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星期五, 8月 07, 2020
MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES $485,000 AWARDED TO 145 ARTS ORGANIZATIONS IN BOSTON CULTURAL COUNCIL GRANTS
Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Initiatives to Stop Spread of COVID-19
Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Initiatives to Stop Spread of COVID-19
Creates Cross-Agency Enforcement and Intervention Team, Ramps up Enforcement
BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced a new set of initiatives aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, especially in higher risk communities that have seen a recent uptick in cases. While Massachusetts has seen a decrease in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations since May, there has been a slight uptick in certain communities in recent days.
Today, the Administration announced a set of initiatives, including stricter statewide rules for public and private gatherings and targeted community guidance. The Administration also announced that, starting next week, additional reporting for town-by-town data will be published weekly to show the spread of COVID-19 at a community level. Additionally, previously announced free COVID-19 testing in 17 communities has been extended through September 12.
Statewide Guidance:
Governor Baker is signing an updated gatherings order, effective Tuesday, August 11, which will:
- Reduce the limit on outdoor gatherings from 100 to 50 people (indoor gatherings limit will remain at 25 people)
- Apply these limits to all types of gatherings, on both public and private property
- Require face coverings where more than 10 people from different households will be mixing.
Due to the recent increase in positive cases, step two of phase III of the Commonwealth’s reopening plan has been postponed indefinitely.
Restaurant rules have been updated to state that alcoholic beverages may only be served for on-site consumption if accompanied by orders for food prepared on-site. The administration will be taking measures to ensure that bars masquerading as restaurants will be closed.
Public safety officials, including state and local law enforcement, have the jurisdiction to enforce these orders and event hosts in violation of these orders will be subject to fines or cease and desist orders.
To read the gatherings order, click here.
To read the updated restaurant protocols, click here.
Cross-Agency COVID Enforcement and Intervention Team:
The Administration also announced a targeted cross-agency COVID Enforcement and Intervention Team that will be responsible for ramping up enforcement statewide and coordinating local intervention efforts at the local level in higher risk COVID-19 communities.
Communities will be designated as higher risk COVID-19 communities based on public health data, including but not limited to rising trends for new cases and the percentage of positive COVID tests.
Member agencies include the Executive Office and Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), who will serve as coordinators of the team, the Command Center, the Massachusetts State Police (MSP), the Department of Labor Standards (DLS), the Division of Professional Licensure (DPL), the Department of Public Health (DPH), the Division of Local Services (DLS), the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) and the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS).
Stop the Spread:
Last month, the Administration launched the Stop the Spread initiative, which provides free testing to residents in targeted communities throughout the Commonwealth.
There are currently sites in 17 communities: Agawam, Brockton, Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Framingham, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Marlborough, Methuen, New Bedford, Randolph, Revere, Springfield, Taunton, and Worcester.
The initiative is a data-driven focused effort to reduce the prevalence of COVID-19 in communities that are above the state average in total cases, positive test rate, and have experienced a decline in testing levels since April. These sites are open to all residents of the Commonwealth.
Today, the Administration announced the extension of free testing in these 17 communities through September 12.
Statewide Enforcement and Intervention will include:
- Targeted interventions and inspections by a range of member agencies, including Local Services, Labor Standards, DPH, MSP and ABCC, coordinated by EOPSS and MEMA.
- Increased enforcement, including fines, of sector guidance for businesses to ensure businesses and residents are aware of and following COVID-19 orders.
- Support for ABCC and local licensing boards in exercising their existing authority to fine restaurants or suspend or cancel liquor licenses when restaurants do not comply with required COVID-19 safety measures.
- Targeted public messaging campaign to alert residents of higher risk COVID communities (road signs, PSAs, etc.).
- Technical support to local government officials to support enhanced local COVID-19 prevention efforts such as assistance in accessing CARES Act funding.
- Potential restrictions or shutdowns for parks, playgrounds, businesses or other entities and locations believed to be contributing to the COVID-19 spread in higher risk COVID-19 communities.
