Massachusetts – Everett Leader Herald

State issues warnings as COVID-19 cases rise

Help Everett Stop Covid-19 volunteers Renato Trombini and Joyce Silva show some of the free face masks they are distributing throughout Everett. (Photo by Jim Mahoney)

Everett still in “red”, urged to continue precautions as second wave appears forming

By JOSH RESNEK

Massachusetts reported the highest number of new virus infection cases earlier this week, a trend which is continuing.

The rising numbers have prompted a widening of the “red communities” throughout the state to include about 10 locations.

The state notified the city Monday that Everett, and nine others, have been sent an emergency alert by the COVID-19 Command Center to warn of the higher possibility of infection here and in neighboring cities like Chelsea and Revere. Lynn also made the list.

The alert, sent to mobile phone holders encouraged facemask wearing, hand washing, and social and physical distancing.

The city ended its second consecutive week with more than 100 new cases of the virus.

Monday alone, 827 new cases of the virus were reported by the Department of Public Health throughout the state.

Fifteen new deaths were added to the state total of almost 9,800 since the pandemic hit us in March.

3 million in grants to help schools

Baker-Polito admin adds $150K for bus lanes

For the LEADER HERALD

The Baker-Polito Administration announced last week the opening of the sixth year of the Community Compact IT Grant Program which will provide a total of $3 million in grants for municipal and school district projects de- signed to modernize and improve technology systems. The Community Compact IT program will be accepting applications from September 15, through October 15, and will provide each municipal recipient up to $200,000 in funding.

Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito and Governor Baker arrive at Bistro 5 to tour the restaurant and meet with the owner Vittorio Ettore in Medford, Ma on Thursday September 10, 2020.

Also, in a second bit of great news from the governor and lt. governor, the state has awarded Everett $150,000 for a northern bus lane to move pedestrian traffic on public transportation.

Since its inception, the Community Compact IT Grant Program has awarded 240 grants totaling $12 million to municipalities and school districts to invest in transformative technology infrastructure and critical equipment.

Everett, Revere, Lynn, Chelsea Covid hot spots

Moses Arita does his part against Covid-19 as he waits to cross Broadway. (Photo by Jim Mahoney)

Cities still at high risk

By JOSH RESNEK

If you thought the COVID-19 pandemic is losing steam here with nowhere to go, you’re wrong.

Last week, the State Department of Health and Human Services identified Everett, Lynn, Revere and Chelsea, as having the state’s highest risk of virus transmission by a wider margin that most residents would want to think about in those four cities.

The state last week released a new map and ranking system to determine a community’s risk level for spreading the virus.

The designations are based on the average daily corona- virus cases per 100,000 people.

On that map Everett, Lynn, Revere and Chelsea are designated as high danger zones for transmission with the color red.

Red indicates 8 cases or more per 100,000 people being reported.

The next statewide report will be issued Wednesday by the DPH.

Senator Ed Markey for re-election

We urge Everett voters to cast a ballot either by mail or in person for Senator Ed Markey on September 1.

He is the better choice this time around.

In our opinion, Representative Joe Kennedy can wait until next time to do his thing.

What’s the big rush?

Sen. Ed Markey, D-MA. (Photo By Jim Mahoney)

This election is not Joe Kennedy’s moment.

He will have his time. That time is not right now.

He does not offer as much to Everett and Massachusetts voters as Senator Markey.

Being a Kennedy and voting exactly as Senator Markey votes is not enough of a reason to send him to the senate.

This is Ed Markey’s moment.

This is Ed Markey’s destiny.

He has served us well.

He deserves re-election.

Senate passes $200 million for transportation, budget

Last week, Senator DiDomenico and his colleagues in the Massachusetts State Senate, passed legislation to invest in municipal transportation projects and extend the Fiscal and Management Control Board. Thursday’s action also included the passage of an interim or 1/12 budget to ensure essential services continue to receive adequate funding. This 1/12th budget was signed into law by the governor Friday June 26, 2020.

“This investment in municipal transportation is a win-win: by funding shovel-ready improvement projects now, we can kick start our economy, all while moving forward with the development of a safe and equitable transit system for decades to come,” said Senator Sal DiDomenico. The transportation infrastructure bill, An Act financing improvements to municipal roads and bridges, authorizes $200 million in municipal roads and bridges funding, and includes $641,000 for the City of Everett. The legislation also renews leadership for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) by extending the Fiscal and Management Control Board for another year and maintaining the Board’s current authority.