Massachusetts has established a statewide mandate for employers to temporarily provide employees up to 40 hours of COVID-19 Massachusetts emergency paid sick leave when they are unable to work due to specific qualifying reasons related to the pandemic.

The new MA EPSL benefit is in addition to existing paid time-off benefits offered by employers or required by law (such as Earned Sick Time), subject to some limited exceptions.

Governor Charlie Baker originally vetoed the MA EPSL legislation in April 2021 with recommended amendments, but the Massachusetts legislature reworked the bill and resubmitted it to the Governor. He signed House Bill 3702 into law on May 28, 2021. Employees are entitled to MA EPSL benefits starting June 7, 2021 and until September 30, 2021.

Earned Sick Time

In order to contain the outbreak and protect people with compromised immunities, it is critical to stay home if you are feeling sick. Most workers in Massachusetts have the right to earn and use up to 40 hours of job-protected sick time per year. Under state laws, workers must earn at least one hour of earned sick leave for every 30 hours worked. More details about the earned sick time law can be found here. If you think your employer is violating the earned sick time law, call the AG’s Fair Labor Division at 617-727-3465 or file a complaint online. For more information on what leave and benefit options you may have available if you need to quarantine, please visit this page on the Rights For Quarantined Essential Workers.

Workplace Safety

You are legally entitled to a safe and healthy workplace. While COVID-19 is part of our daily lives right now, your employer must provide you with a safe and healthy workplace.

If you would like to report an unsafe working condition related to COVID-19, you may report your concern to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) at: 1-800-321-6742. Massachusetts state and municipal employees can file a workplace safety or health complaint with the Department of Labor Standards (DLS). DLS can be reached at 508-616-0461, option 1; or safepublicworkplacemailbox@mass.gov. Your employer cannot retaliate against you for making a complaint about an unsafe working condition.

Rights for Quarantined Workers

Ensuring that essential workers do not have to go to work sick is crucial to combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are options to consider for essential workers who need to quarantine due to COVID-19: mass.gov/service-details/rights-for-quarantined-essential-workers.

Multilingual Resources on Earned Sick Time

Earned Sick Time Notice of Employee Rights (Portuguese) (PDF 5.2 MB)
Earned Sick Time Notice of Employee Rights (Spanish) (PDF 5.65 MB)

Are you a New Bedford Public School student who not only wants a COVID vaccine but Domino’s Pizza and Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards? Here’s how in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and K’iche:

“FREE COVID-19 VACCINE CLINICS for NBPS Students 12 years and older, and families begin next week. Parents must be present!

• Keith MS- 6/1 12PM – 2PM
• Normandin MS- 6/8 12PM – 2PM
• Roosevelt MS- 6/8 12PM – 2PM

FREE DOMINO’S PIZZA gift card and FREE Dunkin Donuts gift card for eligible New Bedfors residents! (see flyer for eligibility)!

SIGN-UP LINKS:

• English: https://forms.gle/Nm5hJqdJwiSgLMQS7
• Spanish: https://forms.gle/F8mF6y8y4RoeuzL68
• Portuguese: https://forms.gle/juRMj1ydTQat25Dw9
• K’iche: https://forms.gle/qUDpS5FBchL2dEc99″-New Bedford Public Schools.

New Bedford Public Schools photo.

New Bedford Public Schools photo.

New Bedford Public Schools photo.

The Waterfront Vaccination Center located at Hervey Tichon Avenue and operated by CIC Health will end its walk-up vaccination clinics and close this weekend, the operator announced. Its final day of walk-up operation will be Sunday, May 30.

Vaccines will be available this weekend including Saturday, May 29 and Sunday, May 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Some second-dose appointments are also scheduled for June 1.

CIC will now offer vaccinations at Andrea McCoy Recreation Center on Mondays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., beginning June 7.

In addition, mobile vaccine clinics will be held at locations including grocery stores, schools, and with community partners. A full schedule of supermarket and community-based walk-up vaccination clinics will be announced.

Housing, legal and community advocates will convene at a virtual Town Hall at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, May 25 to discuss avenues available to residents who are at risk of being evicted due to job loss or loss of income.

