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星期一, 8月 10, 2020

紐英崙客家鄉親會線上歡迎孫儉元、潘昭榮

紐英倫客家鄉親會提供。
             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)紐英倫客家鄉親會因應新冠病毒疫情未消,89日晚以線上會議歡迎新到任的駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元,波士頓華僑文教中心主任潘昭榮,並逐一介紹該會理事,會員,三十多人歡樂相聚。

駐波士頓台北經既文化辦事處新處長孫儉元。(周菊子攝)
紐英倫客家鄉親會會長宋玉琴指出,礙於疫情,該會每年例必舉辦的二月份天穿日,五月份會員大會,八月份郊遊烤肉,今年都被迫取消,幸好可以用網路,每週三的排舞,以及客家話會話班等活動,在老師支持,上課者各自在家上網跟課下,還能照常舉行。她邀請兩位新長官參加他們的網路課程,一起練身體。
波士頓僑教中心新主任潘昭榮。(周菊子攝)
宋玉琴也週到的向孫儉元,潘昭榮介紹該會所有的副會長,理事,會員,以及出席嘉賓。她還如數家珍地從創會會長林岱開始逐一介紹歷屆會長,包括鄉親會中最大家族的曾家大姊秀梅,飛揚髮廊老闆張桂英,客家滷筍乾做得好吃到令人垂涎三尺的陳裕逢,歷任台大校友會,大波士頓中華文化協會等會長,退休後為客家會服務了三年的教授周一男。她說自己從2018接任會長,今年本該卸任,但在會員們都認為疫情期間,一動不如一靜下,暫時繼續服務。
宋玉琴也藉機會感謝教跳舞的余嘯渝老師,義務教客家會話的劉秀春,邱西薔,鼎力支持的副會長林上田,謝如鍵,代表波克萊台商會出席的陳玉瑛等人。
戴著銀絲邊眼鏡,頗有書卷氣的駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元表示自己和客家會小有淵源,2001年派駐紐約服務時,第一個承辦,接觸的活動,就是紐約客家鄉親會的活動,在紐約最好的朋友之一,也是客家僑胞,因此對客家習俗,歷史,已略有所知。他也指出,前處長徐佑典也告訴他,客家鄉親會是經文處在紐英倫地區最給力的僑團之一,他竭誠希望將來與客家鄉親會繼續互惠互助,一起邁向最好的境界。
第一次派駐國外的波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮透露,他和客家會更有淵源,他父親是廣東平遠人,距離梅縣不遠,也是客家人。只是小時候父親沒教他客家會,現在既得學客家話,還要學廣東話,看來得十分忙碌了。潘昭榮也代表僑委會,新任委員長童振源,以及僑教中心同仁感謝紐英倫客家同鄉會的支持,提醒他們,在疫情未消下,今年大概大家都沒辦法回台灣參加雙十慶典,但希望眾人在波士頓參加線上活動,並鼓勵在台親友參加現場活動。
宋玉琴透露,紐英倫客家鄉親會考慮組織合唱團,目前正在尋覓指揮人才,盼各界推薦。

美國、歐盟討論保護隱私新框架

Joint Press Statement from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross and European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders 

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Commerce and the European Commission have initiated discussions to evaluate the potential for an enhanced EU-U.S. Privacy Shield framework to comply with the July 16 judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union in the Schrems II case. This judgment declared that this framework is no longer a valid mechanism to transfer personal data from the European Union to the United States.
The European Union and the United States recognize the vital importance of data protection and the significance of cross-border data transfers to our citizens and economies. We share a commitment to privacy and the rule of law, and to further deepening our economic relationship, and have collaborated on these matters for several decades.  
As we face new challenges together, including the recovery of the global economy after the COVID-19 pandemic, our partnership will strengthen data protection and promote greater prosperity for our
nearly 800 million citizens on both sides of the Atlantic.

星期日, 8月 09, 2020

MAYOR WALSH URGES CAUTION DURING HOT TEMPERATURES


MAYOR WALSH URGES CAUTION DURING HOT TEMPERATURES

BOSTON - Sunday, August 9, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh is reminding residents to take precautions to stay cool during the hot and humid weather that is forecasted for today through Wednesday, August 12, 2020. For the next three days, the temperature will reach the high 80s and low 90s, with the heat index, or "real feel" temperature, reaching up to 96 degrees. 

