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
*******************
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Baker-Polito Administration Awards $3.5 Million for Local Technology Infrastructure
PITTSFIELD – Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito today announced $3.5 million in grants to 70 municipalities through the Community Compact Cabinet Information Technology grant program. The Baker-Polito Administration has now issued 749 grants through this program worth $19.2 million to help Massachusetts communities become more efficient and innovative while improving their technology infrastructure.
“Technology systems support so many of the critical services that Massachusetts cities, towns and school districts provide to residents,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are proud that our Administration, through the work of the Community Compact Cabinet, is continuing its partnership with local communities to enable another round of innovative IT improvement projects.”
“Since the beginning of the grant program, our collaboration with cities and towns across the Commonwealth has led to hundreds of transformative technology investments, from public safety systems upgrades to establishing online permitting,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “As the Chair of the Community Compact Cabinet, I am pleased to announce and congratulate the 70 municipalities receiving awards in this year’s round of grants.”
Pittsfield will receive $99,750 to build a downtown public Wi-Fi network in this round of funding – the third award that the city has received through the Community Compact IT Grant program in last five years. The city received $95,000 in Fiscal Year 2019 for the implementation of wireless infrastructure for internal and public use and $40,000 in Fiscal Year 2017 for switching infrastructure to enable telephone system consolidation.
Other examples of Community Compact IT Grant program awards this year include:
$114,503 for East Longmeadow to bolster their cybersecurity infrastructure and improve disaster recovery capabilities
$100,000 for Plymouth to implement an online permitting system
$73,478 for Athol to implement network security across all town buildings
$60,000 for Hopkinton to implement a records management system
$48,615 for Revere for network systems integration
$25,000 for Leicester for cloud-based software for EMTs and paramedics
“We are proud to continue supporting a wide range of impactful IT initiatives that will undoubtedly improve the efficiency and reliability of government services,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Michael Heffernan. “We appreciate the continued commitment and partnership of our local community leaders in identifying and undertaking these projects to better serve their businesses, residents, and visitors.”
"The Baker-Polito Administration has long recognized the importance of modernizing the Commonwealth’s IT and cybersecurity infrastructure, as well as improving the constituent digital experience,” said Technology & Security Secretary Curt Wood. “Now, more than ever, it is essential that municipalities are able to deliver the critical services that government provides through a secure digital environment.”
The application period for the new Municipal Fiber Grant program will run from March 15 to April 15, 2022. This competitive grant program through the Community Compact Cabinet is designed to support closing critical gaps that exist in municipal networks, which allows for the central management of IT infrastructure, improves cybersecurity, and can provide overall network cost savings.
About the Community Compact Cabinet
Formed in January 2015, the Community Compact Cabinet is chaired by Lt. Governor Polito and is composed of the Secretaries of Housing and Economic Development, Education, Transportation, Energy and Environmental Affairs, and Technology Services and Security, along with the Senior Deputy Commissioner of Local Services and the Assistant Secretary of Operational Services. The Community Compact Cabinet elevates the Administration’s partnerships with cities and towns, and allows the Governor’s Office to work more closely with leaders from all municipalities. The Cabinet champions municipal interests across all executive secretariats and agencies, and develops, in consultation with cities and towns, mutual standards and best practices for both the state and municipalities. The creation of Community Compacts creates clear standards, expectations and accountability for both partners.
For a full list of awardees and projects, click here.
MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES ROUTE 28 FREE BUS
PROGRAM EXTENDED TO FEBRUARY 28, 2022, IN ADVANCE OF TWO-YEAR FARE-FREE
PILOT
As City works to finalize expansion of the
fare-free bus pilot, residents can continue riding the MBTA Route 28 bus
fare-free without disruption
BOSTON - Tuesday,
December 21, 2021 - Building
on her commitment to expand safe, reliable and accessible transportation
for all, today Mayor Michelle Wu announced the City of Boston is extending
the fare-free route 28 bus pilot program through February 28, 2022,
ensuring no break in fare-free service for 28 riders in advance of the
two-year fare-free pilot. The extension of the fare-free 28 bus pilot
program had previously been set to expire on December 31, 2021.