The town hall is being hosted by the Department of Housing and Community Development in partnership with NeighborWorks Housing Solutions to inform Portuguese-speaking residents who are at risk of eviction or in the process of being evicted about emergency funds, free legal representation and mediation.

New Bedford and Fall River are among the hardest-hit regions in the state, where evictions have spiked due to ongoing financial instability as a result of COVID.

The town hall will be streamed at 1 p.m. on Facebook Live. There will be an opportunity for questions. Register here: us02web.zoom.us

Today (Monday May 24th, through Wednesday May 26th), a special COVID-19 vaccine clinic will be set up at Titleist Ball Plant III, 215 Duchaine Blvd.
Below are details about the clinic:

Location: 215 Duchaine Blvd.
Days/times:
Monday, May 24, 2pm-7pm
Tuesday, May 2,5 7am-7pm
Wednesday, May 26, 7am-7pm
Vaccine type: Moderna

Cost: free and insurance isn’t required
Walk-ups welcome

Pre-registration encouraged, but not required.
Questions: New Bedford Vaccine Call Center, 508-984-2661

“I was hoping you could share something to your Facebook page. I want to thank my son’s teachers. It’s been a rough year and I want them to know they are appreciated. I would like to post ANONYMOUSLY!!”

____________________________________________________________________

“My son goes to RISE Academy at Pulaski [School]. Their behavior program and has really helped him over the years.

As I tucked my son into bed tonight, we finished talking about his day. Each day he tells me about what went well and what he needs to work on for the next day. Some days go well in others are quite a challenge for him. But the one thing that stays the same is the positive conversations that we have about his staff each and every day.

I haven’t even met half of these wonderful people, but I feel like they are family to me. I am constantly hearing how Mrs. Martins is so ‘super-duper nice’ and helps him to make safe choices. Or how Ms. E helps him stay calm even when works is so hard. I hear about walks with Miss Janeda and her dance parties at recess, how Ms. Kerr never forgets to say hello every morning, and how Mrs. Gagne makes learning so much fun.

I guess what I’m trying to say is, these staff members are a part of my family. They are in our car, our yard, the dinner table, and in our bedtime stories. I wish I had faces to put to all of your names. But for now, I will just say a sincere thank you to RISE academy. You have helped our family more than you know over the last couple of years. You never make me feel embarrassed or ashamed of my son’s behavioral problems. You have been a constant source of support for my family and we can’t thank you all enough.

Parents, as the school year comes to an end, don’t forget to thank your teachers. They definitely go above and beyond each and every day to give our kids a second home. Rise Academy is proof of this.”

“SCAMBAG ALERT — PLEASE SHARE

Check out this email that I received this morning.

Though it only took me about 2 seconds to figure out that it was garbage, to an unsuspecting person who is concerned about COVID, test results, etc., it could look real.

As always, we recommend that you DO NOT click on any links associated with scam emails. Instead, mark them as SPAM, and delete them.”-Dartmouth Police Department.

Dartmouth Police Department photo.

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that the Commonwealth is on track to meet the goal of vaccinating 4.1 million residents by the first week of June and all remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted effective May 29.

The Commonwealth’s face covering order will also be rescinded on May 29. The Department of Public Health will issue a new face covering advisory consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated guidance. Face coverings will still be mandatory for all individuals on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), in healthcare facilities and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings.

Governor Charlie Baker will end the State of Emergency June 15.

The Administration also announced updates that will be effective May 18 to revise face covering requirements for youth and amateur sports and other guidance relating to childcare programs and K-12 schools. The Administration will release updated guidance for summer camps effective May 29.

The Administration is able to take these steps to reopen the Commonwealth’s economy because Massachusetts is on track to meet the goal set in December to fully vaccinate over 4 million individuals by the first week of June. The Commonwealth leads the nation in vaccinating residents, with 75% of adults receiving at least one dose. To date, over 4 million residents have received a first dose, with 3.2 million fully vaccinated.

New cases have dropped by 89% since January 8. COVID hospitalizations are down 88% since January 1 and the positive test rate is down by 88% from peaking at 8.7% on January 1 to 1% today.

