MBTA Update: Commuter Rail notice - Interstate travel COVID-19 changes

According to the new travel order, passengers traveling from NY, WA or DC coming to MA must also quarantine for 14 days or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Passengers must also fill out the online Massachusetts Travel Form or risk a fine.

For more information visit Mass.gov/MAtraveler or text MATraveler to 888-777.

Last Updated: Nov 13 2020 04:35 PM

 

The update to the existing travel order reflects:

Travelers from COVID-19 lower-risk States are not required to fill out the Massachusetts Travel Form and do not need to quarantine. The Department of Public Health metric for determining lower-risk states for the purposes of Massachusetts’ interstate travel policy considers data over two weeks before moving a state from lower risk to high risk. One week of data is the standard for moving states into the lower risk category.

Additionally, the threshold of daily cases per 100,000 residents is 10 (which ensures that Massachusetts’ standard is in line with other states). States are included on the “lower-risk” list based on meeting two criteria: average daily cases per 100K below 10 AND positive test rate below 5%, both measured as a 7-day rolling average.  

Data is from covidexitstrategy.org as of November 11, 2020.

The current list of COVID-19 lower-risk states includes: 

Hawaii Maine

New Hampshire

Vermont

More info on the MA Travel order can be found  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order

Interstate travel COVID-19 changes

"New York state now 'highly discourages' any non-essential travel to and from MA"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Public health officials confirmed more than 1,000 new COVID-19 infections for the fourth consecutive day Tuesday and the latest report shows all four of the state’s primary COVID-19 metrics trending in the wrong direction. The Department of Public Health reported 1,025 new coronavirus infections Tuesday and announced the recent COVID-19 deaths of seven individuals.

The seven-day average of the positive test rate is now 1.7 percent -- more than double its low-point value of 0.8 percent from just more than a month ago. Despite the steady climb in the percentage of tests that come back positive, DPH said Tuesday that it still sees a “positive trend” in that metric.

There were 567 people with COVID-19 hospitalized in Massachusetts as of midday Tuesday, up by 17 patients from midday Monday. The three-day average number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients is 552, up about 83 percent from its low point of 302 patients, DPH said. As with the positive test rate, DPH said that it sees a “positive trend” in the number of people hospitalized with COVID-19."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20201027/despite-coronavirus-numbers-dph-sees-positive-trend?rssfeed=true

From CommonWealth Magazine:

"GOV. CHARLIE BAKER urged Massachusetts residents to celebrate Thanksgiving differently this year, limiting any gatherings to people you live with or with whom you are regularly in contact.

Any bigger gathering, the governor’s top COVID advisor said, should be done remotely. “You could actually Zoom Thanksgiving with your family and friends across the country,” said Marylou Sudders, the secretary of health and human services.

Baker and Sudders said the science is clear that a traditional Thanksgiving, with people gathering indoors for most of the day to eat, watch football, and eat some more, is not appropriate during COVID. Sudders called it “the worst possible scenario for spreading the virus.”

Pass the stuffing on Zoom this year

Gov Baker's press conference on Tuesday https://youtu.be/jHUqjwtX9Qs 

In the News: MA joints state compact on PPE; MA adds RI to restrictions list

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Massachusetts is among seven states that are entering formal talks with manufacturers with the goal of facilitating rapid point-of-care antigen tests that could more quickly detect COVID-19 outbreaks in workplaces, schools and congregate care settings.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, who announced the interstate testing compact Tuesday, negotiated the agreement with the Rockefeller Foundation in his final days as chairman of the National Governors Association. Plans call for each state to purchase 500,000 tests.

“Increasing both testing capacity and access to testing is a critical part of stopping the spread of COVID-19,” Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement. “We are pleased to join this interstate compact and look forward to working with this bipartisan group of governors to collectively build on these shared goals.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200805/massachusetts-joining-interstate-compact-to-enter-talks-with-manufacturers-for-rapid-point-of-care-antigen-tests?rssfeed=true

"Rhode Island on Tuesday was added to travel advisory lists for Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

The new rules for self-quarantines when traveling from Rhode Island to those states were imposed after Rhode Island saw recent upticks in coronavirus cases.

The rules apply to Rhode Islanders traveling to those states, as well as to people returning to those states from visits to Rhode Island. There are some exceptions, like people who have been in Rhode Island for less than 24 hours.

Massachusetts added Rhode Island later on Tuesday, hours after the tri-state area did. There are exceptions in Massachusetts, like going to work or producing a negative test. Massachusetts’ order is effective Friday."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200805/massachusetts-adds-rhode-island-to-travel-order-as-coronavirus-cases-increase-in-state?rssfeed=true

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order

Baker-Polito Administration Issues New Travel Order Effective August 1st

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Massachusetts will impose new restrictions on travelers from most of the United States next week, threatening fines of $500 per day for those who do not quarantine or prove they tested negative for COVID-19, the Baker administration announced Friday. 