As the 28 bus
pilot continues through January and February, the City of Boston continues
to work with the MBTA to launch the expanded fare-free bus pilot on the 23,
28 and 29 routes in early 2022.
The 28 bus line
(Mattapan Square, up Blue Hill Ave, to Nubian Square & Ruggles) serves
as a key route for many Boston residents, connecting the residents of
Mattapan, Roxbury, and Dorchester to the broader MBTA network.
While overall bus
and subway ridership is at 53 percent of pre-pandemic weekday ridership,
the free 28 bus saw ridership surge to 92 percent of pre-pandemic levels, making it the most popular in the
system. This demonstrates that fare-free buses increase ridership, reducing
congestion and spurring economic recovery.
"Fare-free
transit connects our communities, drives ridership, and eases traffic for
the entire region," said Mayor Michelle Wu. "I'm thrilled
to partner with the MBTA to extend this successful ongoing pilot program
and look forward to working with the MBTA to build the public transit
system that truly serves Boston residents and our local economy.”
“We’re pleased to
continue to partner with the City of Boston on this pilot,” said MBTA
General Manager Steve Poftak. “Extending the pilot allows us to gather
even more data so we can perform a thoughtful and comprehensive evaluation
of the pilot’s effects on ridership and the transit network. We thank the
City of Boston for providing funding that allows us to better understand
the pilot’s impacts.”
“As an avid
advocate for public transit I am ecstatic to see Mayor Wu expand upon the
fare free bus pilot that I initiated last summer. This expansion increases
access and affordability in Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan, communities
disproportionately impacted by gaps in service, and it helps put us on a
path toward an equitable economic recovery,” said former Mayor Kim Janey.
The City of Boston
and the MBTA are working closely to complete a comprehensive evaluation of
the ongoing pilot. The evaluation includes analysis of ridership and
service reliability data as well as interviews with bus riders to get their
views on the benefits of the pilot. The results will be released in
February. The Boston Transportation Department has been working with the
MBTA to manage the pilot program that was first launched in August last
year.
The two-month
extension for the fare-free 28 bus pilot program builds on Mayor Wu's work
to expand fare-free public transit, starting with buses. This month, the
Boston City Council voted in favor of Mayor Wu’s proposed appropriation
order for $8 million in federal funds to eliminate fares on the 23, 28 and 29 MBTA bus
routes for a two-year
period. The City of Boston, in partnership with the MBTA, is extending the
free Route 28 bus for additional two months using the funds from the $8
million allocation from ARPA.
MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES ACTIONS TO
INCREASE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Mayor Wu announces studies to assess Linkage
fee and inclusionary development levels, updated transfer fee legislation,
audit of City-owned property, and plans for a rent stabilization advisory
group, led by newly-renamed Mayor’s Office of Housing
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu
BOSTON - Tuesday,
December 21, 2021 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced a series of
actions to increase affordable housing and stabilize communities,
commissioning two feasibility studies to shape updates to Boston’s
policies. First, a study of the existing Inclusionary Development Program
requirements and market conditions will consider how Boston can achieve or
exceed 20 percent affordability in new construction, up from the current
level of 13 percent. The Mayor is also considering taking executive action
alongside the study to reduce the number of units that trigger
affordability rules and deepen affordability levels. Secondly, a study of
Linkage fees will assess the feasibility of increasing funding for
affordable housing and workforce training from new development, including
from lab space.
Sheila Dillon新銜頭"房屋長"。
Mayor Wu also
announced the start of an audit of all City-owned property to leverage the
city’s significant real estate holdings to create more affordable and supportive
housing.
The Mayor confirmed
that she will be submitting a revised home rule petition in January for a
real estate transfer fee to generate new resources for affordable housing,
while expanding property tax relief for senior homeowners who have been
longtime owner-occupants of their homes.