"As we continue to take COVID-19 precautions, please take steps to keep yourself safe in the hot weather," said Mayor Walsh. "Whenever you're out, please wear a face covering, stay six feet away from others, avoid crowds and wash your hands often. If you begin to feel overheated, find a shaded place that's six feet away from others and remove your face covering."

Mayor Walsh has not declared a Heat Emergency. The City's two outdoor pools, the  BCYF Clougherty Pool  in Charlestown and the BCYF Mirabella Pool  in the North End, are now open seven days a week through Labor Day from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are several new protocols in place at the outdoor pools. Capacity has been reduced to less than 40 percent capacity or 75 people per session and you must register for a swim time slot ahead of time as walk-ins will not be allowed. Registration opens 24 hours before the following day's sessions at Boston.gov/BCYF-Summer

Tot sprays are open at playgrounds in the City, with restrictions. Boston Public Libraries and indoor City-operated pools remain closed to the public at this time due to COVID-19 safety measures. 

Information on heat safety tips can be found online at boston.gov/heat and by following @CityofBoston on Twitter. Residents can sign up for Alert Boston, the City's emergency notification system, to receive emergency alerts by phone, email or text. Residents are also encouraged to call 311 with any questions about available city services.

The Mayor issued the following heat safety tips for all members of the public:
  • Children and pets should never be left alone in vehicles, even for short periods of time.
  • Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids regardless of activity level. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine.
  • Adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF-30 or higher and wear protective, loose-fitting clothing, including long sleeve shirts and hats.
  • Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas and be extra cautious from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the sun's UV radiation is strongest.
  • Know the signs of heat exhaustion. Heavy sweating, cool and clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, and muscle aches could all be signs of heat exhaustion. If symptoms persist, call 911 immediately. Do not delay care. Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the US and can exacerbate underlying illnesses.
  • Keep cool with showers, shade, and air conditioning or fans. The City's two outdoor poolsUrban wilds and tot sprays at playgrounds are open in Boston. When visiting, residents should wear face coverings (unless in the spray), maintain 6 feet of distance, and wash hands before and after visiting.If it is cooler outside than at home, wear a face covering and find a shady spot outside. If the face covering results in overheating or trouble breathing, find a shaded area where 6 feet of distance from others can safely be maintained and remove the face covering. If no AC is available:
    • Take frequent cool showers
    • Help find a non-sick family member or neighbor with AC to visit. Wear a face covering and stay 6 feet apart.
  • If you have a child in your home, use child window guards in addition to screens on any open window on the second story or above. Falls are the leading cause of injury for children under the age of six. 
  • Secure all window air conditioner units according to the manufacturer's specifications.
  • Please call or virtually check on neighbors, especially older adults, and people with disabilities.
Helping the Homeless:
  • If you see homeless individuals out in the heat who appear immobile or disoriented, please call 911. Please ask them if they need assistance.
  • The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) operates emergency shelters at 112 Southampton St. and 794 Massachusetts Ave. These facilities are air conditioned and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 
  • The City of Boston works closely with a network of shelter providers to ensure there is adequate shelter, food, water, and a cool respite from the heat.
  • Street outreach teams providing recovery services, including the Engagement Center behind 112 Southampton St., remain operating as normal during summertime weather. 
  • All sites (Shelters, the Engagement Center, comfort stations) are following COVID-19 guidelines by promoting handwashing, hand sanitizer, and face coverings. Guests are provided sunscreen and water. Nursing teams are onsite to support. 
Playground Safety:  
  • Children should always wear shoes on playgrounds because surfaces can become extremely hot and cause burns, even splash pads and spray decks.
  • Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, children should wear a face covering (except while in the water), stay 6 feet away from others, and wash/sanitize hands before and after play.
Beach Safety:
  • Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if going to a beach or a large body of water, it is important to wear a face covering unless in the water, stay 6 feet apart from others, and avoid crowds due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 
  • Don't wear face coverings in the water because they can be difficult to breathe through when they're wet. This means it is particularly important to maintain social distancing in the water. If the face covering results in overheating or trouble breathing, find a shaded area where 6 feet of distance from others can safely be maintained and remove the face covering.
Outdoor Fires and Grilling:
  • No outdoor fires are allowed in Boston, including fire pits, chimineas, and bonfires.
  • Charcoal grills must be on the ground and away from buildings. Keep in mind the wind and never leave unattended. When done, dispose of the ash in a metal container once completely out.
  • Propane tank grills are only allowed on first floor porches with steps to the ground. Do not place propane tank grills near air conditioners or up against a building. Make sure all connections are tight and never carry propane tanks into a home.
  • Grills should always be used in a well-ventilated area.

