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星期三, 3月 25, 2020
CITY OF BOSTON LAUNCHES MULTILINGUAL TEXT SERVICE WITH COVID-19 UPDATES
星期二, 3月 24, 2020
Massachusetts Launches a COVID-19 Text Message Notification System Text “COVIDMA” to 888-777 for Important Updates
Massachusetts Launches a COVID-19 Text
Message Notification System Text “COVIDMA” to 888-777 for Important Updates
3/24/2020
- Executive Office
of Health and Human Services
- Executive Office
of Technology Services and Security
- Office of
Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito
- Department of Public Health
BOSTON — The
Baker-Polito Administration today announced the launch of a new text-based
notification system to deliver important information about the Commonwealth’s
COVID-19 response to Massachusetts residents.
“Throughout
this outbreak, we have consistently reminded our residents to get their
information from trusted sources. Today we’re making that easier,” said
Governor Charlie Baker. “With the addition of this new communication tool,
we’re making it easier for everyone to stay informed about state actions and
important announcements related to COVID-19.”
The new
messaging tool called “AlertsMA” will allow residents to subscribe to real-time
notifications by texting the keyword COVIDMA to 888-777.
After signing up, state and public health officials can send short
messages and links to information directly to a resident’s cell phone or other
mobile device.
“Being
well-informed during this public health emergency, and following health
officials’ advice, can help us to slow and eventually stop the spread of
COVID-19 in our communities,” said Secretary Marylou Sudders, the
Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Command Center Director. “Staying connected with our
residents is a central part of our response.”
The AlertsMA notifications can be used to share news, prevention information, and help connect residents to information that they are looking for through other public information channels, such as the state’s Information line, 2-1-1, and website searches on Mass.Gov.
The AlertsMA notifications can be used to share news, prevention information, and help connect residents to information that they are looking for through other public information channels, such as the state’s Information line, 2-1-1, and website searches on Mass.Gov.
The
Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Technology Services and Security partnered
with Everbridge, whose platform powers AlertsMA, to bring the notification service
online during the COVID-19 response. Everbridge is a Massachusetts-based
company located in Burlington. The company’s notification service is assisting
the public health response around the country, including New York City, San
Francisco, and Houston.
“During
this public health emergency, it is increasingly important that we leverage
technology to enhance our ability to communicate with the residents and
businesses of the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Technology Services and
Security Curtis M. Wood. “This text message notification service is a
tool that reaches people in the easiest way possible – on their mobile devices
– to keep them informed on the latest updates from the Commonwealth.
“Statewide
public notification systems like AlertsMA will keep people safe and businesses
running when critical events occur,” said David Meredith, CEO of
Burlington-based Everbridge. “With our headquarters here in
Massachusetts, Everbridge proudly serves the Commonwealth as their statewide
mass notification provider, keeping citizens informed during COVID-19. We
would like to thank the Governor and the State for their continued prioritization
on emergency readiness, response and communications.”
The
Commonwealth will promote the service on Mass.gov, through digital displays and
billboards at the MBTA, via MassDOT, and through social media.
麻州政府發禁令 COVID-19特殊時期水電瓦斯不准斷
Baker-Polito Administration Temporarily Prohibits Utility Shutoffs to Protect Massachusetts Ratepayers
BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced further action to support ratepayers during the COVID-19 outbreak, directing the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to issue an Order prohibiting investor-owned utility companies from shutting off gas, electric, and water utility service to any customers for failure to pay a bill or a portion of a bill until the State of Emergency is lifted or the DPU determines otherwise.
The announcement builds upon the DPU’s March 13 moratorium requesting utility companies refrain from shutting off gas and electric service to residents across the Commonwealth. The new order will expand the moratorium to include any investor-owned utility customers, including industrial, commercial, and small business customers, during the State of Emergency.
“Protecting the health and safety of Massachusetts residents remains the Baker-Polito Administration’s highest priority, and this order will ensure the continued availability of gas, electric, and water service to all ratepayers during the state of emergency,” said DPU Chairman Matthew Nelson. “Today’s action will also protect residents and businesses from added economic pressure during these difficult and uncertain times.”