波士頓市議員Kenzie Bok。
Finally, Mayor Wu
announced that she will be forming a Rent Stabilization Advisory Group to
consider the tools available and necessary to protect tenants and stem
displacement, with a goal of drafting legislation for the next state
legislative session.
“With these actions,
we’re taking our first major steps towards addressing Boston’s housing
crisis,” said Mayor Wu. “Our city must build more affordable
housing, leverage our wealth and resources to fight displacement, and
protect tenants. Housing must be the foundation for our recovery, and this
work begins immediately.”
“The Office of
Housing is ready to implement these new policies to create additional
affordable housing and increase tenant protections, ensuring that all
Bostonians have a safe, affordable home,” said Sheila Dillon, Chief of
Housing. “The pandemic has shown everyone what we always knew – safe,
affordable housing is critical to maintaining good health, economic
stability, and is the cornerstone of stable neighborhoods.”
"This is the
bold leadership that Boston needs. I am incredibly excited by these steps
and am confident that they are only the beginning of Mayor Wu's push for
housing equity,” said Councilor Lydia Edwards.
Inclusionary
Development Program
The newly-named
Mayor’s Office of Housing is commissioning a feasibility study, to be
completed within 150 days, to evaluate how to meet or exceed a 20 percent
affordability requirement, up from the current level of 13 percent.
The Inclusionary
Development Policy (IDP) was initiated in 2000 to require private
residential developers to contribute affordable housing resources as part
of their market rate development. Through November 2021, developers have
created a total of 3,627 units of income-restricted housing through on-site
or off-site units. Contributions by developers to the IDP Fund have led to
the creation or preservation of 2,319 additional income-restricted units,
for a total of 5,946 units created because of the IDP. The IDP was last
revised in December 2015.
“I applaud Mayor Wu
for putting our communities first with these steps to reform IDP and make
housing more affordable in Boston,” said Noemi Ramos, Executive Director
of New England United 4 Justice. “We are in a housing crisis with
rising rents and soaring costs. We need leadership to move quickly and
place housing at the top of the agenda, and that's exactly what the Wu
administration is doing today. I support these measures as a first step
toward delivering housing justice, and I look forward to partnering to make
the urgent changes we need."
Linkage
Mayor Wu also
announced today the commission of a new study required to make significant
changes to Boston’s commercial Linkage policy. Through the Linkage policy,
large commercial real estate developers building new commercial space are
required to make payments to the Neighborhood Housing Trust and the
Neighborhood Jobs Trust to fund affordable housing and workforce training.
This study is expected to be completed within 150 days.
As with the IDP
feasibility study, recent legislation requires the completion of a new
Linkage study in order for the City to make changes to the policy. Possible
changes that will be considered include: increasing the per-square foot fee
to invest in housing and job training, lowering the square footage
threshold that triggers Linkage payments, applying the fee to each square
foot of new developments that are subject to Linkage, speeding up the
payment schedule by requiring full linkage payment for each building at the
time that the building receives a building permit, and assuring that the
City is maximizing fees received from all commercial uses,
especially from Boston’s current lab space boom. These changes would
generate more funds for affordable housing and workforce training.
“We’re delighted
that Mayor Wu is moving forward on linkage, and that she’s committing to a
150 day timeline,” said Symone Crawford, Executive Director of the
Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance. “Linkage was designed to
mitigate the increased housing pressure and displacement of low- and moderate-income
residents caused by large scale commercial development. The current linkage
fee doesn’t do that. We look forward to working with Mayor Wu to fix this.”
“Linkage is the
primary source for job training funding through the City, so we are thrilled
that Mayor Wu is taking action on a nexus study,” says Amy Nishman,
Senior VP of Strategy at JVS Boston and president of the Job Training
Alliance. “As Boston continues to recover, the development
pipeline is strong, and the only way to ensure that Boston residents are
eligible for the jobs being created is to fully fund effective job training
programs.”