Effective May 29

Effective May 29, all industries will be permitted to open. With the exception of remaining face-covering requirements for public and private transportation systems and facilities housing vulnerable populations, all industry restrictions will be lifted, and capacity will increase to 100% for all industries. The gathering limit will be rescinded.

All industries will be encouraged to follow CDC guidance for cleaning and hygiene protocols.

On May 18, 2020, the Administration published the reopening phases, which called for ending restrictions when vaccines became widely available. Today, there are over 975 locations for Massachusetts residents to access vaccines without delay.

Face Covering Guidance

In line with updated CDC face covering guidance, the Administration will rescind the current face covering order and issue a new face covering advisory effective May 29.

Non-vaccinated individuals are advised to continue wearing face masks and to continue distancing in most settings. The advisory will also recommend fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a face covering or social distance indoors or outdoors except for in certain situations.

Face coverings will still be required for all individuals on public and private transportation (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and transportation stations), healthcare facilities and providers, congregate care settings and health and rehabilitative day services.

Face coverings will also remain required indoors for staff and students of K-12 schools and early education providers.

Youth and Amateur Sports Face Covering Guidance

Effective May 18, the youth and amateur sports guidance will be updated to no longer require face coverings for youth athletes 18 and under while playing outdoor sports. Effective May 29, all youth and amateur sports restrictions will be lifted.

K-12, Early Education and Summer Camp Guidance

Effective May 18, guidance from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Early Education and Care will be updated to no longer require masks for outdoor activities like recess and to allow for the sharing of objects in classrooms, in both K-12 and childcare settings. This guidance will remain in effect beyond May 29.

The Administration will release updated guidance for summer camps, effective May 29, which will include no longer requiring masks for outdoor activities.

State of Emergency Order

Governor Baker will end the State of Emergency​ June 15, and the Administration will work with legislative and municipal partners during this period in order to manage an orderly transition from emergency measures adopted by executive order and special legislation during the period of the State of Emergency.

FALL RIVER, NEW BEDFORD, and WAREHAM, Mass. – Southcoast Health announced on Thursday that its upcoming Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination clinics, offered across the region, will now be open to individuals 12 and older, while walk-up availability will continue at all of the not-for-profit community health system’s sites.

Southcoast’s decision follows the FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization of the Pfizer vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds earlier this week, as well as the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ recommendation on Wednesday.

Minors will need to have a parent or legal guardian sign a Massachusetts consent form at the clinic or bring a signed copy downloaded from https://www.mass.gov/lists/ma-consent-forms-for-people-under-18-years-of-age, Southcoast officials said. The form must include a parent or legal guardian’s phone number in the event a staff member needs to contact them.

You do not need to have a Southcoast primary care provider to receive vaccination at a Southcoast clinic.

No appointment will be necessary at the following Southcoast clinics, with walk-ups welcome:

May 13, 12-5:30pm, Pfizer, Vanity Fair (375 Faunce Corner, Dartmouth)
May 14, 12-5:30pm, Pfizer, Vanity Fair (375 Faunce Corner, Dartmouth)
May 15, 7am-3pn, Pfizer, Liberal Club (20 Star St., Fall River)
May 15, 8am-12pm, Pfizer, Vanity Fair (375 Faunce Corner, Dartmouth)
May 17, 12-3:30pm, Pfizer, Liberal Club (20 Star St., Fall River)
May 17, 3-7pm, Pfizer, Multiservice Center (48 Marion Rd., Wareham)
May 18, 3-7pm, Moderna, Multiservice Center (48 Marion Rd., Wareham)
May 18, 9am-3pm, Johnson & Johnson, Mobile Wellness Van at Onset Pier (182 Onset Ave., Wareham)
May 19, 2-6pm, Pfizer, Liberal Club (20 Star St., Fall River)
May 19, 9am-4pm, Johnson & Johnson, Mobile Wellness Van at Pier 3 (51 MacArthur Dr., New Bedford)
May 20, 12-5:30pm, Pfizer, Vanity Fair (375 Faunce Corner, Dartmouth)
May 20, 2-7pm, Johnson & Johnson, Mobile Wellness Van at Acushnet Council on Aging (59 ½ Main St., Acushnet)
May 21, 7-11am, Pfizer, Liberal Club (20 Star St., Fall River)
May 22, 12pm-4pm, Pfizer, Liberal Club (20 Star St., Fall River)
May 22, 8am-12pm, Pfizer, Multiservice Center (48 Marion Rd., Wareham)
May 22, 9am-1pm, Johnson & Johnson, Mobile Wellness Van at Boys & Girls Club of Fall River (803 Bedford St., Fall River)
May 24, 1-3pm, Pfizer, Liberal Club (20 Star St., Fall River)
May 25, 3-7pm, Pfizer, Liberal Club (20 Star St., Fall River)
May 25, 12-5:30pm, Pfizer, Vanity Fair (375 Faunce Corner, Dartmouth)
May 25, 3-7pm, Moderna, Multiservice Center (48 Marion Rd., Wareham)

