麻州新增30宗猴痘案例

 Massachusetts Public Health Officials Confirm

30 New Monkeypox Cases

 

New dashboard includes case and vaccination demographic data

 

BOSTON (September 8, 2022) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced 30 additional cases of monkeypox within the past seven days, bringing the total number of monkeypox cases in the Commonwealth to 347 residents since the state’s first case was announced May 18.

 

The 30 cases announced today had their diagnoses between September 1 and September 7. DPH is working with local health officials, the patients, and healthcare providers to identify individuals who may have been in contact with the patients while they were infectious. Individuals with monkeypox are advised to isolate and avoid contact with others until they are no longer infectious.

 

DPH’s weekly public update on monkeypox in Massachusetts is being replaced today by a dashboard detailing demographic data on monkeypox cases and vaccine recipients. The dashboard will be updated late afternoon on Thursdays beginning today and available on www.mass.gov/MonkeypoxData.

 

View this week’s dashboard here.

 

There are currently 14 health care providers offering vaccination across the state. The list of health care provider sites is updated on a rolling basis on the Commonwealth’s monkeypox vaccine website. Additionally, the state has activated mobile providers to assist in vaccine administration. As of September 7, 19,998 doses of JYNNEOS vaccine have been administered in the Commonwealth. JYNNEOS vaccine allocation data by jurisdiction are updated on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website JYNNEOS Monkeypox Vaccine Distribution by Jurisdiction.

 

To ensure the maximum number of individuals eligible for monkeypox vaccination receive protection, DPH issued an updated advisory effective Aug. 18 for Massachusetts JYNNEOS vaccine providers to begin administering the vaccine intradermally (into the skin) in most people aged 18 years and older using an alternative lower dose regimen that results in an equivalent immune response. The advisory follows the Aug. 9 Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) released by the CDC and FDA.

 

Due to extremely limited national availability of vaccine, the JYNNEOS vaccine in Massachusetts still remains limited at this time. Vaccination is available to individuals who meet the CDC’s eligibility criteria and who live or work in Massachusetts. Vaccine is prioritized for individuals at greatest risk of exposure to someone with monkeypox. If an individual believes they qualify for a monkeypox vaccine, they should contact their healthcare provider or one of the state’s designated provider locations.

 

See more information on monkeypox vaccination in Massachusetts, including eligibility.

 

Current data from CDC indicate that there have been 21,274 cases of monkeypox virus this year in US residents as of September 7. Regularly updated case counts can be obtained on the CDC’s website: 2022 U.S. Map and Case Count. Patients generally recover fully from monkeypox in 2-4 weeks.

 

The World Health Organization on July 23 declared the global monkeypox outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and on August 4, the Biden administration declared monkeypox a national health emergency. Gay and bisexual men and other men who have sex with men continue to make up a significant proportion of the cases identified to date. However, the risk is not limited to the LGBTQ+ community, and anyone who has been in close contact with someone who has monkeypox is at risk.

 

While the virus does not spread easily between people, individuals can spread the infection once they develop symptoms. Transmission occurs through direct contact with body fluids and monkeypox sores, by touching items that have been contaminated with fluids or sores (clothing, bedding, etc.), or less commonly, through respiratory droplets following prolonged face-to-face contact. In many of the recent cases, the locations of the rash lesions suggest transmission during sexual contact. Examples where monkeypox can spread and where it does not:

• Monkeypox can spread through:
• Direct skin-to-skin contact with rash lesions. Sexual/intimate contact, including kissing while a person is infected.
• Living in a house and sharing a bed with someone. Sharing towels or unwashed clothing.
• Respiratory secretions through face-to-face interactions (the type that mainly happen when living with someone or caring for someone who has monkeypox)
• Monkeypox does not spread through:
• Casual conversations. Walking by someone with monkeypox in a grocery store, for instance. Touching items like doorknobs.