Audit of City-Owned
Property for Housing
Meeting a goal that
Mayor Wu established on the campaign trail, City agencies have begun an
audit of City-owned property and parcels to identify opportunities to
develop supportive housing and affordable housing. The audit will be
completed within the first 100 days of the Wu Administration.
Transfer Fee
Mayor Wu further
announced that she will be pursuing a revised Home Rule Petition to
establish a transfer fee to support the creation of affordable
housing. The petition would authorize the City of Boston to impose a
fee on real estate sales above a certain threshold value. The funding
generated would be dedicated to the Neighborhood Housing Trust for affordable housing development and
preservation. The Home Rule Petition would also include property tax
relief for senior homeowners who are longtime owner-occupants of their
homes. A previous version, passed by the City Council in 2019, failed to
pass the MA legislature. The Mayor will be submitting the new version of
the transfer fee legislation to the Boston City Council in the new
year.
Rent Stabilization
Mayor Wu is also
taking the first steps towards implementing rent stabilization in Boston by
forming a Rent Stabilization Advisory Group. The members of this new
advisory group will study local housing conditions, rent stabilization
programs being administered in other cities and be tasked with making
recommendations on the available and necessary means to protect tenants
from displacement, with a goal to shape language for the next legislative
session on Beacon Hill.
Mayor’s Office of
Housing
Finally, Mayor Wu
and Housing Chief Sheila Dillon announced that they are renaming the City
of Boston’s Department of Neighborhood Development (DND) as the Mayor’s
Office of Housing. This name change more accurately reflects the role that
the former DND plays in the creation and preservation of affordable
housing, and helping Bostonians obtain, maintain, and retain safe,
affordable housing. The Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH) will develop and
implement the City of Boston’s housing creation and homelessness prevention
plans and collaborate with local and national partners to find new
solutions and build more housing affordable to all, particularly those with
lower incomes. For more information, please visit the website.
Governor Charlie Baker joins Health and Human Services Secretary
Marylou Sudders for a COVID-19 update to discuss measures to support the
healthcare system
MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES CITY IS DEPLOYING FREE AT-HOME RAPID COVID-19 TEST KITS
Tests now available at 14 Boston Public Library Branches and BCYF Community Centers
BOSTON – Monday,
December 20, 2021 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the distribution
plan for free, at-home rapid antigen test kits for all city residents. The
initial distribution began this past weekend with delivery of test kits to
many Boston Public Library branches and Boston Centers for Youth &
Families community centers. The free test kits are currently available at
BCYF community centers at Paris Street in East Boston, Hyde Park on River
St., Mildred Ave. in Mattapan, and the Tobin in Mission Hill and Shelburne
in Roxbury, as well as Boston Public Library Branches in Brighton, Copley
Square, Codman Square, East Boston, Grove Hall, Mattapan, Roslindale,
Roxbury, and South Boston with plans in place for additional distribution
sites to follow, including all BPL and BCYF sites. Boston residents seeking
a test kit will also be able to obtain kits for their immediate family,
subject to availability. The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is also
coordinating with the Office of Emergency Management, Boston Public
Schools, and other city departments on the distribution plan.
Last week, state
officials announced that they would be providing 2.1 million kits
statewide. With these state kits and the City’s initial purchase of test
kits earlier in the month, the City of Boston will be providing more than
260,000 kits for distribution throughout Boston. Each kit contains two
tests, meaning there are over half a million free rapid tests available to
residents.
As part of the
deployment strategy, the City is working with Boston Public Schools and the
Boston Housing Authority (BHA) to reach the families they serve. Each one
of the approximately 55,000 BPS students will receive an at home test kit
with two tests to help ensure a safe return to school after winter break.
BHA will make testing kits available for their over 17,000 residents and
Age Strong Boston and the Disabilities Commission will help connect seniors
and Bostonians with disabilities with this
resource.
