人生一定要有的八個朋友:
推手(Builder)、
支柱(Champion)、
同好(Collaborator)、
夥伴(Companion)、
中介(Connector)、
開心果(Energizer)、
開路者(Mind Opener)、
導師(Navigator)。
chutze@bostonorange.com
*******************
All rights of articles and photos on this website are reserved.
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.
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 pools, Urban
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.
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 County. Spraying 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 theMassachusetts Aerial Mosquito Spray Map webpagefor 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 transmission, we 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.
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 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.
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.”
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 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.