BOSTON – Today the Baker-Polito Administration announced the creation of the COVID-19 Community Tracing Collaborative (CTC) to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. This initiative is a collaboration between the administration and Partners In Health, and is the first of its kind in the nation. The initiative will focus on tracing the contacts of confirmed positive COVID-19 patients, and supporting individuals in quarantine, and builds on the efforts already underway from the Command Center to leverage public health college students to augment the contact tracing being done by local boards of health.

Led by the administration’s COVID-19 Response Command Center, Partners In Health will coordinate closely with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. Contact tracing will be combined with the state’s efforts to increase testing and will provide support to people in quarantine in order to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

“Enhanced contact tracing capability is another powerful tool for public health officials and health care providers in the battle against COVID-19,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Massachusetts is the only state in the nation implementing this type of programming, and this collaborative tracing initiative will break new ground as we work together to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

Partners In Health will provide staff and contribute technical expertise in community tracing. The Commonwealth Health Insurance Connector Authority (CCA) will stand up a virtual support center and maintain connectivity, while the Massachusetts Department of Health (DPH) will maintain data, guides and processes. Accenture, a leading global professional services company, and Salesforce, a global leader in CRM, are implementing support center capabilities for the CTC’s tracing purposes.

“This is a key effort in the Commonwealth’s work to slow the spread of the virus by adding capacity to reach individuals who have come in close contact with individuals are confirmed positive for COVID-19,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “I encourage residents to cooperate with the operation so that we can further slow the spread of COVID-19 in Massachusetts.”

The Collaborative will deploy nearly 1,000 contact tracers throughout the state to connect with COVID-19 patients and their contacts to support Massachusetts’ efforts to track and contain the virus.

Contact tracing through the CTC will support the Baker-Polito Administration’s ongoing efforts to expand bed capacity, increase personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies and provide resources for health care providers and patients.

For more information on COVID-19, visit Mass.gov/covid19. Get notifications to your phone or mobile device by texting COVIDMA to 888-777.

The following is a statement from Bristol County District Attorney Thomas M. Quinn III regarding today’s Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) ruling:

“We are very pleased the court rejected the request by the ACLU and CPCS for the mass release of thousands of inmates.

I’m very appreciative that the SJC agreed with our position that each case will be considered on its own merits. I’m also heartened that the court did not order the release of the many dangerous defendants held in custody for violent crimes or major drug trafficking.

During the past three weeks, our office has been handling many motions to release defendants on a case by case basis. We will continue to strongly oppose the release of dangerous defendants to protect the public and victims.

During the past three weeks the population at the Bristol County jail has decreased by 20% due to the decrease in new arrests and the release of defendants that the court does not consider a public safety risk.

Under the court ruling, we will be required to review cases of certain defendants that the court does not consider a threat to public safety. However, we still have the right to request that defendants already in custody, who pose a clear threat to public safety or are a clear flight risk, continue to be held.”

The following was released by Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni:

“The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court today issued its ruling on an emergency petition filed by the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS) and the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL), which sought to immediately release thousands of inmates held on bail and those sentenced over concerns of COVID-19 in jails and prisons in the Commonwealth.

The decision, written by Justice Frank Gaziano, acknowledges the urgency of the threat on incarcerated populations but accepts the arguments of some of the respondents, including District Attorneys Blodgett, Cruz, Early, Gulluni, Morrissey, O’Keefe, and Quinn. The Court decided that with regard to sentenced inmates, the Separation of Powers limits its authority and, consequently, the decision maintains the executive branch’s authority over those individuals. Further, the Court decided that pre-trial detainees, particularly those with health or age factors that place them at higher risk, should be considered for release on an individual and expedited basis at hearings in the Trial Court. Pre-trial detainees who are outside of excluded categories of serious and violent crimes will be ordered released unless it is established that release would result in an unreasonable danger or very high risk of flight. The Court expressed its view that the system should endeavor to reduce numbers of detainees in light of COVID-19, but that should be done with consideration of public safety, victims’ rights, and the challenges inmates will face upon release.

Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni stated, “We are very appreciative of today’s decision by the Supreme Judicial Court. The Court’s decision contemplates the seriousness of this crisis for all involved, including victims of crime, our communities, and the health of inmates across the Commonwealth. This decision will allow us to continue thoughtful and careful individual reviews of detainees that has and will continue to reduce inmate populations, without jeopardizing victims of crime or our citizens across the Commonwealth.”

District Attorneys Blodgett, Cruz, Early, Gulluni, Morrissey, O’Keefe, and Quinn argued in their brief filed with the Court and in oral arguments that the Supreme Judicial Court’s powers, particularly on sentenced inmates, was limited due to the Separation of Powers. The District Attorneys also argued that the wholesale release of thousands of pre-trial and sentenced inmates would violate victims’ rights and seriously endanger public safety across the Commonwealth. The seven DAs further emphasized that this proposed spontaneous release would not only endanger crime victims and the public, but also the very inmates being released. In this state of emergency, those released would not benefit from the bevy of after-incarceration services typically provided, including medical and substance use care, and would not be supervised by agencies like parole or probation, which provide critical resources and guidance to men and women who re-enter our society after months and years of incarceration. Instead, the District Attorneys preferred that inmates be considered for release on a case-by-case basis in hearings before judges, who can make individual decisions considering the totality of the circumstances.”