Additional test kit
distribution will employ a targeted approach to reach specific vulnerable
populations. The City will coordinate with service providers, community
partners, and Vaccine Equity partners to ensure direct and timely
distribution.
“As we enter the
holiday season, we must rely on testing, vaccination and other safety
practices to ensure the health of us and our loved ones. Led by Dr. Ojikutu
with collaboration from agencies across the city, we will help our
communities be together and celebrate safely. I am grateful to Governor
Baker for swift action and all our city employees for their hard work to
get these test kits into the hands of our residents,” said Mayor Michelle
Wu.
“We’re distributing
these kits with a focus on communities and populations experiencing higher
rates of COVID-19 and barriers to testing, including people who cannot
afford to purchase these kits from stores,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu,
Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “Rapid antigen
testing is an important mitigation strategy to prevent COVID-19
transmission. Access must be equitable.”
Consistent with
state and national trends, Boston is experiencing a surge in case numbers
and hospitalizations, making mitigation and prevention efforts more
important than ever this holiday season. Mayor Wu and Dr. Bisola Ojikutu
urge all residents to get vaccinated and boosted. If you are exposed to
COVID-19 or presenting upper respiratory symptoms, please get tested
immediately, regardless of vaccine status. For information about clinics
and vaccine availability visit https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-health-commission/covid-19-vaccine-boston. For more information on where to find a
free rapid test kit near you, visit https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-health-commission/free-covid-19-home-test-kits.
MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES PLAN TO REQUIRE PROOF
OF COVID-19 VACCINATION AT INDOOR DINING, FITNESS, AND ENTERTAINMENT
LOCATIONS; VACCINATION REQUIREMENT FOR CITY WORKERS
As COVID-19 surges, Arlington, Brookline,
Cambridge, Salem, Somerville and other municipalities announce efforts to
advance vaccination requirements in their own communities, praising a
regional approach
BOSTON - Monday,
December 20, 2021 - Citing the rising surge of COVID-19 cases and the
urgent need to increase vaccination to safeguard the community this
winter, today Mayor Michelle Wu announced B Together, an initiative to
require vaccination in certain indoor spaces in Boston, including indoor
dining, fitness, and entertainment establishments. The city also
announced that it will require vaccination of all city employees on the
same timeline (January 15 for first dose and February 15 for the second
dose), unless granted a reasonable accommodation for medical or religious
reasons. This is an update of the previous policy, which allowed for an
option for city workers to be regularly tested instead of being
vaccinated.
Mayor Wu was
joined at the announcement at Boston City Hall by fellow mayors and
municipal leaders from across Greater Boston who announced their own
plans to pursue vaccination requirements as part of a regional effort to
combat the winter surge, increase vaccination, and protect indoor
gatherings.
Established
through a public health order issued by the Boston Public Health Commission,
the new guidance seeks to increase vaccination rates among residents and
slow the spread of COVID-19 and the new Omicron variant. Implementation
will begin January 15 and will phase in second vaccine doses and youth
vaccination requirements. Both patrons and employees will be required to
show proof of vaccination. The indoor mask mandate remains in
effect.
“Vaccines are the
most powerful tool we have to fight this pandemic. Vaccination saves lives,
and closing vaccination gaps is the best way to support and protect our
communities, businesses, and cultural institutions during this pandemic,”
said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The vast majority of COVID-related
hospitalizations are of unvaccinated individuals, which is impacting our
entire healthcare system and compromising the health of our communities.
Today’s steps to protect community members in certain indoor
establishments and throughout our city workforce will help ensure that
everyone in Boston will be safe. City government must take down barriers
and direct our resources for easy access to testing and vaccination to
protect our city and all of our communities.”
“COVID-19 cases
and hospitalizations are on the rise in Boston. The B Together initiative
is just one component of a multilayered, comprehensive strategy that the
city has implemented to address COVID-19 and promote the health and
safety of Boston residents,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Executive Director
of the Boston Public Health Commission. “We must also ensure that every
Bostonian has easier access to vaccines and boosters, and we will be
rolling out new sites across the city.”
