United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) joined Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) along with Senators Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and a group of 11 colleagues in a letter to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which has suspended live interviews and U.S. Citizenship Oath of Allegiance Ceremonies during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, urging the Administration to implement technological solutions that will allow eligible immigrants to complete the last steps on their path to citizenship.

“While public health guidelines make clear that in-person contact should be limited to slow the further spread of the coronavirus, we urge USCIS to design and implement technological solutions that will allow immigrants who have played by the rules to complete the last steps on their path to citizenship,” the senators wrote. “As a result of USCIS’s March 18 freeze on oath ceremonies alone, over 100,000 people who have been approved for naturalization may be prohibited from taking their oaths and may therefore not be able to exercise their right as citizens to vote in November.”

The letter was also signed by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai’i), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio).

Senator Warren has been a champion for immigrants, including during the COVID-19 pandemic:

– She has cosponsored the Federal Immigrant Release for Safety and Security Together (FIRST) Act, introduced by Senator Booker and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), to move immigrants out of detention and halt immigration enforcement against individuals not deemed a significant public safety risk during the pandemic.
– In early March, she led a letter urging the Trump Administration to suspend all immigration enforcement actions in and around hospitals and other medical facilities.
– She recently joined her colleagues in a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) pushing for the release of vulnerable and low-risk detained persons from DHS custody as the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise. She and her colleagues previously wrote to DHS, ICE, and CBP asking about their plans to prepare for the possible spread of COVID-19 within DHS facilities.
– She joined Senator Durbin in urging President Trump to automatically extend work authorizations for recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and Temporary Protected Status during the pandemic.
– On March 11, she sent a letter with Senator Markey raising concerns about the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) handling of COVID-19 prevention efforts in the immigration courts. Senator Warren later urged DOJ to close all immigration courts to prevent the spread of the virus.
– She has also introduced the Prioritizing Pandemic Prevention Act (S. 3510), legislation to defund the border wall and direct those funds to combating COVID-19.

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New Bedford Public Schools’ free Grab n’ Go student meal distribution program continues at Grab n’ Go locations throughout the city with one temporary change of location in the South End: on Friday, May 1, 2020, Grab n’ Go at Roosevelt Middle School will move to Jacobs Elementary School, which is two city blocks north of Roosevelt. At Jacobs, a Grab n’ Go table will be set up at the school’s main entrance, 47 Emery Street, on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Grab n’ Go meals distribution will resume at Roosevelt on Tuesday, May 19 and ending at Jacobs.

Grab n’ Go meal distribution is available on Tuesdays and Fridays. Tuesday meal distribution: students will be provided meals to cover breakfast and lunch for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Friday meal distribution: students will be provided meals to cover breakfast and lunch for Friday and two additional days.

Grab n’ Go meals can be picked up at the following locations on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. for each child (18 years old or younger) during the NBPS closure due to COVID-19: Campbell, Carney, Gomes, Hayden-McFadden, Jacobs and Lincoln Elementary Schools, Keith Middle School, and 52 Walker Street (Brickenwood Housing Development). Please wear a face mask when picking up and maintain social distancing. All meals must be taken and consumed off-site.

New Bedford Public Schools Food Services has distributed more than 70,000 meals to date.

The City of New Bedford will distribute more than 50,000 masks manufactured at Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corporation in the City’s North End to New Bedford’s vulnerable populations and frontline workers to protect against the spread of COVID-19.

New Bedford has ordered a total of 53,000 cloth masks from the designer menswear manufacturer, and has already received and distributed 6,000 masks. Approximately 3,500 were distributed to elderly and other at-risk groups, and 2,500 were distributed among first responders and other essential city employees.

On Tuesday morning, Joseph Abboud’s CEO Joe Bahena greeted Mayor Jon Mitchell and other officials at the City’s Emergency Management Office, to present the latest delivery of masks to the City. As of Tuesday morning, New Bedford has 17,000 masks on hand, and 30,000 more are to arrive in May.