波士頓經文處新處長孫儉元到任

波士頓經文處新處長孫儉元到任。(波士頓經文處提供)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處在728日正式改朝換代。基於新型冠狀病毒COVID-19疫情未消,新處長孫儉元到任後,以電話,視訊等方式和政商僑界晤面,預定81516兩日親自拜會傳統僑社。
               波士頓經文處新處長孫儉元是前任處長徐佑典高三屆的政大外交系學長,去年七、八月才隨行政院高階領導研修班來哈佛大學進修一星期,10月又在高領班結訓典禮中獲總統蔡英文點名表揚他對台灣的順利加入南印度洋漁業協定,擴大國際參與空間,功不可沒。今年二月他還參加了APEC資深官員會議,在記者會中說明台灣利用數位科技的防疫成果。
               孫儉元和新英格蘭地區、美國頗有淵源,1996年前在布朗大學唸研究所,進外交部後曾經駐守紐約,華府(DC),這次外派,又來到波士頓。
               當年在布朗大學修讀政治時,孫儉元曾任台灣同學會會長,有緣和時任波士頓經文處處長,本月初才上任總統府秘書長的李大維見過面。那時候他本來想繼續留校唸博士,將來執教,但全班只有他是外籍學生,老師又明白表示獎學金要留給本土學生,沒想到這卻促成他畢業後回台,通過特考,並從1998年進外交部服務迄今。
               應該是曾經留學美國的經驗,他進外交部後先分發到北美司,2001年派駐紐約,在聯合國小組工作,和各國代表團聯繫,關注各項議題的發展,2006年回台北進國際組織司,三年半後調赴華府,在政治組服務6年,之後照外交部制度再奉調回台,陸續在北美司,條約法律司,國際組織司任職,直至接獲派令來到波士頓。
               孫儉元之前的外放,都是美國,這次又是美國,還是波士頓,他直言這是令人愉快的意外。當年在羅德島州留學時,儘管車程距離頂多2小時,他卻只來過波士頓2次,1次是當學生會會長時,來向經文處要新年慶祝活動的禮物,1次是學長帶他到哈佛大學的舊書店逛了一圈。現在他可以好好體會一下波士頓地區的人文薈萃,學術氛圍,和原本在台灣高中任教的太太,一起探尋波士頓的風光,歷史。他也鼓勵還在台大法律系唸大四的女兒,最後一學期到波士頓找實習機會,可以一家人團聚。
               來到波士頓後,礙於疫情,孫儉元目前得採取非典型做法來和各界聯繫。他希望今後能善用波士頓在人文地理環境上的特色,因應時代議題變化,找出方法來放大台灣優勢,聲量,讓更多人見到台灣,認識台灣,重視台灣,喜歡甚至愛上台灣。

波士頓經文處新處長孫儉元晤僑團從e-meeting開始

視訊會議圖片。
            (Boston Orange)新到任的駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元,波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮和僑界的接觸,86日開步,先以視訊會議和5個僑團晤談,預定81516兩日將親自拜會傳統僑社。
            孫儉元和潘昭榮在86日下午舉行的視訊會議中,和台灣抗疫團隊,波士頓台灣電影展協會,紐英崙中華專業人員協會,紐英崙玉山科技協會,波士頓台灣人生物科技協會,哈佛大學台灣學生會等組織,社團的代表晤談,89日晚將和紐英崙客家鄉親會進行第二場視訊晤談,討論如何在文化,科技,企業,人才等各方面,促進台灣和新英格蘭本地的交流,互助。
            孫儉元在會中感謝各僑團對台灣政府及波士頓經文處的支持、協助,期許未來繼續和新英格蘭地區內麻州,羅德島州,緬因州,佛蒙特州,新罕布夏州等地的友人,僑胞,加強合作。該處也將一秉初衷,為波士頓僑包和台灣鄉親提供優質服務,歡迎僑胞,鄉親,留學生隨時和該處聯絡。
            在晤談中,僑團代表提出了不少建議,孫儉元和潘昭榮都做了記錄,表示將後續研議。
               當天出席的僑團代表包括波士頓臺灣抗疫團隊召集人康麗雪,波士頓臺灣電影展協會會長藍凡耘、紐英崙中華專業人員協會董事長蔡明機、會長康雅雰、哈佛臺灣學生會會長許祐湉、紐英崙玉山科技協會會長蘇皓瑋、顧問陳立洋、波士頓臺灣人生物科技協會會長蔡佩珊、孟憲薇及顧問林致中等。