On April 3, the Massachusetts Public Health Department reported that the state added 1,436 more positive cases of COVID-19 bringing to total to 10,402. 38 new deaths were reported bringing the total deaths in Massachusetts to 192.

As of 4 pm today, 62,962 people in Massachusetts have been tested for COVID-19 – 6,354 in the past 24 hours.

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell’s office reported this morning that New Bedford has a total of 49 positive cases of COVID-19, up from the 42 cases they reported on Wednesday. Full details here.

At 4:30 pm today, Fall River reported an additional 14 cases bringing the total in the city to 51.

Yesterday, Governor Baker detailed the latest model projections that estimate the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts could range from 47,000 to 172,000 (or 0.7% to 2.5% of the total population of Massachusetts). The models show hospitalizations would potentially peak between April 10-20. Full details here.

According to the CDC, as of April 3, the total amount of cases in The United States is 261,438 with 6,699 total deaths and 9,428 recovered.

“We are sorry for the inconvenience but in consideration of safety for our community and staff we are closed through April and have stopped billing all accounts while we are temporarily closed. We have waived all Freeze Fees due to these extenuating circumstances.

We are taking advantage of this time to deep sanitize and complete some club renovations. We will open as a better and cleaner version of ourselves!

Please be safe and follow CDC guidelines as we all have our part to do in putting an end to this virus.

For concerns please connect with us on wowcares@wownewengland.com and check us out on FB and our website wownewengland.com for updates and our on line WORK “INs”

In Fitness and Health,
WOW Management
500 Kings Highway
New Bedford, Massachusetts
Call (508) 995-6668.”

“I know that I’m not alone in trying to figure this week out! There has been an air of anxiety hanging over all of us made worse by the weather, the unending news and a sense that, as Winston Churchill once said, ‘This is the beginning of the beginning.’ Patience is often running low while stress is running high.

“Acushnet learned this week that four residents have contracted the Covid-19 virus. In a small town that hurts, as these folks are our extended family members. Collectively, we pray for them and hope their road to a full recovery is quick and complete. Their worry and concern is ours.

“As a town entity, we are prepared. Personnel Protective Equipment is available to our first responders. Facilities and equipment are getting disinfected and disinfected again. Your essential employees are on the job providing services while taking precautions. Buildings may be closed and hours reduced but the ball has not been dropped. We are all thankful that these folks continue to daily work on our behalf, as a community.

“Windows and mailboxes are being decorated with hearts and rainbows. Neighbors are checking in with neighbors. Businesses and individuals have donated N95 masks. Many people are making homemade masks that are provided to our staff. Residents are sending food to Police and Fire stations. Puzzles are being shared by neighbors. Acushnet is being kind, thoughtful and caring.

“We chose to live and work here. We stay because this is our community. We care because we are – despite our wonderful differences – truly all the same.

“Acushnet is nervous, on edge and antsy. We should be. We also know that every storm runs out of rain, that when this is behind us we will resume life in this fantastic little town a little more humble, a little kinder and a little more thankful for everything we have.

“Please stay safe.”

With respect and appreciation,

Kevin”

A Brooklyn man was arrested yesterday for allegedly coughing on FBI agents while claiming to have COVID-19, and with lying to them about his accumulation and sale of surgical masks, medical gowns, and other medical supplies, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Baruch Feldheim, 43, was arrested by special agents of the FBI today and charged by complaint with assaulting a federal officer and with making false statements to law enforcement. Feldheim is scheduled to have his initial appearance this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael A. Hammer in Newark federal court.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

On March 25, 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services issued an executive order designating certain scarce health and medical resources necessary to respond to the spread of the Coronavirus. Those designated materials included N95 filtering face-piece respirators, personal protection equipment (PPE) face masks, surgical masks, sterilization services, and disinfecting devices, among other things.

Feldheim allegedly sold certain designated materials, including N95 respirators, to doctors and nurses at inflated prices. In one instance, on March 18, 2020, a doctor in New Jersey contacted Feldheim via a WhatsApp chat group labeled “Virus2020!” Feldheim agreed to sell to the doctor approximately 1,000 N95 masks and other assorted materials for $12,000, an approximately 700 percent markup from the normal price charged for those materials. Feldheim directed the doctor to an auto repair shop in Irvington, New Jersey, to pick up the order. According to the doctor, the repair shop contained enough materials, including hand sanitizers, Clorox wipes, chemical cleaning supply agents, and surgical supplies, to outfit an entire hospital. Feldheim later told the doctor that he had been forced to move all of those supplies from Irvington to another location.