The Order also prohibits investor-owned utility companies from sending communications that threaten to shut off gas, electric, or water service to any of their customers for failure to pay a bill or any portion of a bill the Companies issued to a customer. Any company that fails to comply with these orders may be assessed penalties of up to $1 million per violation.
Additionally, on March 13, the DPU formally requested that that residential competitive electricity suppliers and licensed electricity brokers cease door-to-door marketing activities to ensure that proper risk management protocols have been taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19, prioritizing the health and safety of both consumers and any agents conducting marketing efforts.
東方銀行承諾撥款1000萬元資助受COVID-19影響個人及小企業
東方銀行承諾撥款1000萬美元資助受冠狀病毒（COVID-19）危機影響的個人、家庭、小企業和非營利組織
Consumer Impact Loan Fund
·
$2
million loan fund for existing individual customers in need.
·
Low
interest and flexible repayment terms, with 0% interest and no payments for the
first three months and low fixed rate of 3.99% thereafter.
·
Customers
can borrow up to $5,000.
Small Business Impact Loan Fund
·
$5 million loan fund for existing customers in need of
working capital to help fund their operations.
·
Low payment and flexible terms,
with interest only payments for the first six months and low interest rate of
3.99%.
·
Customers can borrow up to
$25,000.
受影響消費者貸款基金
•為有需要的該行現有個人客戶提供200萬美元的貸款資金。
•低利率和靈活的還款期限，前三個月不須還款，利率為0％，之後為固定的低利率3.99％。
•客戶最多可借$ 5,000。
受影響小型企業貸款基金
•為需要營運資金以支持運作的現有客戶，提供500萬美元貸款資金。
•還款額低，條件靈活，前六個月僅支付利息，利率低至3.99％。
•客戶最多可借25,000美元。
BOSTON, MA, March 24, 2020 – Eastern Bank, America’s oldest and largest mutual bank, and Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation today announced over $10 million in funding to help offset the impact of the coronavirus in the communities it serves. Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation will target $3 million in financial support to area nonprofit partners focused on COVID-19 relief, while Eastern Bank has created two loan funds that will provide a total of $7 million to its individual and small business customers experiencing financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus crisis. Specifically, the Consumer Impact Loan Fund will provide $2 million in lending to local individuals and families, and the Small Business Impact Loan Fund will provide $5 million in lending to small businesses. Additional services are also being provided to offer greater flexibility for deposit customers. In addition to these programs, Eastern continues to offer its full suite of financial services and advice to consumers and businesses.
“The levels of disruption, uncertainty, and resulting stress our community, local economy, and we as individuals and families are experiencing are unprecedented, and Eastern is making a substantial commitment to offer our support and provide relief where we can,” said Bob Rivers, Chair and CEO of Eastern Bank. “When so many are facing such widespread negative impacts, the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation is focused on helping our community partners do what they do best – providing critical skills and services to the community where they’re needed most. The loan programs we are announcing are designed to help customers experiencing financial hardship during this extraordinarily challenging time.”
“The levels of disruption, uncertainty, and resulting stress our community, local economy, and we as individuals and families are experiencing are unprecedented, and Eastern is making a substantial commitment to offer our support and provide relief where we can,” said Bob Rivers, Chair and CEO of Eastern Bank. “When so many are facing such widespread negative impacts, the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation is focused on helping our community partners do what they do best – providing critical skills and services to the community where they’re needed most. The loan programs we are announcing are designed to help customers experiencing financial hardship during this extraordinarily challenging time.”
Consumer Impact Loan Fund
- $2 million loan fund for existing individual customers in need.
- Low interest and flexible repayment terms, with 0% interest and no payments for the first three months and low fixed rate of 3.99% thereafter.
- Customers can borrow up to $5,000.
Small Business Impact Loan Fund
- $5 million loan fund for existing customers in need of working capital to help fund their operations.
- Low payment and flexible terms, with interest only payments for the first six months and low interest rate of 3.99%.
- Customers can borrow up to $25,000.
For Individuals and Families
- Clients can request refunds including overdraft fees, non-sufficient funds fees, and monthly maintenance fees.