 

Clinicians are asked to be alert to the possibility of monkeypox virus infection in individuals who have rash illnesses consistent with monkeypox. Early symptoms of monkeypox can include fever, headache, sore throat, and swollen lymph nodes, but rash may be the first symptom. Rash lesions start flat, become raised, fill with clear fluid (vesicles), and then become pustules (filled with pus). A person with monkeypox can have many lesions or only a few. Learn more about how to recognize monkeypox. Providers should also test for other more common causes of rash illness as well as sexually transmitted infections (as appropriate); coinfections are not uncommon.

Actions for people to consider if they want to reduce their risk from monkeypox include:

• Avoiding large gatherings like raves and dance parties where you may have lots of close body contact with others
• Asking any partner, especially new partners whose health status and recent travel history you are not familiar with, if they have any symptoms of monkeypox
• Staying informed by reading information available on the DPH and CDC websites

 

As the CDC advises, if you believe you may have monkeypox, you should contact your health care provider. If you need to leave your home, wear a mask, and cover your rash or lesions when around others. Those who live with or care for someone who may have monkeypox should wear a mask and disposable gloves if they need to have any direct contact with lesions and when handling any clothes or bedding if the person cannot do it themselves. They should also wash their hands regularly, especially after contact with the person who is infected or with their clothes, bed sheets, towels, and other items or surfaces they may have touched.

 

Current testing recommendations and submission guidelines are available on the website https://www.mass.gov/doc/clinical-and-laboratory-testing-guidance-for-monkeypox/download.

For more information about this virus, visit www.mass.gov/monkeypox and www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox.

AG HEALEY SUPPORTS FEDERAL PROPOSAL AIMED AT STRENGTHENING PROTECTIONS AGAINST SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN SCHOOLS

AG HEALEY SUPPORTS FEDERAL PROPOSAL AIMED AT STRENGTHENING PROTECTIONS AGAINST SEXUAL HARASSMENT IN SCHOOLS 

Proposed Rule Would Roll Back Harmful Trump Administration Policy that AG Healey Challenged in Court 

 

BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey today joined a coalition of 16 attorneys general in support of the federal government’s proposed rule aimed at strengthening protections against sex discrimination — including sexual violence and harassment — under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. Title IX requires schools to provide educational programs and activities free from sex discrimination, sexual harassment, and sexual violence.  

 

In the comment letter, led by California, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, the coalition applauds the federal government’s efforts to reverse many of the critical missteps of the Trump-era rulemaking and highlights additional areas for regulatory action under Title IX to help combat sex discrimination in all its forms. 

 

“Our students deserve a safe learning environment that is free from violence and discrimination,” said AG Healey. “We commend the U.S. Department of Education for restoring these critical protections under Title IX and recommend additional steps to make this rule as strong as possible so that students’ voices are heard, and our educational institutions can ensure equitable access.”    

In 2020, the U.S. Department of Education abruptly deviated from more than 30 years of consistent implementation of Title IX to impose an onerous and harmful new process for Title IX sexual violence and harassment proceedings in schools. The department promulgated new rules that work to significantly change how Title IX is enforced. These amendments simultaneously weaken protections for individuals subjected to sexual violence and harassment and burden schools with duplicative, courtroom-like Title IX proceedings. Rather than supporting state efforts to implement Title IX, the 2020 amendments hinder ongoing work to prevent and stop school-based sexual violence and assault at the state level. The 2020 amendments also impose unnecessary barriers to student survivors seeking relief unique only to sexual harassment. These changes were put in place despite clear warnings from AG Healey as well as other attorneys general the year prior. Accordingly, AG Healey joined a coalition of eighteen states which subsequently filed a lawsuit challenging the previous federal government’s final rule in an effort to protect students and empower schools to ensure equal opportunity on their campuses. 