Under Gov. Charlie Baker’s new executive order, anyone entering Massachusetts will need to fill out a form summarizing their travel, then either self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival or submit negative test results for the highly infectious virus no more than 72 hours old. 

The new policy that takes effect Aug. 1 is an escalation of a travel advisory that has been in place for months, adding enforcement mechanisms as new infections continue to surge in states outside the northeast. Individuals who do not follow the mandatory quarantine order could be fined $500 per day, according to a press release from Baker’s office. 

Travel from states considered low-risk -- defined as having a daily case rate of less than six people per 100,000 and a positive test rate below 5 percent -- will be exempt from the quarantine or test policies. As of Friday, eight states are on that list: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Hawaii."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200724/baker-orders-fines-for-travelers-who-dont-quarantine/1?rssfeed=true

Link to text of the Press Release
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-issues-new-travel-order-effective-august-1st

Link to the new MA Traveler page https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-travel-order
To go direct to the new travel form https://www.mass.gov/forms/massachusetts-travel-form

YouTube link for Press Conference = https://youtu.be/o1bWAauaWoU

COVID-19 ruined my travel plans. Now what?

COVID-19 ruined my travel plans. Now what? by Namukolo Kasumpa, International Fellow, Division of Consumer & Business Education If COVID-19 canceled your travel plans, you are likely disappointed and wondering about refunds, credits, or vouchers for plane tickets, cruise bookings, tours, and more.  Even if your scheduled travel is months away, you might be weighing your options. And many travel service providers seem to be working to address concerns about upcoming trips. Read more  https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/05/covid-19-ruined-my-travel-plans-now-what  This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

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In the News: NBA suspends season, Trump bans European travel as coronavirus steps

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"The NBA has suspended its season “until further notice” after a Utah Jazz player tested positive Wednesday for the coronavirus, a move that came only hours after the majority of the league’s owners were leaning toward playing games without fans in arenas.

Now there will be no games at all, at least for the time being. A person with knowledge of the situation said the Jazz player who tested positive was center Rudy Gobert. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither the league nor the team confirmed the presumptive positive test.

“The NBA is suspending game play following the conclusion of tonight’s schedule of games until further notice,” the league said in a statement sent shortly after 9:30 p.m. Eastern. “The NBA will use this hiatus to determine next steps for moving forward in regard to the coronavirus pandemic.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200311/nba-suspends-season-until-further-notice-over-coronavirus

"President Donald Trump said Wednesday he is suspending all travel between the U.S. and Europe for 30 days beginning Friday as he seeks to combat a viral pandemic.

Trump made the announcement in an Oval Office address to the nation, blaming the European Union for not acting quickly enough to address the “foreign virus” and saying U.S. clusters were “seeded” by European travelers.

“We made a lifesaving move with early action on China,” Trump said. “Now we must take the same action with Europe.”

Trump said the restrictions won’t apply to the United Kingdom and the U.S. would monitor the situation to determine if travel could be reopened earlier."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200311/trump-suspends-travel-between-us-and-europe-for-30-days


Go directly to the portal
https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/urgent-alerts/corona-virus-information-portal

Attention Franklin: Coronavirus Information Portal

Franklin, MA: School Committee - Agenda - Sep 25, 2018

Vision Statement

The Franklin Public Schools will foster within its students the knowledge and skills to find and achieve satisfaction in life as productive global citizens.

A G E N D A

“The listing of matters are those reasonably anticipated by the Chair which may be discussed at the meeting. Not all items listed may in fact be discussed and other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law.”

1. Routine Business
a. Review of Agenda
b. Citizen’s Comments

i. In the spirit of open communication, “the School Committee will hear public comment not related to an agenda item at the beginning of each regular School Committee Meeting. The Committee will listen to, but not respond to any comment made. A Committee member may add an agenda item to a future meeting as a result of a citizen comment” – from Policy BEDH

c. FHS Student Representative Comments
d. Superintendent’s Report

2. Guests / Presentations
a. Elementary School Improvement Plans
i. ECDC
ii. Davis Thayer
iii. Jefferson
iv. Keller
v. JF Kennedy
vi. Oak Street
vii. Parmenter

3. Discussion / Action Items
a. Policy – First Reading
I recommend approval of moving the following policies to a second reading as
discussed:

• NEW JFABE – Educational Opportunities for Military Children
• NEW JFABF – Educational Opportunities for Children in Foster Care
• BCA – School Committee Member Ethics

b. Policy – Second Reading
I recommend adoption of Policy BA – School Committee Operational Goals as
discussed

c. Concession Stand
I recommend acceptance of the Concession Stand at Franklin High School valued
at $210,800.00 from various donors as discussed.

d. FHS Europe Trip Proposal
I recommend approval of the request of Mr. Walsh and Mr. McCarthy to take FHS
students to Berlin, Prague, Krakow (Auschwitz) and Budapest from June 23, 2019
through July 3, 2019 as detailed.