Starting January
15, 2022, patrons of covered businesses will be required to show proof of
vaccination upon entering the premises. The order states that individuals
can demonstrate vaccination by showing their CDC vaccination card or a
photo of their card, any official immunization record or digital image
from a pharmacy or health care provider, or on any COVID-19 vaccine
verification app. The city also announced plans to create its own app,
modeled on the successful Key to NYC app that has supported the vaccine
requirement effort in New York City.
Businesses included
will also be required to post a notice at all entrances. The city will begin a
weeks-long campaign to educate residents and businesses about the new
policy, utilizing city outreach workers and inspectional services.
Businesses found not in compliance will receive verbal and written
warnings. Repeat offenders may be subject to fines.
Throughout the
COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Boston has implemented COVID-19 guidance
based on the most recent case and vaccination trends. As of December 14,
2021, 79% of the total Boston resident population has received one dose
of a COVID-19 vaccine, and 68% are fully vaccinated. Only 31 percent of
fully vaccinated Bostonians have been boosted. Among 5-11 year olds, only
30% have received their first dose of vaccine.
Boston is experiencing
a surge in COVID-19 cases. New positive cases have increased 89% compared
to two weeks ago, and we are now averaging 369 new cases per day.
COVID-related emergency department visits increased over the past week,
and the city is now averaging 229 adult COVID-19 hospitalizations per
day, which is more than 60% higher than two weeks ago. Among those who
are hospitalized in Boston with COVID-19, an estimated two thirds are
unvaccinated. With the current surge, and emergence of the Omicron
variant, we expect case numbers to rise in January. The City continues to
closely monitor this data and make decisions that best protect
residents.
The City of Boston
and the Boston Public Health Commission continue to support easily
accessible walk-in vaccination clinics across the city, including at many
community centers, schools, and community health centers. The Commission
is working with community partners and health centers to extend family
clinics into the new year and is opening additional high-capacity clinics
over the next several weeks. The Commission also partnered with Boston
Public Schools to expand clinics on-site at schools across the city for
students 5-years and older.
This week, walk-in
clinics are operating at Gallivan Community Center, Morning Star Baptist
Church, Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Tufts Medical Center, the Egleston YMCA,
the Muse in Roxbury, Charlestown Boys and Girls Club, and other
locations. At these walk-in clinics, vaccines are free, and individuals
do not need to make an appointment or show proof of insurance. Boosters
are available to people who received a Moderna or Pfizer vaccine 6 months
ago or a Johnson & Johnson vaccine more than 2 months ago. Because of
the ability to mix-and-match, it does not matter which vaccine a person
has before their booster. A list of vaccination sites in Boston can be
foundhere.
Greater Boston
Mayors and Municipal Leaders Praise Regional Approach:
In conjunction
with Mayor Wu’s announcement, municipal leaders from Greater Boston
cities and towns announced efforts to advance vaccination requirements,
praising the regional approach to increase vaccination and mitigate risk
in indoor activities.
"I am very
grateful for Mayor Wu's leadership on this issue and her inclusive
approach to the communities surrounding Boston,” said Adam Chapdelaine,
Arlington Town Manager. "The virus doesn't recognize municipal
boundaries and that is why a regional approach is best. Arlington
will be considering adoption of a policy like the one being announced
today and we'll be working with our Board of Health to finalize a
decision in the weeks ahead.”
“Throughout the
pandemic, municipal leaders across the region have come together to hear
from experts, understand the science, and coordinate our responses to
COVID. We are thankful to Mayor Wu for her regional leadership in
driving this effort to develop thoughtful vaccine policies to help slow
the spread of the virus, and are excited about working together to engage
in these conversations in our own communities,” said Joseph Curtatone,
Mayor of Somerville.