- Additional resources for public health support such as testing, tracing and quarantining.
For more information click here.
President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (PAC-AAPI) Convenes Second Open Meeting
President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and
Pacific Islanders (PAC-AAPI) Convenes Second Open Meeting
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August 5, 2020 – President’s
Advisory Commission on
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders second open
meeting in the Lincoln Boardroom, U.S Department of
Transportation. Photo
Credit: Melanee Kate Thomas
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – On August
5th, the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific
Islanders (PAC-AAPI) convened its second Open Meeting in Washington, D.C. U.S.
Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross, Co-Chair of the White House Initiative on
Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WHIAAPI), presided over the meeting and
provided welcome remarks. The Commissioners also met with U.S. Secretary of
Transportation Elaine L. Chao, Co-Chair of WHIAAPI, and discussed
recommendations to the president on how the federal government can better
assist AAPI-owned businesses through the current challenges and the future of
business.
“We thank all of the Asian
Americans and Pacific Islanders who are on the front lines of the battle with
COVID. Every day, they are taking personal risks to save lives and keep our
country safe, healthy, and whole. Many of the Nation’s 1.9 million AAPI-owned
companies have suffered a dramatic loss of business due to the pandemic,” said
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “Despite this, we are making progress
on the economy. Today’s report to the President is an important step in
creating the policies that will further benefit and improve the fortunes of
AAPI-owned businesses and I look forward to what more can be done in the near
term.”
“It has been impressive to
witness the dedication of the commissioners of the President’s Advisory
Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders as they continue their
important work through the challenges of COVID-19,” said U.S. Secretary of
Transportation Elaine L. Chao. “As American workers and employers re-start our
nation’s economic engines, it is clear that our community’s contributions to
the economic vitality of our country are needed now more than ever.”
The Commission is tasked by
President Trump’s Executive Order to provide advice to the President, through
the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, on how
to broaden access by Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) employers and
communities to economic resources and opportunities.
“Before the pandemic, AAPI
owned businesses generated over $700B in annual revenue, our buying power was
more than $900B annually and our population is only 22.5 million, at less than
7% of the population. We are committed to recapturing and exceeding that
strength,” said Dr. Paul Hsu, Chair of PAC-AAPI, “Our civic engagement on
behalf of the entire AAPI community is essential during these challenging
times. We are making steady progress on recommendations in development for
submission through both Secretaries to advise the President.”
Also joining the meeting was
National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), David
Byrd, who presented on MBDA’s current priorities and its support of minority
owned businesses through the pandemic, particularly through CARES Act grants.
Alex Flemister, Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison
also joined the meeting and provided his update on outreach to the Asian
Americans and Pacific Islanders community through the White House.
Commissioners spent the earlier
half of the day meeting with White House officials, including Assistant to the
President and Acting Director Brooke Rollins of the Domestic Policy Council,
Deputy Director Derek Kan of the Office of Management and Budget, and Chris
Pilkerton, White House Senior Policy Advisor and Executive Director of White
House Opportunity NOW. Commissioners also met with Kevin O’Connell, Director of
the Office of Space Commerce at the U.S. Department of Commerce and discussed
diversifying the talent pool and the growing opportunities in space commerce.
星期四, 8月 06, 2020
波士頓市長鼓勵市民參加2020人口普查
Make your voice count in the 2020 Census
Dear Bostonian,
The Census Bureau has abruptly decided to cut their national counting operations a month short. The last day to participate in the U.S. 2020 Federal Census is now September 30, formerly October 31.
This announcement further jeopardizes Congressional representation, redistricting, and critical federal funding for things like education, housing, food programs, and more in Boston's communities during the next 10 years. It could lead to a significant undercount, especially for renters, people of color, and immigrants. Only 53.5 percent of Boston’s households have responded to date, with some neighborhoods lagging behind.