 

The states strongly support the current efforts by the U.S. Department of Education to end many of the harms imposed by the 2020 rule by creating comprehensive standards for Title IX that better meet its primary objectives, i.e., to provide individuals with effective protection against sex discrimination and harassment and to ensure that federal funds are not used to support such misconduct. The current proposed rule realigns Title IX’s implementing regulations with the statute’s nondiscrimination mandate. It also helps preserve schools’ resources by limiting potential duplication of procedures. Additionally, of particular importance to the states, the proposal complements state laws that ensure greater protections for survivors, while preserving the rights of respondents under Title IX to fair and equitable proceedings. 

 

In the comment letter, the coalition addresses how the proposed rule: 

 

·       Better effectuates Title IX and aligns with congressional intent and longstanding practices; 

·       Standardizes and codifies definitions and procedures across Title IX enforcement; 

·       Improves the sexual violence and harassment complaint process for students in colleges and K-12 schools; 

·       Realigns Title IX’s sexual harassment standards and higher education proceedings to ensure a prompt and equitable resolution process for all students; 

·       Reinforces critical protection against discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnant and parenting status; and 

·       May be further strengthened to help combat sex discrimination in all its forms. 

  

In filing the comment letter, AG Healey joins the attorneys general of California, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. 

 

A copy of the comment letter is available here. 

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Over $19 Million in Funding for Dams and Coastal Infrastructure

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Over $19 Million in Funding for Dams and Coastal Infrastructure

Awards made in 23 Different Cities and Towns for 26 Projects

 

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced approximately $19.2 million in grants through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ (EEA) Dam and Seawall Program, continuing efforts to address failing dams and strengthen coastal infrastructure. This funding will support 23 municipalities and nonprofit organizations as they seek to advance 26 critical infrastructure projects within their communities. Grants have been awarded for projects within the following communities: the Towns of Acton, Bridgewater, Dracut, Falmouth, Hopkinton, Hull, Middleborough, North Attleboro, Oak Bluffs, Plymouth, Raynham, Scituate, Somerset, Stow, Swansea, and Winchendon, and the Cities of Fall River, Fitchburg, New Bedford, Newburyport, North Adams, Springfield, and Weymouth.

 

“As we continue to witness the impacts of climate change on the Commonwealth, it is important that we work to address the state’s aging infrastructure, such as dams, seawalls, and other structures,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “By investing in these types of critical structures, we will make Massachusetts communities more resilient to withstand stronger storm events and other impacts and ensure better safety and performance for years to come.”

 

“Our Administration is proud to assist our municipal partners as they work to address failing dams and seawalls, which can be a costly endeavor that puts a significant financial strain on local budgets,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Through our continued partnership, we will be able to make critical repairs and other necessary work to improve important infrastructure and make our communities more resilient to climate change.”

 

Grants are awarded to advance designs and permits, as well as to construct the projects. This round of grants will support 15 design and permitting projects and 11 construction projects. With these new grants, EEA’s Dam and Seawall Program has now made over $114 million in total grants and loans to address deficient dams, seawalls, and levees since the program began in 2013.

 

“The Baker-Polito Administration has made tremendous progress in addressing dams, seawalls, and levees by investing more than $100 million in funds to cities and towns since 2015,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “Many of these structures were never intended to withstand the conditions we experience today, such as more intense storms and rising sea levels, requiring us to act now to implement resilient solutions to better protect our communities from future events and issues.”

 

The grant recipients and awarded projects are below (alphabetical by awardee within categories):

 