4. Discussion Only Items

5. Information Matters
a. School Committee Sub-Committee Reports (e.g. Budget; Community Relations;
Policy; Transportation; Public Schools Advocacy; Ad Hoc Superintendent’s Evaluation)

b. School Committee Liaison Reports (e.g. Joint PCC; Substance Abuse Task Force; School Wellness Advisory Council [SWAC]; School Start Times Advisory Committee [SSTAC],  MASC)

6. New Business
a. To discuss any future agenda items

7. Consent Agenda
a. Minutes
I recommend approval of the minutes from your September 11, 2018 School Committee meeting.
b. Elementary School Improvement Plans
I recommend adoption of the Elementary School Improvement Plans for the following schools as presented:

• F. X. O’Regan Early Childhood Development Center
• Davis Thayer Elementary School
• Jefferson Elementary School
• Helen Keller Elementary School
• John F. Kennedy Elementary School
• Oak Street Elementary School
• Gerald M. Parmenter Elementary School

c. Oak Street Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $1,232.00 from the Oak St. PCC for field trips as detailed.
d. Keller Gift
I recommend acceptance of a check for $3,891.00 from the Keller PCC for field trips as detailed.
e. RMS Recurring Field Trip
I recommend approval of the recurring field trip request of Mr. Fitzgerald to take 25 RMS students to Mt. Monadnock in Jaffrey, NH on October 20, 2018 as detailed.

8. Payment of Bills Dr. Bergen

9. Payroll Mrs. Douglas

10. Correspondence - none

11. Executive Session
a. Strategy with respect to collective bargaining.

12. Adjournment

The documents released for this agenda can be found on the Town of Franklin page
https://www.franklinps.net/district/meeting-packets/pages/september-25-2018-packet-documents

concession stand at Franklin High School

Adventures By Disney® on September 28

Dinner’s On Us! Adventures By Disney® Info Night You’re invited to a fun, casual evening to learn more about Adventures By Disney® on September 28, 6:00pm at Acapulcos Restaurant in Franklin, MA. This event is hosted by Enchanted Memories Travel and includes complimentary dinner and drinks. 

Spaces at this event is limited and on a first come, first served basis so please RSVP by 9/24 using the form below. If you have any questions please email info@enchantedmem.com 

Adventures By Disney® Info Night

A representative from Adventures By Disney® will be on hand to share with you all that an Adventures By Disney® vacation will mean to your family. In short, if you travel with Adventures by Disney®, you experience firsthand the people and cultures of the places you visit—and you do so with the service, VIP experiences and unique local opportunities you can only expect from Disney.

We hope you can join us for this fun and informative evening!

Reminder: Enchanted Memories Travel - Open House - May 2

Enchanted Memories Travel has been based in Franklin for the past 3 years and recently moved into a new office in Depot Plaza.  The owners, Vincent and Maria Dowling are longtime Franklin residents.  

Enchanted Memories Travel (Twitter photo)

We are having a free, family-friendly event in Depot Plaza on May 2.  It's a way to announce our new location and thank the town that has helped us grow and thrive mostly via word of mouth advertising over the past 3 years.  

Enchanted Memories Travel - Open House - May 2

Visit Enchanted Memories on the web http://www.enchantedmem.com/

Enchanted Memories Travel: Open House - May 2

Enchanted Memories Travel has been based in Franklin for the past 3 years and recently moved into a new office in Depot Plaza.  The owners, Vincent and Maria Dowling are longtime Franklin residents.  

Enchanted Memories Travel (Twitter photo)

We are having a free, family-friendly event in Depot Plaza on May 2.  It's a way to announce our new location and thank the town that has helped us grow and thrive mostly via word of mouth advertising over the past 3 years.  

Enchanted Memories Travel - Open House - May 2

Visit Enchanted Memories on the web http://www.enchantedmem.com/

Enchanted Memories Travel - Depot Plaza

Enchanted Memories Travel is a full-service travel agency dedicated to simplifying vacation planning. Make memories, not reservations.

You can visit them on the web, or now you can visit them in person. A recent tweet announces their new storefront location in downtown Franklin!

Local friends, thrilled to announce our new storefront in Depot Plaza in Franklin! Coming soon! @FranklinMatters pic.twitter.com/IDCvM4z6iN
— Enchanted Memories (@Enchantedmem) November 23, 2014

Enchanted Memories - Depot Plaza, Franklin

Visit Enchanted Memories on the web http://www.enchantedmem.com/