星期六, 8月 08, 2020

State Officials Announce Plans to Conduct Aerial Spraying for Mosquitoes in Sections of Southeastern Massachusetts

State Officials Announce Plans to Conduct Aerial Spraying for Mosquitoes in Sections of Southeastern Massachusetts

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (SRMCB), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that aerial spraying for mosquitoes will take place in specific areas of Plymouth County and a small part of Bristol CountySpraying is expected to begin on Monday, August 10, and continue over several evenings. However, the ability to spray is weather dependent and the schedule may change. So far this year, 12 communities in southeastern Massachusetts have been found by DPH to be at moderate to critical risk for the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus.

The 25 communities in the spray zone are Bridgewater, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marion, Mattapoisett, Middleborough, Norwell, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rochester,
 Rockland, Wareham, West Bridgewater, and Whitman in Plymouth County, and Acushnet, Easton, Raynham, and Taunton in Bristol County. The exact locations where spraying will occur are subject to change, and the final spray map for each day of spraying will be available each morning ahead of the spray operations.

The SRMCB with the assistance of MDAR will conduct and monitor aerial spraying in specific areas of Plymouth County and a small part of Bristol County. Residents are encouraged to visit the 
Massachusetts Aerial Mosquito Spray Map webpage for the latest updates on spraying in their communities. Officials will continue to monitor the area over the next two weeks and may conduct a second round of spraying to achieve maximal effectiveness.

EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. On August 3, DPH 
announced this year’s first human case of EEE virus infection, a male under the age of 18 who was exposed to EEE in Plymouth County. Last year, the Commonwealth experienced its most active EEE season since 1956, with 12 human cases and 6 deaths.

“As several communities in Southeastern Massachusetts are at elevated risk for EEE and this season’s first human case has been confirmed, the Commonwealth is acting to protect the public by conducting aerial spray operations to reduce the population of mosquitoes that transmit the EEE virus,” said SRMCB Chair and MDAR Commissioner John Lebeaux. “While spraying for mosquitoes can reduce but does not eliminate the risk of EEE transmissionwe ask the public to be vigilant and take care to follow personal protection practices.”

“EEE is rare, but it is a serious medical illness, and we remind residents of the need to protect themselves from mosquito bites as EEE activity increases,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH. “The best prevention continues to be using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, weather permitting, and avoiding outdoor activity between the hours of dusk and dawn in the highest risk areas.”

The pesticide used is called Anvil 10+10, an EPA-registered product extensively tested and used in both ground-level and aerial spraying in the U.S. to control mosquitoes. Anvil 10+10 contains two ingredients: Sumithrin and Piperonyl butoxid.  Sumithrin is rapidly inactivated and decomposes with exposure to light and air, with a half-life of less than one day in the air and on plants. In soil, it degrades rapidly and has proven to be extremely effective in killing mosquitoes worldwide for over 20 years. Piperonyl butoxide serves to increase the ability of Sumithrin to kill mosquitoes.

There are no health risks expected during or after spraying. No special precautions are recommended; however, residents can reduce exposure by staying indoors during spraying. Aerial spraying is not expected to have any impacts on surface water or drinking water.

Aerial spraying will be conducted in the nighttime hours when fish are less likely to be at the surface feeding and honeybees are most likely to be in their hives. However, owners should cover small ornamental fishponds during the night of spraying. While it is not necessary to bring animals indoors during spraying, keeping pets inside will minimize the risk of exposure.

Although the aerial spray is considered necessary to reduce human risk, it will not eliminate it. Residents must continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites by staying indoors during peak mosquito hours, applying insect repellent when outdoors, draining standing water where mosquitoes breed, repairing screens in doors and windows, and protecting pets.  

For an FAQ regarding mosquito control and spraying, please visit the DPH website 
here. For information on Mosquito Control activities, please visit the State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (SRMCB) webpage.

All residents are reminded to use mosquito repellent any time they are outside, and those in high and critical risk communities are advised to schedule their outdoor activity to avoid the dusk to dawn hours to reduce exposure to the mosquitoes most likely to spread EEE. DPH recommends the following precautions.
Avoid Mosquito Bites
Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient (DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.
Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change the water in birdbaths frequently.
Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on windows and doors.
Protect Your Animals
Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months and horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to MDAR, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to DPH by calling 617-983-6800.
For information on Mosquito Control activities, visit the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources  webpage at State Reclamation and Mosquito Control Board (SRMCB).
For other updates about EEE in Massachusetts, visit the DPH webpage www.mass.gov/eee.
Information including all West Nile virus and EEE positive results can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page or by calling the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.