“I support putting
in place a vaccine requirement for public places like restaurants, gyms
and entertainment venues and will be recommending to our Board of Health
that we move in this direction. We need to use all the tools in our tool
box to address the current COVID challenges and that means ensuring
people are vaccinated as a means to curb virus transmission and reduce
the likelihood of hospitalization for those who contract COVID. With only
50% of our young adults between 16 and 29 vaccinated and our hospitals at
or near capacity, it’s important that we take action now – there is very
little wiggle room within our health care industry to address rising
COVID case counts this Winter. I hope that taking these measures will
help our city stay safe, open and strong. We want our businesses staffed
and open and our kids attending in-person school uninterrupted. Vaccine
requirements, testing and masking up indoors are all part of the mix when
it comes to beating back COVID,” said Mayor Kim Driscoll of Salem.
"Mayor Wu’s
initiative to require proof of vaccine in certain indoor venues is a bold
step for Boston in the fight against COVID. I appreciate the Mayor’s
support for a coordinated regional approach, and we will be meeting this
week with Brookline businesses to discuss our own policy,” said Mel
Kleckner, Brookline Town Administrator.
“I support Mayor
Wu’s efforts to protect the people of greater Boston and expand vaccine
access throughout the City. It’s important that we take a thoughtful
approach to our public health strategy and ensure that everyone in our
region has equitable access to both testing and vaccines. It’s clear that
our most effective tool in keeping our communities safe is getting as
many people vaccinated and boosted as possible. In Medford, we will be
discussing ways we can increase vaccine confidence and educate the
community on the benefits of protecting yourself and your loved ones by
getting the shot,” said Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn of Medford.
“I applaud the
City of Boston’s COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement for Select Indoor Spaces,”
said Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui of Cambridge. “As Omicron becomes the dominant
variant, it is imperative that we do everything in our power to keep our
community safe. There is no doubt this requirement will have greater
impact if implemented regionally. I look forward to working with the City
Manager on next steps in Cambridge.”
Statements from
COVID-19 Task Force and Community Leaders
“The last 22
months have been the most challenging months for our independent
restaurant officers. Our restaurants have followed the guidance of
government each step of our re-opening and today we stand with Mayor Wu
moving into this next chapter. If public health experts and our Mayor
believe that proof of vaccination is in the best interest of public
health, we too stand behind that decision. As operators, we continue to
jump hurdles to establish healthy and safe dining rooms for our employees
and guests. Our neighbors have re-established new trust in us and we ask
that the next step is to taken to support our industry,” said Nancy
Caswell, Owner of Oak and Rowan Boston and Executive Director of
Massachusetts Restaurants United.
“Today, Mayor Wu
is taking a major step forward at a critical juncture in the COVID
pandemic, especially in light of the more highly transmissible Omicron
variant,” said Marc Draisen, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Area
Planning Council (MAPC). “Public officials need to take action now to
reduce transmission and encourage vaccination. By requiring proof
of vaccination at restaurants, gyms, and other public venues, Mayor Wu’s
action will do both. MAPC appreciates Mayor Wu’s leadership and we
will be working with cities and towns throughout the region who are
prepared to implement this worthy policy.”
“As the Omicron
variant spreads and our healthcare system faces continued strain, we need
strong public health measures in place to increase vaccination rates and
suppress transmission,” said Sandro Galea, MD, MPH, DrPH, Robert A. Knox
Professor at Boston University School of Public Health and member of the
Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Task Force. “I’m grateful to Mayor Wu for her
decisive leadership and her commitment to keeping our communities safe.”
“The Huntington
Theatre Company is grateful for Mayor Wu’s leadership in requiring masks
and proof of vaccination as it means that arts organizations don’t have
to shoulder the responsibility for these decisions alone. We all want to
keep our doors open, and we appreciate the Mayor taking these steps for
the economic recovery of our city,” said Temple Gill of the Huntington
Theatre Company, member of the Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Task Force.