The City is directing the masks to specific groups of residents that are especially vulnerable to the coronavirus, with plans to reach all residents and staff of nursing homes, long-term care facilities, senior living facilities, shelters, and New Bedford Housing Authority facilities. Over the coming weeks, masks will also be made available to staff and patients of the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center, the staff and clients of the Meals on Wheels program, and elderly clients of the Immigrants’ Assistance Center.

The Health Department and Police Department will work to promote employee mask-use at essential businesses, with special focus on local grocery stores and restaurants to help ensure compliance with recent Orders issued by the Mayor and Board of Health.

“Joseph Abboud is a leader in menswear, and I am grateful to Joe Bahena and the company as corporate citizens for nimbly retooling their operation to provide these protective masks to New Bedford’s residents and frontline workers,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell.

“We are proud to support New Bedford’s efforts to fight the coronavirus,” said Joe Bahena, CEO of Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corporation.

Mayor Mitchell declared a state of emergency in New Bedford on March 13 due to the COVID-19 outbreak and has acted to enforce social distancing measures and protect residents. The City has since announced a range of measures to safeguard public health, including stringent public health requirements for nursing homes and senior living facilities. Earlier this month, the Mayor and Board of Health ordered that all essential businesses operating under the state’s essential businesses restrictions, such as food vendors and restaurants, must require employees who receive payment or serve customers to wear a surgical mask, or a cloth face covering that covers the nose and face, while performing their duties.

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration extended the essential services emergency order to May 18th and launched a Reopening Advisory Board that will produce a plan to the Governor by May 18th. The Administration also announced that the Department of Public Health’s Stay At Home Advisory remains in effect and gatherings of 10 or more people remain prohibited until May 18th.

Essential Services Order: Governor Charlie Baker’s emergency order requiring that all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers and the public will be extended until May 18th. Businesses and organizations not on the list of essential services are encouraged to continue operations through remote means that do not require workers, customers, or the public to enter or appear at the brick-and-mortar premises closed by the order. This order also extends the existing ban on gatherings of more than 10 people until May 18th.

Stay at Home Advisory: Governor Charlie Baker announced that the Department of Public Health’s stay-at-home advisory will remain in effect. Residents are strongly urged to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel and other unnecessary person to person contact during this time period. Residents who are considered at high risk when exposed to COVID-19 should limit social interactions with other people as much as possible.

Executive Branch Employee Guidance: The Baker-Polito Administration today also extended the guidance issued to Executive Branch employees on protocol during the COVID-19 outbreak to ensure state government can continue to provide key services while protecting the health and safety of the public and the Executive Branch workforce. Under the guidance, all employees performing non-core functions who are able to work remotely should continue to do so until May 18th.

Reopening Advisory Board: Today, Governor Baker announced the formation of the Reopening Advisory Board, which will be Co-Chaired by Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. The Board brings public health officials together with leaders from the business community and municipal government from across the Commonwealth. This group is charged with advising the administration on strategies to reopen the economy in phases based on health and safety metrics. It will meet with key stakeholders and solicit input from a variety of constituencies over the next three weeks to develop a report by May 18th that will include DPH approved workplace safety standards, industry frameworks and customer protocols and guidelines, including enforcement mechanisms and coordination with municipal leaders. This report is due on the 18th, but the administration has made clear that public health data and guidance from health care experts will dictate the timeline of the re-opening process.

The 17-member Advisory Board is composed of three public health officials, including Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Monica Bharel, three municipal officials, and eleven leaders from the business community, including MassDOT Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. Members of the Advisory Board bring a range of perspectives to the table, such as an understanding of workplaces and workforces and insights into key areas like financial markets, education, manufacturing and transportation.

