State mandates flu vaccinations for Massachusetts students
Flu vaccinations will be required for all students 6 months or older who attend child care, pre-school, school and college in Massachusetts to reduce the possibility of a double whammy of respiratory illnesses during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, state health officials announced Wednesday. Read the full story here: https://www.boston.com/news/health/2020/08/19/state-mandates-flu-vaccinations-for-massachusetts-students
Massachusetts to apply for more federal unemployment assistance after weekly $600 aid expires, Gov. Charlie Baker says
The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program, which provided an additional $600 check to Americans out of work because of the virus, expired July 27.
Baker said he’s sent a letter to FEMA signaling the state’s intent to formally apply, but expressed reservations about the plan.
“I don’t think this is the right way to do this,” he said. “I worry a lot that we’re taking money from federal reimbursements for emergency services provided associated with the first four months of COVID under FEMA to fund this program.” Read the full story here: https://www.masslive.com/coronavirus/2020/08/massachusetts-to-apply-for-more-federal-unemployment-assistance-after-weekly-600-aid-expires-gov-charlie-baker-says.html
Massachusetts takes steps to redo virus-ravaged vets’ home
Massachusetts has taken another step toward an expedited renovation project at a veterans’ care center that was the site of one of the nation’s deadliest COVID-19 outbreaks at a long-term care facility.
The state Office of Administration and Finance announced Monday that it had selected a company to conduct a 12-week assessment of what needs to be done at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke. The assessment includes meetings with stakeholders such as veterans and their families, staff, community members and state legislators. https://www.bostonherald.com/2020/08/18/massachusetts-takes-steps-to-redo-virus-ravaged-vets-home/
Free COVID Testing Available in Springfield and Agawam Has Been Extended Until September 12.
The Commonwealth is launching a strategic testing program in communities across Massachusetts that have continued to see a higher number of residents testing positive for COVID-19. Springfield and Agawam are two of those communities. Get the full information here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stop-the-spread
Currently there are 1050 positive COVID cases in Holyoke <1% increase
Weekly Public Health Report (Updated Wednesday) Contains town-by-town numbers, long-term care facility information, and more: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting#covid-19-weekly-public-health-report-
Massachusetts comprehensive daily “dashboard” illustrating the spread of this virus across regions and demographics: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting#covid-19-daily-dashboard-
Testing has a turnaround time of 6-10 days and many cases are being clinically diagnosed (no testing or reporting involved). All are advised to behave as though they are carriers of Covid-19.
The curve we need to flatten: County numbers graphed over time can be found here: https://www.wmasscovid.com/