On March 23, 2020, Feldheim allegedly offered to sell a nurse a quantity of surgical gowns and directed the nurse to his residence in Brooklyn. Feldheim also received, on March 25, 2020, a shipment from Canada containing approximately eight pallets of medical facemasks. On March 27, 2020, FBI agents observed an empty box of N95 masks outside of Feldheim’s residence.

On March 29, 2020, FBI agents witnessed multiple instances during which individuals approached Feldheim’s residence and walked away with boxes or bags that appeared to contain medical supplies. On that date, FBI agents approached Feldheim outside of his residence. After identifying themselves as FBI agents, they told Feldheim that they wanted to stay a distance away from him given concerns over the spread of Coronavirus. When the agents were within four to five feet of him, Feldheim allegedly coughed in their direction without covering his mouth. The agents then told him that they were looking for certain PPE materials and that they had information that Feldheim was in possession of large quantities of such materials. At that point, Feldheim told the FBI agents that that he had the Coronavirus.

Feldheim then made false statements to the FBI agents regarding his possession and sale of personal protective equipment and other materials. He falsely told the agents, among other things, that he worked for a company that bought and sold personal protective equipment and other materials and that he never took physical custody of the materials. Feldheim further falsely stated that he did not possess large quantities of personal protective equipment materials and that he never sold them directly to individuals.

The assault charge carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. The false statements charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The supplies have been distributed to hospitals.

Please report COVID-19 fraud, hoarding, or price-gouging to the National Center for Disaster Fraud’s National Hotline at (866) 720-5721 or e-mail disaster@leo.gov.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Gregory W. Ehrie in Newark, with the investigation leading to today’s arrest.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Fayer of the Economic Crimes Unit.

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Tune in on our website or on Facebook to join Emma Lee Holmes-Hicks (violin) and Piero Guimaraes (percussion) Saturday at 7pm EDT for another evening soiree of eclectic music. Peter is not able to join the fun this time, but we are looking forward to performing that program with him soon.

In the meantime, we will take you on a musical journey through the History of Tango by Piazzolla, a new commission based on Brazilian proverbs by Kirsten Volness, a groovy duo for marimba and violin and we may even throw in a few fiddle tunes to top it off. Grab a drink, stay in your PJs and join us from the couch. We are looking forward to spending another evening with you, even if it has to be from a distance!

We will have two options to view this live stream: (1) If you have a Facebook account, go to the NBSO Facebook Live Videos page where you will see current and past live videos. Click on the “Emmy and the P’s” title to open the post so that you can comment and see others’ comments, or (2) go to our website and look for the Events tab, then Upcoming Events and click on the Emmy and the P’s box. Simply scroll down to find the video there.

Both options will not appear until very close to 7pm and the performance may start a bit late. And remember, if you miss it, you can view in either place for many days to come!

Facebook note: If you go to our main Facebook page to view the concert, please be sure to scroll down until you see the post with the live video. The EVENT will appear first, but the concert will appear in the POST further down the page.

“State Public Safety Secretary Thomas Turco, Massachusetts State Police Colonel Chris Mason, and numerous MSP Troopers and Massachusetts National Guardsmen were on hand this afternoon at Logan International Airport to provide security for the arrival of the New England Patriots plane carrying a shipment of more than a million critically-needed medical masks. The masks will be provided to health care personnel treating Coronavirus victims in Massachusetts and New York.

The acquisition of the approximately 1.2 million masks from China was accomplished by Governor Baker. Patriots owner Robert Kraft donated the team’s plane and flight crew to pick up and transport the masks to Massachusetts.

From Logan, the masks are being distributed to a Massachusetts site from where they will be distributed to various hospitals, with a separate portion of them being trucked to New York City for medical personnel there.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

The National Guard is undertaking the shipment to the Marlboro, Mass., equipment marshaling and distribution site, with MSP Troopers escorting them.

The second shipment of masks from Logan to New York City is being transported by the Patriots’ tractor-trailer unit. MSP Troopers will escort that shipment the entire route to its destination in NYC. Along the transport route, MSP cruisers providing the escort will be joined periodically by cruisers from Rhode Island State Police, Connecticut State Police, New York State Police, and New York Police.

Additionally, while in the Tri-State area, the MSP Troopers will fulfill a side mission in support of New Jersey State Police. NJSP personnel are in need of additional personal protective equipment. The MSP escort cruisers are carrying 2,000 protective masks and a supply of hand sanitizer from our Department stockpiles. The MSP escort cruisers will meet up with a NJSP and transfer the supplies to them to help keep their Troopers safe.”

Massachusetts State Police photo.

Massachusetts State Police photo.

Greater New Bedford Voc Tech distributed several chromebooks to students in an effort to give all students accessibility to technology throughout the extended school closure. Members of the IT department, maintenance staff, and Officer Fisher facilitated the no contact, curbside pickup for families. This technology is essential for student success in distance learning during the school closure. Although this type of teaching and learning is a transition for everyone involved, we can be sure that students at Greater New Bedford Voc Tech with persevere through these times.

#GNBVTinformationtechnology #Perseverance #SocialDistancing