Tag: Governor Charlie Baker

Science competing with economics

There is an undeniable truth to the findings when science is used to measure the undeniable dangers of the Coronavirus.

There is an undeniable truth in the warnings from economists that we face the ruination of our economy if we don’t open it up and soon.

Somewhere between these two places is where the situation needs to be dealt with here in Everett, around the state, the nation and the world.

We believe this is happening in Massachusetts and in New York, and many other states where the virus has run rampant and caused so much pain, sickness and death.

We believe Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito have done a good job trying to balance science against the needs of the local economy.

Their strong messaging here has kept the state from falling apart in response to this epidemic.

It is a tough thing to lead these days. The politics of the economy and the virus are clashing.

Those of us who get the virus, who get sick and who die, truly understand the terror of the virus and what it can do to a society that tries to wish it away. The virus won’t be wished away, anymore than cancer or a heart attack can be wished away. Continue reading Science competing with economics

Phase 1 reopening begins

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Traffic on Broadway is picking up as the state slowly reopens businesses. (Photo by Jim Mahoney)

Baker, Polito set timetable for state’s gradual revival

By JOSH RESNEK

Where Massachusetts goes, Everett is sure to follow.

May 25 marks the official beginning of relaxation of restrictions shutting down the economy and causing the mass social distancing of Massachusetts residents in every aspect of our lives.

“It is the beginning of the road back to where we all want to be,” Lt. Governor Karyn Polito told the Leader Herald.

Polito is in charge of the phased reopening of the state, and by default, is in charge of the cities and towns as they come back to economic life after a long fight against the Coronavirus.

Manufacturing, construction and houses of worship have gotten the OK to open with obvious restrictions.

Houses of worship are restricted to 40% of capacity and parishioners must be seated at six foot intervals.

Left out of the mix for now are restaurants and bars and every sort of large gathering where hundreds of people are traditionally gathered together shoulder to shoulder in almost every instance.

Working at home is recommended for those with office jobs. Office spaces will have a 25% maximum capacity during this Phase 1 action.

This will effect the reopening of Everett City Hall and of the School Department. Safety features and new health and sanitation rules must be in place before a reopening of those two venues can occur. Continue reading Phase 1 reopening begins

Baker-Polito announce reopening plan

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A doctor prepares to take a nasal swab at the CHA Malden Care Center now open for Everett residents. (Photo by Jim Mahoney)

Special to the Leader

The Baker-Polito Administration announced a four- phase approach to reopening the Massachusetts economy amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, and published Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards that will apply across all sectors and industries once reopening begins.

The goal of the phased reopening, based on public health guidance, is to methodically allow certain businesses, services, and activities to resume, while protecting public health and limiting a resurgence of new COVID-19 cases.

Phase 1 will be “Start:” limited industries resume operations with severe restrictions.

Phase 2 will be “Cautious:” additional industries resume operations with restrictions and capacity limits.

Phase 3 will be “Vigilant:” additional industries resume operations with guidance.

Phase 4 will be the “New Normal:” development of vaccine and/or therapy enables resumption of new normal.

Businesses and activities that provided “COVID-19 Essential Services,” per Governor Baker’s March 23 order, will continue to operate.

Certain businesses and activities with a lower risk of COVID-19 transmission will open in earlier phases. Decisions and timing will be influenced by public health metrics for when the first phase of reopening begins, as well as when it is safe to move into concurrent phases.

Additionally, the Department of PublicHealth(DPH) and the COVID-19 Command Center, in consultation with the Reopening Advisory Board and based on feedback from industry, labor, and community coalitions, has developed Mandatory Work-place Safety Standards to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission as employees and customers begin to return to workplaces during the first phase of reopening. These Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards are applicable to all sectors and industries that will be open in phase one, and create new workplace requirements for social distancing, hygiene, staffing and operations, and cleaning.

Continue reading Baker-Polito announce reopening plan