For more information, please visit: https://www.southcoast.org/covid-19-vaccination/

“Getting your shot is more convenient and more important than ever,” said Tonya Johnson, RN, Vice President of Operations for Southcoast Hospitals Group. “All available vaccines are safe and effective. They’re our best chance at conquering COVID-19 once and for all. When we protect ourselves, we’re protecting our family, friends, and co-workers. Together, we’re protecting the South Coast community. We are grateful for all who have stepped up to help in this effort.”

About Southcoast Health
———————————————–
Southcoast Health a not-for-profit, charitable organization and the largest provider of primary and specialty care in the region, serving communities in Rhode Island and across Southeastern Massachusetts. Southcoast Health is a Newsweek’s World’s Best Hospital in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Out of the 2,743 considered hospitals in the United States, only 250 earned this recognition. In 2020 and 2021, St. Luke’s is a Newsweek and Leapfrog’s Best Maternity Hospitals. In 2019 and 2020, the Southcoast Health system also received seven awards, including Best Hospitals and Best Place to Work, in Southcoast Media Group’s Best of the Best Awards voted on by residents and readers.

As a network of more than 700 physicians, hospitalists, and mid-level practitioners, Southcoast Health is a system of three acute care hospitals — Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River, St. Luke’s Hospital in New Bedford, and Tobey Hospital in Wareham, and also provides behavioral health services in partnership with Acadia at Southcoast Behavioral Health in Dartmouth. Southcoast Health’s System comprises seven Urgent Care Centers, two Centers for Cancer Care, visiting nurse association, and numerous additional ambulatory facilities that offer convenience and access to services for more than 724,000 residents in 33 communities covering over 900 square miles in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

For Immediate Release: May 12, 2021
Contact: Media Relations
(404) 639-3286

Rochelle Walensky, MD, MPH

“Today, I adopted CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation that endorsed the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and its use in 12- through 15-year-old adolescents. CDC now recommends that this vaccine be used among this population, and providers may begin vaccinating them right away.”

Though most children with COVID-19 have mild or no symptoms, some children can get severely ill and require hospitalization. There have also been rare, tragic cases of children dying from COVID-19 and its effects, including multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, or MIS-C.

This official CDC recommendation follows Monday’s FDA decision to authorize emergency use of this vaccine in 12- through 15-year-old adolescentsexternal icon, and is another important step to getting out of the COVID-19 pandemic, and closer to normalcy.

For vaccination to do its job, we must do our critical part. That means vaccinating as many people as possible who are eligible. This official CDC action opens vaccination to approximately 17 million adolescents in the United States and strengthens our nation’s efforts to protect even more people from the effects of COVID-19. Getting adolescents vaccinated means their faster return to social activities and can provide parents and caregivers peace of mind knowing their family is protected.

Some parents have already made plans for their adolescents to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Understandably, some parents want more information before their children receive a vaccine. I encourage parents with questions to talk to your child’s healthcare provider or your family doctor to learn more about the vaccine. And if your adolescent is behind on routinely recommended vaccines due to the pandemic or for other reasons, now would be a good time to work with your child’s nurse or doctor to make sure they get caught up.

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is faster and more convenient than ever. About nine out of 10 Americans live within 5 miles of a COVID-19 vaccination site. In the coming weeks, two popular ride-sharing services will offer free rides to vaccination appointments until July 4. To find the site closest to you, visit vaccines.gov; text your ZIP code to 438829 (GETVAX); or call 1-800-232-0233.