This is why I’m once again asking everyone to fill out the Census AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, if you haven’t already. You can self-respond online (my2020census.gov), or by phone 844-330-2020, and these services are available in 13 different languages. A full list of language access hotlines can be found online. There's also a resourceful FAQ page for any questions you may have. In the event you misplaced or never received your census ID, this guide will explain how you can still respond without that piece of information.
As a reminder, the Census Bureau will send staff to your house and attempt to assist your household in-person if you have not yet responded. The best way to avoid this visit (should you not want it) is to self-respond immediately. This graphic will help you identify a census worker.
It takes just a few minutes and, please remember, your responses are safe and confidential. You will not be asked about immigration status, and your answers will not affect any public benefits you receive.
If you are interested in getting more involved to help Boston achieve a complete count, you can help in two ways:
Thank you,
Mayor Walsh
The Census Bureau has abruptly decided to cut their national counting operations a month short. The last day to participate in the U.S. 2020 Federal Census is now September 30, formerly October 31.
This announcement further jeopardizes Congressional representation, redistricting, and critical federal funding for things like education, housing, food programs, and more in Boston's communities during the next 10 years. It could lead to a significant undercount, especially for renters, people of color, and immigrants. Only 53.5 percent of Boston’s households have responded to date, with some neighborhoods lagging behind.
This is why I’m once again asking everyone to fill out the Census AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, if you haven’t already. You can self-respond online (my2020census.gov), or by phone 844-330-2020, and these services are available in 13 different languages. A full list of language access hotlines can be found online. There's also a resourceful FAQ page for any questions you may have. In the event you misplaced or never received your census ID, this guide will explain how you can still respond without that piece of information.
As a reminder, the Census Bureau will send staff to your house and attempt to assist your household in-person if you have not yet responded. The best way to avoid this visit (should you not want it) is to self-respond immediately. This graphic will help you identify a census worker.
It takes just a few minutes and, please remember, your responses are safe and confidential. You will not be asked about immigration status, and your answers will not affect any public benefits you receive.
If you are interested in getting more involved to help Boston achieve a complete count, you can help in two ways:
- Spread the message digitally. Use our outreach toolkit to share that responding is not only crucial, but it is also safe, easy, and confidential. In the toolkit you will find messaging, sample social media text and graphics, infographic flyers and guides, PSA videos, and additional resources. Much of the content is in six languages.
- Volunteer to census phone bank with the City of Boston. We are hosting daily phone banks to reach out and encourage households in some of our lowest response neighborhoods. You can do it from your own home and can sign up via this online form.
Thank you,
Mayor Walsh
波士頓數位華語文教學課程8月3日啟動 今年網上舉行
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| 波士頓華橋文教中心數位華語文教學課程。(波士頓僑教中心提供) |
(Boston Orange)波士頓華僑文教中心的2020年數位華語文課程推廣講座8月3日在網上啟動，由新英格蘭中文教師專業協會會長張君芳博士主講的「Google
Slideshow 101」打頭陣，後續課程將於8月10日、17日及24日陸續推出。
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| 數位華語文教學課程2020年往上舉行。(波士頓僑教中心提供) |
甫於7月中上任的波士頓僑教中心心主任潘昭榮當天應邀，為講座開幕致詞。他首先感謝20餘名大波士頓地區參加課程的華語文教師們，不辭辛勞，投入華語文教學工作，為傳承中華文化奉獻心力，繼而指出，新冠肺炎自爆發以來，疫情延燒至今，不但影響了所有人的生活，也讓肩負傳道授業重任的學校及老師們，面對更大挑戰，不過「危機也是轉機」，這疫情意外逼使許多人加快腳步，以數位化方式學習或處理各種事務，也使”數位華語文課程”變得更合時宜，希望出席的老師們都能從當天，以及後續的3堂線上教學課，得到豐富收穫，繼續，也更輕鬆的為大波士頓的華語文教學盡力。。
張君芳博士當天主講的「Google
Slideshow 101」，主要內容是如何使用Google Slide製作生動、又能吸引學生的簡報及設計。
波士頓華僑文教中心表示，本年度的數位華語文課程，在接下來在8月10日、17日及24日，將以「手機製作短片及剪接」、「《學華語向前走》Google雲端教室」及「遠距教學技巧分享」等為主題，陸續開講，從實用角度，幫助參加學員提升數位教學技巧，加強教學品質。
Boston City Councilor At-Large Michelle Wu Releases Report on BPS Reopening & Recovery
Boston City Councilor At-Large Michelle Wu Releases Report on BPS Reopening & Recovery
Report shares feedback from school community members and offers concrete recommendations to move toward an equitable future for Boston schools
Boston, MA— Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu released a report today detailing policy recommendations for an equitable reopening and recovery for Boston Public Schools (BPS). The report contains recommendations and concerns from Boston community members.