- Increased ATM and debit card cash withdrawal limits.
- Increased mobile deposit limits.
- Waived penalties for early CD withdrawals of up to $50,000.
- Deferral of mortgage and other loan payments, as needed.
- Waiver of loan late charges, as needed.
- We have also paused foreclosures, evictions, and repossessions.
For Businesses
- Clients can request refunds including overdraft fees, non-sufficient funds fees, and monthly maintenance fees.
- Waived penalties for early CD withdrawals of up to $50,000.
- Increased ATM card withdrawal limits.
- Eastern’s traditional and Small Business Administration (SBA) loan programs for additional financing to existing and new customers.
- Payment relief on commercial and small business loans, as needed.
- Waiver of loan late charges, as needed.
“Eastern is partnering with relief efforts already underway by our local governments, agencies, and community leaders, as we all come together to support each other and our community. We are incredibly grateful to everyone on the front lines helping our neighbors in the midst of this pandemic,” Rivers added.
More information on the Loan Funds and all of these programs can be found at easternbank.com or by calling 1-800-EASTERN (327-8376) or contacting heretohelp@easternbank.com.
Additional Community Support
Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation’s additional $3 million commitment targeted for COVID-19 relief noted above, will help communities across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island with grants supporting regional community organizations’ assistance; as well as nonprofit partners providing relief in food security, support to small businesses with a focus on small businesses of color, and across the community healthcare system. This commitment is in addition to Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation’s already-planned $10 million in community support for 2020.
More information on the Loan Funds and all of these programs can be found at easternbank.com or by calling 1-800-EASTERN (327-8376) or contacting heretohelp@easternbank.com.
Additional Community Support
Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation’s additional $3 million commitment targeted for COVID-19 relief noted above, will help communities across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island with grants supporting regional community organizations’ assistance; as well as nonprofit partners providing relief in food security, support to small businesses with a focus on small businesses of color, and across the community healthcare system. This commitment is in addition to Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation’s already-planned $10 million in community support for 2020.
“We know that providing support at a local level and across our region is critical to meeting the challenges today and those that lay ahead—from maintaining the resiliency, health, and well-being of people in our communities to helping small businesses experiencing severe hardships,” said Nancy Huntington Stager, President and CEO of Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation. “We also want to assure our community partners that we’re here to support them going forward, that we will continue our Community Donation program for nonprofit partners even as their normal operations are being upended. We encourage all companies and foundations to join us in increasing their funding at this time of crisis.”
Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation COVID-19 relief efforts will address the following:
Regional Community Organizations - $1 Million
Regional community organizations are essential to identifying the most acute community needs and mobilizing their resources to address them on the ground quickly. Eastern is providing $100,000 to each of 10 regional community organizations for a total of $1 million in support. The grant recipients include:
Regional community organizations are essential to identifying the most acute community needs and mobilizing their resources to address them on the ground quickly. Eastern is providing $100,000 to each of 10 regional community organizations for a total of $1 million in support. The grant recipients include:
- The Boston Foundation COVID-19 Response Fund,
- City of Boston Resiliency Fund,
- Cape Cod Foundation Strategic Emergency Fund,
- Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts SouthCoast Emergency Response Fund,
- Essex County Community Foundation Essex County COVID-19 Response Fund,
- Foundation for MetroWest Emergency Relief Fund,
- The Greater Boston Food Bank,
- Greater Lowell Community Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund,
- New Hampshire Charitable Foundation Community Crisis Action Fund, and
- United Way COVID-19 Family Support Fund.
Food Security - $500,000
School closures, day care shutdowns, and other barriers to access caused by the coronavirus are leaving many children, adults, elders, and families without healthy food and adequate nutrition. Eastern has committed $500,000 to support more than 80 food banks. In addition to the Greater Boston Food Bank noted above, they include the New Hampshire Food Bank, the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, Inc., the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, and food banks across the region, many of whom Eastern has partnered with to assist individuals and families in the past.