"As an
entrepreneur working in the hospitality industry, I know firsthand how
necessary it is to have clear public health guidance coming from our city
leadership. The B Together policy will help protect the health and safety
of Bostonians, which in turn will help our industries rebound from the
devastating effects of the pandemic. I am committed to working with this
administration and my colleagues in the hospitality industry to increase
vaccination rates and bring our communities back together,” said Nia
Grace, co-founder, Boston Black Hospitality Coalition, owner of The
Underground Cafe + Lounge and Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen.
“This is an
important step for Boston to safeguard our restaurants and our workers,”
said Bessie King, a restaurant owner from East Boston and a leader in
Massachusetts Restaurants United. “Hundreds of restaurants across the
city and state are still struggling to have full staffs, many workers are
concerned with safe work environments. Thanks to Boston’s policy, we can
keep our businesses and our communities going. This is a small step to
create a big impact, ensuring healthy and safe work environments for
people to come back to work. We need patrons to support our efforts to
reopen and still care for our people."
“It’s not true
that children don’t get sick from COVID: they do, and they can also get
long COVID. Vaccinating adults protects the young children who can’t get
vaccinated and the immunocompromised children that I care for, who need
an extra layer of safety,” said Dr. Julia Koehler, MD, Boston Children’s
Hospital, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School and
member of the Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Task Force.
“Two years ago we
did not know enough about the virus, we only knew that for some people it
was deadly. Many had the opportunity to work safely from home, but some
of the most vulnerable members of our community did not have that choice.
These essential workers worked tirelessly to ensure that the rest of us
kept some normalcy, while they packaged meat, served food, and
cleaned our airport. Despite their fear of getting sick they continued to
work. Today with this new requirement we take a step forward in protecting
our essential workers and ensuring a safer workplace for them, their
colleagues, and clients,” said Dina Paolina, CEO of La Colaborativa and
Member of the Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Task Force.
“Being fully vaccinated
and getting a booster dose are the best protection for preventing the
worst outcomes from COVID-19. These important measures introduced by
Mayor Wu are the best way to close the vaccination gap, reduce the spread
of the Omicron variant, and keep residents safe,” said Jake Sullivan,
Vice President, Government and Community Affairs, Boston University and
member of the Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Task Force.
The city will
conduct intensive outreach and support efforts to both individuals and
small businesses, including:
·Distributing
informational flyers to schools, libraries, housing, community centers,
and other community spaces across Boston.
·Sharing
information and engaging in outreach through civic associations,
community meetings, senior centers and faith-based organizations.
·Conducting
direct outreach to businesses in Main Streets and other commercial
districts from the Office of Neighborhood Services and the Office of
Small Business Development.
·Conducting
a series of webinars to educate business owners on the COVID-19
vaccine requirement and answer their questions.
Indoor Dining:
Includes indoor portions of food service establishments offering food and
drink, including restaurants, bars, and all indoor dining areas of food
service establishments. The requirements of this Order shall not apply to
any food service establishment offering food and/or drink exclusively for
off-premises or outdoor consumption, or to a food service establishment
providing charitable food services such as soup kitchens.
Indoor Entertainment,
Recreational, and Event Venues: Includes movie theaters, music or concert
venues, commercial event and party venues, museums and galleries,
professional sports arenas and indoor stadiums, convention centers and
exhibition halls, performing arts theaters, bowling alleys, and other
recreational centers;
Indoor Gyms and
Fitness Settings: Includes commercial gyms, fitness, yoga/pilates/barre/dance
studios, boxing/kickboxing gyms, fitness boot camps, indoor pools, and
other facilities used for conducting group fitness classes.
Earlier this
month, Mayor Wu announced a COVID-19 Advisory Committee, a group of doctors, public health
professionals and multidisciplinary leaders, charged with assisting in
decision-making around tackling new variants and working to end the
pandemic in Boston. The Committee is chaired by Dr. Bisola Ojikutu,
Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission, who was
elevated to a cabinet-level role under Mayor Wu. These leaders have
backgrounds ranging from Medical Director at a large public hospital to
restaurateur.
For more
information about today’s announcement, visit boston.gov/B-Together.