Reopening Advisory Board Members:

· Aron Ain, CEO, Kronos Inc & Ultimate Software

· Carlo Zaffanella, Vice President and General Manager, Maritime & Strategic Systems, General Dynamics Mission Systems

· Corey Thomas, CEO, Rapid 7

· Daniel Rivera, Mayor, City of Lawrence

· Rochelle Walensky, MD, MPH, Massachusetts General Hospital

· Girish Navani, CEO and Co-Founder, eClinicalWorks

· Joe Bahena, Senior Vice President, Joseph Abboud Manufacturing

· Kathryn Burton, Chief of Staff, City of Boston

· Laurie Leshin, Ph.D., President, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

· Linda Markham, President, Cape Air

· Mark Keroack, President & CEO, Baystate Health

· Monica Bharel, Ph.D., Commissioner, Department of Public Health

· Nicole LaChapelle, Mayor, City of Easthampton

· Pamela Everhart, Head of Regional Public Affairs and Community Relations, Fidelity Investments

· Stephanie Pollack, Transportation Secretary and CEO

· Steve DiFillippo, CEO, Davios Restaurants

· Wendy Hudson, Owner, Nantucket Book Partners

Mayor Jon Mitchell’s office Tuesday reported 32 additional confirmed COVID-19 cases in New Bedford, bringing the total positive cases in the city to 535, up from 503 on Monday. Two more COVID-19 related deaths were also reported bringing the total to 15 in the city.

According to Mayor Coogan, there are 411 positive cases in Fall River, up 34 from Sunday. Full details here.

Sarah Rebello, who co-hosts a conservative radio show in Fall River, organized a rally at Government Center to express what she feels is an unconstitutional lockdown.

On April 27, the Massachusetts Public Health Department reported that the state added 1,590 more positive cases of COVID-19 bringing to total to 56,462. This is a decrease from Sunday 1,590 reported cases. Full details here.

The Supreme Judicial Court today issued an updated order, which will be effective May 4, 2020, regarding the operation of Massachusetts state courts and courthouses during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Full details here.

“Former Acushnet Selectman David Wojnar made arrangements for the donation of two barrels of hand sanitizer that were shipped to town free of charge last week.

One barrel was donated to Fairhaven first responders and the second kept in town for Acushnet’s public safety needs. With enough set aside for our first responders we decided to get the sanitizer into the hands of one important at risk group, our senior citizens.

“But still, how to divvy it up? So, in the same spirit in which we built the 9/11 Memorial nine years ago, we started asking around. It didn’t take long to find some very helpful and resourceful friends.

“First, the Acushnet DPW donated a hand pump used to draw the liquid from the barrel. Next, Evan White of White Brother’s Dairy made arrangements with Hood Milk for 110 brand new one gallon containers. Our own Fire Lieutenant Brian Monte connected us to Mr. Ed Andler of Boston based Andler Packaging Group who provided over 3oo eight ounce bottles with caps. Finally, the Acushnet Council on Aging will distribute these bottles of hand sanitizer along with fresh produce to town seniors this Thursday and the Acushnet Housing Authority will deliver bottles to their 60 residents before the end of the week! As additional donations of this important product are received we are in a position to quickly get it out of the fire station and on to the hands of the people who need it most”.

“All of the above was donated! Again, Acushnet (and friends) you rock.

“Fifty-five gallons, to one gallon, to eight ounces. It’s easy when you have friends!” -Acushnet Fire & EMS Department.

Last Thursday, Blue Harvest Fisheries at 40 Herman Melville Blvd in New Bedford was forced to close its doors by the New Bedford Board of Health after three of its employees tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. The business is now back open.

The “cease and desist” order for the facility hinged upon the “enhanced cleaning and disinfection” of the entire business and a subsequent 3-day waiting period.

The business was quick to respond when they discovered the employees had tested positive for the virus and did not wait for the “cease and desist” order from the City’s Board of Health. Instead, they immediately hired an independent, professional, third-party cleaner to perform a thorough disinfecting and cleaning of the entire facility.

In addition, they have enacted a new safety protocol for their staff in the form of incorporating rigorous sanitation, cleaning, and disinfecting procedures, as well as, social distancing practices.

In early April, Walgreens on Kempton Street in New Bedford given cease and desist order. Details here.

Katie Lannan
State House News Service

People who “willfully refuse to comply” with a new Somerville order requiring face coverings in public could be subject to a $300 fine, though Mayor Joe Curtatone said his city’s police, who will enforce the order, “are committed to compassionate policing” and will first aim to educate violators and issue warnings.