School closures, day care shutdowns, and other barriers to access caused by the coronavirus are leaving many children, adults, elders, and families without healthy food and adequate nutrition. Eastern has committed $500,000 to support more than 80 food banks. In addition to the Greater Boston Food Bank noted above, they include the New Hampshire Food Bank, the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, Inc., the Rhode Island Community Food Bank, and food banks across the region, many of whom Eastern has partnered with to assist individuals and families in the past.
Community Healthcare - $500,000The community healthcare system provides vital services locally, especially in our Gateway Cities. Eastern is providing $10,000 to each of 41 community health centers working on the front lines of the virus outbreak, for a total of $500,000 in support. Eighteen community health centers in Greater Boston and 23 regional community health centers across other communities Eastern serves are receiving grants.
Small Businesses - $1 Million
In addition to Eastern Bank’s business banking support of small business customers, the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation has been a local leader in fostering the growth of enterprises of color as a way to address income and wealth gaps in our community. Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation is committing an additional $1 million to small businesses, with a focus on small businesses of color, to provide vital assistance to help overcome the temporary loss in revenue they are experiencing. The first donation of $250,000 will be provided to The Boston Foundation Business Equity Fund COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. Additionally, as early childhood development continues as a focus of Eastern’s philanthropy in 2020, Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation is actively working with nonprofit and government partners to identify best approaches to support fragile early childhood development businesses in local communities and neighborhoods.
Continuing Community SupportCommunity Donations are a key part of Eastern’s community strategy, amounting to nearly $6 million annually to more than 1,500 organizations. Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation remains committed to providing this support as it always has, in grants ranging from $100 to $10,000. Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation will also provide flexibility to our many community partner organizations who have had to cancel or postpone events so they may redirect Eastern’s funds to support their most critical needs and programs.
In addition to Eastern Bank’s business banking support of small business customers, the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation has been a local leader in fostering the growth of enterprises of color as a way to address income and wealth gaps in our community. Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation is committing an additional $1 million to small businesses, with a focus on small businesses of color, to provide vital assistance to help overcome the temporary loss in revenue they are experiencing. The first donation of $250,000 will be provided to The Boston Foundation Business Equity Fund COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund. Additionally, as early childhood development continues as a focus of Eastern’s philanthropy in 2020, Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation is actively working with nonprofit and government partners to identify best approaches to support fragile early childhood development businesses in local communities and neighborhoods.
