the Tuesday morning Keynote at the 2022 BIO International Convention.  The International BioGENEius Challenge allows students the unique opportunity of attending the BIO International Convention, a leading biotechnology industry conference, allowing them gain valuable insights from leading biotech companies, scientists, leaders and innovators.

 

“We could not be more proud and inspired by this year’s International BioGENEius Challenge winner and those receiving highest honors. They represent the next generation of innovative scientists in the biotech world. The research they are working today on will help solve some of the most pressing global health, sustainability and environmental crises in the years to come,” said Dr. Lawrence Mahan, President of the Biotechnology Institute. “We applaud them for their forward-thinking projects and commitment to biotechnology research, and we look forward to seeing the breakthroughs they will be a part of in the near future.”

 

Students were assessed on the quality of their research, presentation skills and the ability to handle challenging questions regarding their research, scientific knowledge and on the potential commercial and practical applications of their project.

 

The International BioGENEius Challenge is organized by the Biotechnology Institute of Washington, DC. Generous support from sponsors includes the Global Healthcare Challenge sponsor Johnson & Johnson and the International BioGENEius Challenge sponsor, the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO).

波士頓市 16日晚在 Coply廣場辦迪斯可派對

CITY OF BOSTON TO HOST ANNUAL DONNA SUMMER DISCO PARTY TOMORROW

BOSTON - Wednesday, June 15, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment will host the 8th annual Celebration of Summer: Donna Summer Disco Party on Thursday, June 16 on Copley Square. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public and will take place between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. Guests will be able to dance the night away to Donna Summer’s greatest hits in a groovy atmosphere complete with glow sticks, bubbles, colorful lights, and a disco ball. Boston-born disco legend Donna Summer is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a five-time Grammy winner, and sold over 140 million records worldwide. She was born in Dorchester and was raised in Mission Hill before rising to stardom in the 1970s. She passed away at the age of 62 years old on May 17, 2012. This annual event honors her life and celebrates her music and legacy in Boston.  Donna Summer Disco Party will feature: Music provided by DJ Vince 1 Special tribute performance by Mary Gaines Bernard, sister of Donna Summer and longtime backing vocalist “Hello, Boston! Thank you so much for remembering our own home town girl in such a beautiful way,” said Mary Gaines Bernard, Donna Summer’s sister and longtime backing vocalist. “I know Donna is here with us in spirit and would be so pleased at the outpouring of love displayed so beautifully. So, let’s get this party started in true Donna Summer fashion! Let’s dance, if you wanna dance, sing, if you wanna sing and have a Boston good time!” For more summer events hosted by the City, follow the Mayor’s Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment on social media @VisitBostonCity and visit boston.gov/visiting-boston. WHEN: 6:00 p.m. Thursday, June 16, 2022 WHERE: Copley Square Park, Back Bay

麻州東北及東南乾旱程度升級

 Significant Drought Declared for Southeast and Northeast Regions in MA

CT River Valley and Central Regions Elevate to Mild Drought Along with Islands Region 

BOSTON — With Massachusetts continuing to experience dry conditions in much of the state over the course of the last several months, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Beth Card today declared a Level 2-Signficant Drought in both the Northeast and Southeast Regions of the Commonwealth. Additionally, along with the Islands Region, which was declared a Level 1-Mild Drought last month, the Connecticut River Valley and Central Regions of the state have been elevated to Level 1, as well. Currently, the Western and Cape Cod Regions of the Commonwealth will remain in Level 0-Normal conditions. As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a Level 2-Significant Drought warrants the convening of an inter-agency Mission Group to more closely coordinate on drought assessments, impacts and response within the government, and a Level 1-Mild Drought warrants detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance to the affected municipalities.

 

“Most regions across the Commonwealth are now experiencing drought-like conditions, so we all need to continue to implement water conservation methods in order to reduce impacts on our water supplies and our natural environment, which supports migrating species of fish, aquatic plant life, and habitats and ecosystems, ” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “These dry conditions also serve as an important reminder that extra precautions should be taken when utilizing an open flame in order to prevent wildland fires.”

 

“As we enter summer with drought conditions across much of the Commonwealth, we ask residents to follow any local water restrictions, minimize water usage, and be cautious when using charcoal grills, matches, fire pits, and other open flames,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Acting Director Dawn Brantley. “MEMA will continue to work with our partners and the inter-agency Drought Mission Group to coordinate the response to the drought conditions.”

 

During the previous month, hydrologic conditions have deteriorated, especially in the Northeast and Southeast regions. Since Massachusetts has entered the growing season, it is incredibly important that outdoor watering should be limited, coupled with the planting of drought tolerant plants to further reduce the strain on local water systems. Drought-like conditions can also be detrimental to delicate habitats and ecosystems, and can directly impact outdoor recreational opportunities.

 

It is important to note that the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not currently experiencing drought conditions, as defined within its individual plan. And although communities serviced by the MWRA will not experience water supply issues, those with private wells as well as local streams, wetlands, vernal pools, and other water-dependent habitats will be impacted by drought conditions while water quality in streams and ponds can deteriorate due to lowering of levels and stagnation.

 

For those living and working within a Level 2 – Significant Drought and Level 1 – Mild Drought region, including residents utilizing a private well, they are encouraged to take the following actions:

 

For Region in Level 2 - Significant Drought-

Residents and Businesses:

• Minimize overall water use;
• Limit outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans, to be used only after 5:00PM or before 9:00AM one day a week.

 

Immediate Steps for Communities:

• Adopt and implement the state’s nonessential outdoor water use restrictions for drought.
• Limit or prohibit installation of new sod, seeding, and/or landscaping; washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing; operation of non-recirculating fountains; filling of swimming pools, hot tubs, and backyard informal rinks.
• Implement drought or seasonal water rates.
• Establish water-use reduction targets for all water users and identify top water users and conduct targeted outreach to help curb their use.

Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Communities:

• Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication;
• Provide timely information to local residents and businesses;
• Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and
• Develop a local drought management plan.

 

For Region in Level 1 - Mild Drought-

Residents and Businesses:

• Toilets, faucets and showers are more than 60% of indoor use.  Make sure yours are WaterSense efficient.
• Limit outdoor watering to 1 day a week (only from 5:00PM – 9:00AM), or less frequently if required by your water supplier

 

Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Communities:

• Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication;
• Provide timely information to local residents and businesses;
• Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and
• Develop a local drought management plan (click here for more information).

 

All these steps will greatly help reduce water use to ensure essential needs, such as drinking water and fire protection, are being met, habitats have enough water to support their natural functions, and to sustain the Commonwealth’s water supplies. Additionally, the Commonwealth will continue to monitor and assess current conditions, and any associated environmental and agricultural impacts. Furthermore, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will continue to provide technical assistance to communities on managing systems, including assistance on use of emergency connections and water supplies.

 

“We are early in our irrigation season with summer still days away, so now is the time to implement conservation measures and to reduce our water demand,” said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “Changes now may help reduce larger problems later on should dry conditions continue. I urge all residents to be aware of their water use and to follow the requirements of their individual public water system.” 

 

The Drought Management Task Force will meet again on Monday, July 11, 2022, at 1:00PM. Furthermore, state agencies will continue to closely monitor and assess conditions across the state, coordinate any needed dissemination of information to the public, and help state, federal and local agencies prepare additional responses that may be needed in the future. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, please visit EEA’s drought page and water conservation page. To get the most up-to-date information on the drought indices, go to the state’s drought dashboard page.