Councilor Wu shared the nine-page document with Superintendent Brenda Cassellius and members of the Boston School Committee prior to last night’s School Committee meeting. In her testimony, Councilor Wu noted that the Superintendent’s Draft Reopening Plan released earlier this week fails to address the scale of need and public health risk school communities are facing, and shifts the burden of health and well-being onto BPS students, families, and staff.
“Boston Public Schools must meet the moment, amid a pandemic and historic organizing to dismantle systemic racism,” said Councilor Wu. “We need collaborative planning that guarantees Boston’s students, families, educators, and community members the space to reimagine education in Boston.”
As BPS plans for reopening, community members have emphasized the need for equity, safety, transparency, community engagement, and planning:
- BPS should commit to an all-remote start to the school year and take the Hopscotch proposal off the table while planning for a phased-in transition to in-person learning for at least some students and exploring facilities options.
- Apply to the state for the full professional development period for educators to have time to plan before student learning begins this fall.
- Empower educators to spearhead planning for creative solutions on teaching, learning, and regarding facilities considerations, potentially looking at groupings of students in other ways than currently assigned classes.
- Provide clarity and transparency on how the science and data will inform decisions.
- Outline specific supports for students who rely on specialized services, including students with disabilities and English Language Learners.
- Prioritize mental health supports for all students heading into the school year.
With the pandemic exacerbating existing issues within BPS, Councilor Wu’s report also shares collective feedback on solutions to these issues through community-led action and collaborative planning.
The report outlines five key principles for a safe and equitable BPS recovery, which include:
- Serving families’ needs holistically by recognizing schools as a hub for social resources and providing resources at the scale to meet individual needs;
- Trusting and elevating educators’ leadership and expertise in creative planning for teaching, learning, and facilities considerations;
- Ensuring safe and healthy facilities by investing in infrastructure, providing public health protocols, and guaranteeing access to remote technology;
- Prioritizing mental health and trauma support through adequate staffing, access to support, social-emotional learning, and listening to student voices;
- Embedding racial justice throughout BPS policies and programs, including revamping curricula and implementing antiracist training, demilitarizing schools, addressing the school-to-prison pipeline, and eliminating surveillance of undocumented students.
“In this moment of uncertainty and urgency, we must marshal every resource and every ounce of political will to redesign school communities to truly serve our students and their families,” said Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu. “With all community members at the table, we can implement a safe BPS reopening, build towards an equitable recovery from COVID-19, and deliver the opportunities our students deserve.”