Continuing Community SupportCommunity Donations are a key part of Eastern’s community strategy, amounting to nearly $6 million annually to more than 1,500 organizations. Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation remains committed to providing this support as it always has, in grants ranging from $100 to $10,000. Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation will also provide flexibility to our many community partner organizations who have had to cancel or postpone events so they may redirect Eastern’s funds to support their most critical needs and programs.
哈佛大學校長Bacow夫婦確診COVID-19
 |
| 圖片來自哈佛大學網站。 |
(Boston Orange 編譯)哈佛大學校長巴考(Lawrence S. Bacow)今(24)日表示，他和太太都確診染患新型冠狀病毒了。
巴考在該校網站上發出聲明，證實確診的檢測結果。他說，今天稍早，他和太太Adele獲悉，COVID-19確診。他是週日開始有症狀，起初咳嗽，然後發燒，發冷，肌肉疼痛，週一和醫生聯絡，昨天檢測，幾分鐘前拿到結果。他在最快時間內告訴學校師生這一消息。
他說他和太太都不知道他們是怎麼感染這病毒的。他們從3月14日就開始居家辦公，照保持社交距離辦法，完全限制和其他人接觸的機會。未遵循標準作法，他們會和麻州公共衛生廳聯繫，說明他們在過去14天內和哪些人有過近距離接觸。
巴考現年68歲。他說他和太太在隔離期間會找時間休息。
他說他很幸運，有個很棒的團隊，在未來幾星期他和太太專心復原時，許多同事都會承擔更多責任。
巴考在感謝眾人的祝禱之虞，提醒的指出，新型冠狀病毒可能奪取任何人的性命。
他說，世界需要人們的勇氣，創意及智慧來打擊病毒，
上週，巴卡才說，哈佛大學訂5月28日舉行的今年畢業典禮，將改到網上舉行，等安全之後，再重辦傳統的大型聚會。(更新版)
70名博客利音樂學院音樂家網上攜手唱奏 "這世界現在需要什麼"
(Boston Orange 編譯)新型冠狀病毒(COVID-19)疫情持續令人心情沉重，分處各地的70名伯克利音樂學院音樂家，舞蹈家們，決定給人打氣，攜手在網上推出”這世界現在需要什麼(
What the world needs now )”。
在世界出現災難時，音樂家，歌手合作”公益單曲”，或為籌款賑災，或為提振民心，似乎由來已久。1985年時，美國為聲援非洲饑民，由麥可傑克森和萊諾李奇創作了一首”天下一家(We
are the World)”，45名歌星聯合演唱，傳頌迄今。
後來的台灣版”明天會更好”，由羅大佑，張大春，許乃勝，李壽全，邱復生，張艾嘉，詹宏志等人共同作詞，陳致遠編曲，60名華語歌手錄唱，也成了台灣華語流行樂壇史上最成功的公益單曲，在將近35年之後的今天，許多人仍然耳熟能詳。
新型冠狀病毒的在美國肆虐，已逼使美國嚴守邊境，不下五州的州長發出居家禁令，大學院校趕學生離校回家，麻州3月23日也要求所有非必要企業暫時歇業，勸人待在家中。
處境和武漢人，中國人當初”困守危城”漸趨相似的美國人，開始彼此謔笑，恐怕也有許多人會被無聊逼出許多創意。
”這世界現在需要什麼(
What the world needs now )”的誕生經過，有點這味道。伯克利音樂學院的Shelbie
Rassler在回家的飛機上動了念頭，想做點什麼來宣傳正能量，給大家打氣，振作一下心情。他沒想到，回應那麼踴躍的結果有70人加入。
根據該視頻的參與製作名單，70人中至少有3名華人，分別為Emily Chiang，Jiayi Wang， Jin-yeong So,。
星期一, 3月 23, 2020
羅德島州確診106人 24日起搭機入境都得隔離14天 初選改期至6月2日
(Boston Orange 編譯)羅德島州(RI)州長雷萌朵(Gina
M. Raimondo)週一(23)日宣佈，該州新型冠狀病毒(
COVID-19)確診病例現有106宗，目前並無關閉邊界，命令人們”就地庇護(shelter in place)的打算。但現在搭飛機回羅州的人，也必須自我隔離14天。
早前，雷萌朵只限令搭乘國際航班回羅州的人得隔離。
羅德島州在之前的24小時內，確診病例增加23宗，出現本月以來的單日最大增幅，病例數更第一次破百，促使雷萌朵決定採取更嚴峻措施。
和鄰近數州相比，羅德島的確診病例少得多。週一時，麻州州長查理貝克發佈命令，非必要企業暫時歇業，忠告居民”待在家”。該一做法將大幅減少通勤到麻州工作的羅德島居民數量。
雷萌朵早前已決定從週一碗5點起，關閉學校，托兒中心，酒吧，以及堂食餐廳，也關閉了娛樂場所，人們會有近距離接觸的營業場所，例如髮廊，紋身店等等。她還限制所有聚會，不論是婚禮或喪禮，必需少於10人。教堂也停止了公開活動。
所有這些限制，目的都在降低COVID-19，這種新型呼吸道疾病的病毒傳染。
雷萌朵表示她正在和醫院合作，已確保州內有足夠病床來因應不可避免地升病人數陡增。羅州公共衛生廳主任Nicole
Alexander-Scott表示，已有204個組織及個人和州政府聯絡，願意捐贈物品。
羅德島州在週一出現的新個案，年紀在20到90歲之間，沒有護理之家居民。目前該州有4明確診病人住院。
截至上週五，確診的人中有5名兒童， 10人年紀在18歲至30歲之間，7人年齡在31到40歲之間，9人在41到50歲之間，12人在51到60歲之間，7人在61到70歲之間，4人在71到80歲之間。
在這些確診者中，一半以上都曾出國旅遊。雷萌朵表示，那是她決定要求所有搭飛機到羅州以外地區回來的人要隔離14天。
週一時雷萌朵還在該州選舉委員會要求下簽署了行政命令，把初選日改到6月2日。
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