The face-covering order will take effect on Wednesday, with a one-week grace period. In an advisory to residents, Curtatone said appropriate face coverings cover the nose and mouth, and can include a scarf, bandana or “any clean cloth.” The order applies to indoor and outdoor public spaces, including stores, shared entrances of multi-unit homes, sidewalks, streets, and paths. Joggers and cyclists must comply. Children under age 2 are exempt.

“Exceptions will be made for persons with certain medical conditions, and we certainly understand that some may struggle to comply, such as persons living with a mental illness or parents trying to keep masks on young children,” the advisory said. “Understanding will be shown in such cases.”

Other municipalities have also adopted policies on face-coverings, including Holyoke, Holbrook, Braintree and Whitman, which require them in essential businesses, and Brookline, which requires them in public places.

Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone posted the following on Facebook:

“Starting Wednesday, we’re requiring everyone age 2 and up to wear face coverings in public. If you to make a run to the market, wear a face covering. If you’re out for a walk/run/bike ride, wear a face covering. It can be a medical mask or a piece of cloth, just wear a face covering. If you own clothing, you own something that can be used as a face covering.

Our police will be out over the next week making sure the public is educated about the requirement. We understand some people will be unable to wear one or have difficulties with a face mask. We’re not looking to issue tickets. We’d rather not. So don’t make it an issue and just wear a face covering.

Full details here: https://www.somervillema.gov/facecoverings ”

Last week, the folks at Gene Hardy Flooring ordered lunch for all the employees at both Trucchi’s locations in Taunton.

The food was provided by Liberty & Union Ale House, a popular restaurant that’s managed to adapt and stay up and running for takeout and delivery. A message on their Facebook page read “We are so grateful to GENE HARDY FLOORING INC. for donating delicious hot lunches from Liberty & Union Ale House to our hardworking team members in both of our Taunton locations. ♥️#YouveGotHeart.”

Bravo to the essential employees out there making our lives a little bit easier and THANK YOU to the businesses supporting them and fighting hard to get through this.

If you want to give a shout out or support any of the businesses mentioned you can visit them here:

Gene Hardy Flooring: facebook.com/GeneHardyFlooring/
Liberty & Union Ale House: facebook.com/LandUAlehouse/
Trucchi’s Supermarkets: facebook.com/trucchis/

Colin A. Young
State House News Service

A group of medical providers, academics, and concerned citizens is calling on the governor to do more to address the “racial and economic disparities that have become a defining element of the COVID-19 pandemic” in Massachusetts.

In a press release Monday, the group said that the state’s lack of clear racial or ethnicity data for most of its COVID-19 cases has led to a “crisis of inequity in both treatment and in death.” The group, which includes people employed at Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, and other institutions, is calling itself Massachusetts Healthcare Workers for Equity.

“It has been weeks, and as physicians and healthcare professionals, we have yet to see a comprehensive plan from Governor Baker that we feel meaningfully addresses the stark COVID-19 disparities that are occurring across Massachusetts,” Dr. Lara Jirmanus, a primary care physician in Revere, said. “The Governor cannot lead from behind on this topic, and he cannot avoid the fact that the state’s response thus far has been totally insufficient for Massachusetts’ communities of color.”

Baker’s administration has ordered the collection of race and ethnicity data for COVID-19 patients, but that information remains missing or unknown for more than half of both the state’s cases and deaths. The administration’s initial guidance on COVID-19 crisis care standards was criticized by lawmakers and others who thought they did not adequately account for health care disparities among communities of color. Those guidelines have been updated, in response to feedback, and several medical experts who helped craft the guidance said it is unlikely the standards will be activated.

While the Massachusetts Healthcare Workers for Equity group acknowledged actions the Baker administration has taken in Chelsea, which emerged as a hotspot for the virus, it also called on the governor to “rapidly increase testing and treatment in working-class communities of color with high rates of infection such as Randolph and Brockton, and to increase funding for community health centers and hospitals in these communities in order to fight COVID19.”

The coalition’s recommendations include “free healthcare for all,” massive production of testing and treatment supplies, a suspension of rent and debt collections to help working-class people to shelter in place, “bailouts for working people, not banks and big businesses,” and “the freeing of all nonviolent prisoners.”