麻州COVID-19確診微升 查理貝克考慮加強群聚限制
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| 麻州州長查理貝克8月4日時訪問Boston MedFlight。(州長辦公室) |
(Boston
Orange 綜合整理)麻州的新型冠狀病毒(COVID-19)疫情，從7月底起出現回升跡象，8月5日增加338宗確診個案，累計111,371宗；新增2人死亡，累計8438人。
根據約翰霍普金斯大學網頁，新型冠狀病毒迄今已在全世界感染了1800餘萬人，導致70多萬人死亡。美國也已累計將近500萬人確診，超過15萬人死亡。多州出現第二波疫情。麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie
Baker)，波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)都呼籲民眾勿掉以輕心，仍應謹慎防範。
麻州公共衛生廳(DPH)指出，前述數據包括了17,216宗分子檢測結果。目前住院的麻州居民有396人，其中57人住在重症病房(ICU)。
8月5日還有102宗新增的疑似感染個案，累計8,272宗。
根據美國疾病防治中心(CDC)的8月5日報告數據，有474萬8,806宗確診個案，156,311人死亡。
8月4日星期二時，麻州COVID-19新增個案為438宗，是近數個月來的最高記錄。麻州公共衛生廳認為這是州內有一小部分人開派對，忽視保持社交安全距離的結果。
麻州州長查理貝克不諱言，如果情況加劇，考慮加強企業營運的限制，縮減集會人數等規定。他坦言有些地方未遵守公共衛生規定，有關人員已在調查群聚感染的來源及原因。
上星期在灣州(Baystate)醫療中心就爆發了群聚感染。醫院人員在週一時表示，有55人確診。該院在追蹤到新確診個案源頭為一名去過高感染州的員工後，已加強院內戴口罩，保持社交安全距離的要求。
Falmouth鎮經理Julian
Suso週一說，該鎮有幾名救生員最近參加了一場派對，後來有10名救生員確診。另外有10人在7月到Chatham參加了一場家庭派對後，也確診了。
麻州公共衛生廳公佈的確診，住院及死亡數據，人口基數原本就低的亞裔，也當然佔比率最低，依序佔2.1%，3.2%，2.5%。
若以地區分，死亡人數最多的是米斗塞郡(Middlesex)，有1989人。其次為Essex郡，1,186人。以每10萬人死亡比率計，最高的是Essex郡，Hampden郡，Norfold郡，Plymouth郡。約80%的死亡個案，都原本患有其他病症。
波士頓市在市府網站上公佈的數據為，8月5日有14,377宗確診，10,391痊癒，735人死亡。波士頓市的圖表，截至8月6日中午，仍顯示為8月4日資料。
人口94,590的昆士市市長柯奇(Tom Koch)仍然每日在臉書上直播疫情概況。8月5日的數據為確診1444宗，痊癒1215人，死亡135人。
人口61,094的摩頓市府網站上的COVID-19數據，從7月22日以後就沒有再更新了。
人口118,967的劍橋市，截至8月5日下午3點51分，確診1210宗，死亡99人。
人口88,911的牛頓市，市府網站數據目前只更新到8月4日，確診816宗，死亡125人。
違反紐約隔離規定 罰款可高達一萬美元
(Boston Orange 編譯) 紐約市將截停來自COVID-19感染率高的35州及地區的旅客，經由火車，飛機，橋梁，或隧道等進入該市，以執行隔離規定，要求人們簽署表格，容許官員持續查察他們的下落。
負責檢測及追蹤項目的Ted
Long表示，紐約市會為有需要的旅客送食物，藥物，提供酒店房間。有關當局在注意到有幾宗來自高感染地區的已感染者後，加強了限制。
紐約市長白思豪(Bill de
Blasio)說，我們已經把感染率保持在3%以下8星期了，現在我們需要對那些旅行的人採取同樣做法。
所有進入紐約的外州人，或是從縣治地區名單上回家的紐約人，都是用隔離規定。儘管鎮壓旨在教育並促使人們遵守規定，違反紐約州隔離規定者可能被罰款高達1萬元。
Ted
Long表示，旅客在購買機票，火車票，或定酒店房間時，將被要求填寫聯絡表。他的檢測及追蹤小組會追蹤並確保訪客的需要都照顧到了。市治安官Joseph
Fucito表示，至少有20名治安警官會在其他執法機構協助下，在檢查站隨機截停車輛。
包括麻州在內，有幾州並不在紐約州的高危險州名單上。不過，羅德島州在那名單上。
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