Organization Name	Structure Name/Project Title	Total Amount
Dam Design and Permit
Dracut	Beaver Brook Dams- Collinsville Dam, Victory Lane Dam, Beaver Brook/Navy Yard Dam	$187,500.00
Fall River	Sawdy Pond Dam Improvement Program	$148,500.00
Fitchburg	McTaggart's Pond Dam Removal Project	$38,925.00
Middleborough	Stony Brook Pond Dam Improvements	$108,750.00
New Bedford	Turners Pond Dam Improvements	$101,550.00
Newburyport	Lower Artichoke Reservoir Dam Conceptual Design	$83,925.00
North Adams	Mount Williams Reservoir Dam Improvements	$250,000.00
North Adams	Notch Reservoir Dam Improvements	$250,000.00
Plymouth	Jenney Pond Dam Repairs	$113,520.00
Raynham	Kings Pond Dam/ Gardiner Street Bridge	$168,050.00
Somerset	Somerset Reservoir Dam and Diversion Channel Improvements	$149,349.56
Springfield	Breckwood Pond Dam Phase II Engineering Evaluation and Alternatives Analysis	$90,000.00
Swansea	Milford Pond Dam	$120,000.00
Dam Design and Permit Total	13	$1,810,069.56
Coastal Design and Permit
Marine Biological Laboratory (Falmouth)	Waterfront Park Seawall Repair	$30,000.00
Weymouth	River Street/Lane Beach/Boat Ramp Parking Lot Flood Mitigation	$183,375
Coastal Design and Permit Total	2	$213,375.00
DESIGN AND PERMIT TOTAL	15	$2,023,444.56
Dam Construction
Acton	53 River Street Dam Removal Project	$1,000,000.00
Bridgewater	High Street Dam and Town River Crossing	$1,000,000.00
Hopkinton	Lake Maspenock Dam Downstream Left Wall Stability Repair	$337,500.00
Mill Pond Initiative, Inc. (Winchendon)	Whites Mill Pond Dam Decommissioning and Stream Restoration Project	$740,250.00
North Attleboro	Falls Pond Dam Structural Repairs & Invasive Species Management	$156,750.00
Somerset	Somerset Reservoir Dam Repairs	$1,000,000.00
Stow	Lake Boon Dam Repair	$1,000,000.00
Dam Construction Total	7	$5,234,500.00
Coastal Construction
Hull	Nantasket Avenue Seawall Repair Phase I	$3,000,000.00
Oak Bluffs	East Chop Drive Resilient Infrastructure for Coastal Bank Protection	$3,000,000.00
Scituate	Oceanside Drive Seawall Reconstruction (Segment 1)	$3,000,000.00
Scituate	Oceanside Drive & Turner Road Seawall Reconstruction (Segment 2)	$2,932,500.00
Coastal Construction Total	4	$11,932,500.00
CONSTRUCTION TOTAL	11	$17,167,000.00
GRAND TOTAL	26	$19,190,444.56

 

"The reality of rising sea levels and the increased risk of flooding in Massachusetts prompted the legislature to create the Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Fund," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Seawall and dam infrastructure is critical for safeguarding the wellbeing of communities throughout the Commonwealth. Even in-land communities, like Hopkinton in MetroWest, will benefit from restored functioning and heightened protections against flooding from nearby lakes and waterways."

 

“As we work together to build a greener and more resilient Commonwealth, I want to applaud the Baker-Polito Administration for working with us in the Legislature to combat climate change and meet critical environmental infrastructure needs,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means (D-Westport). “Because of our enduring partnership, we have made incredible progress, working together to invest over $100 million since 2015 to repair and bolster our dams, seawalls and other coastal infrastructure necessary to better protect our communities and confront the impacts of climate change for many years to come.”

“Our coastal infrastructure is key to keeping our communities safe from the impacts of severe weather,” said State Senator Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “With hundreds of miles of coastline to protect on the South Shore, today’s announcement of over $10 million to construct and design seawalls in the district is a significant step forward. I am deeply appreciative of the Baker-Polito Administration for their investment in the South Shore.”

 

“Thank you to the Baker-Polito administration for this allocation of funding,” said Representative Patricia Haddad (D-Somerset). “My communities of Somerset and Swansea will use this money to improve aging infrastructure that help protect our homes and businesses from the devastating effects of flooding.”

 

“Global heating is affecting our infrastructure and we must plan now for even greater changes in the future,” said Representative Paul A. Schmid III (D-Westport). “Fall River thanks the Baker-Polito Administration for this award which will help improve the Sawdy Pond Dam.”

 

For more information regarding EEA’s Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Program, please visit the program’s webpage.