星期五, 8月 07, 2020

City Offers Business Partnership Opportunities with Adopt-an-Island Program


City Offers Business Partnership Opportunities with Adopt-an-Island Program
QUINCY – AUGUST 7, 2020 Mayor Thomas Koch announced the City has a number of prime spots available for the City’s long-standing adopt-an-island program. The program provides businesses with an opportunity to beautify and maintain traffic islands in high profile spots throughout the city. In return, the City recognizes the business with a sign on the property. Thousands of people pass by most islands every day.
“Our adopt-an-island program has been a successful public-private partnership since the 1990’s,” said Mayor Koch. “The businesses get publicity for their community involvement and the City receives help in our beautification efforts. It’s a tremendous and affordable opportunity for local businesses to get their name out there.”
The Department of Natural Resources’ Park Division maintains an active list of available islands. To inquire about the program please email Mike Cassinelli at mcassinelli@quincyma.gov or call (617) 376-1251.
Islands are available on some of Quincy’s most-travelled thoroughfares. There are currently two dozen islands and three dozen panting beds maintained through this program.
Added Mayor Koch, “I want to express my gratitude to the participants in the program. Whether it is along the Squantum Causeway, the work of the Wollaston Garden Club, at the Doughboy statue, or the Hough’s Neck Garden Club there are some great civic-minded people helping keep our city cleaner and greener. Beautification is a team effort and I appreciate all the help from everyone involved.”

麻州第三階段第二期重新開放無限期推遲 群聚人數由100減至50

            (Boston Orange綜合報導)麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)(7)日宣佈,第三期第二階段的重新開放,將無期限的推遲,群聚人數限制緊縮至50人,17個社區的免費檢測延長到912日,以遏制又升高了的新型冠狀病毒(COVID-19)疫情。
            下週開始,州政府將每週公佈個別市鎮的COVID-19疫情數據,以期民眾更清楚新型冠狀病毒在社區層次的擴散情況。
             新規定包括從811(週二)開始,戶外群聚人數限制將從100人降至50人,戶內群聚人數限制仍為25人。這人數限制將適用於所有形式的聚會,無論是在公家場地或私人物業中,都須遵守。聚會有10人以上來自不同家庭,就必須戴口罩。
             餐館營業規定也更新了,只有堂食用餐才能售酒。州政府還將採取措施確保關閉偽裝成餐廳的酒吧。
             包括州及地方的執法人員,公安人員,將有權執行前述命令,違反這些規定的活動主持人將被罰款,或勒令終止營業。
             州政府將宣佈跨機構的COVID執法及干預小組,負責在全州和地方上的執法人員到COVID-19的高危社區執法。州政府將根據公共健康數據,以及新確診病例趨勢,比率的上升等資訊劃定高危社區。
             這些機構包括行政辦公室及公共安全(EOPSS),負責協調的麻州緊急管理局(MEMA),以及指揮中心,麻州州警(MSP),勞力標準廳(DLS),專業證照組(DPL),公共健康廳(DPH),地方服務組(DLS),酒品控制局(ABCC),以及科技服務及安全行政辦公室(EOTSS)
            上個月,麻州政府推出了停止散佈(Stop the Spread)”計畫,在4月份以來,確診數比麻州平均率為高的特定社區,為民眾提供免費檢測。現在這免費檢測的截止日期,將展延至912日。目前有17個社區,Agawam, Brockton, Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Framingham, Lawrence, Lowell, Lynn, Marlborough, Methuen, New Bedford, Randolph, Revere, Springfield, Taunton, 以及Worcester等,包括在這計畫內。

             全州性的執法及干預行動,將包括支持酒品控制局行使其現有權力,對違令,不遵守疫情期間安全規定的餐館,給予罰款或吊銷牌照等處罰,給地方政府提供技術支援,限制使用或關閉高危社區內的公園,遊樂場,企業或實體場所等等。

Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Initiatives to Stop Spread of COVID-19
Creates Cross-Agency Enforcement and Intervention Team, Ramps up Enforcement

8/07/2020
  • Office of Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito
  • Governor's Press Office
  • Executive Office of Health and Human Services
  • Department of Public Health
  • Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development
  • Executive Office of Public Safety and Security
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.