Coronavirus Information Portal - multiple updates

Letter from Town Administrator, Jamie Hellen and the Superintendent of Schools, Sara Ahern regarding Coronavirus
https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/files/memo-ta-superintendent

* Residents please be informed that the over 1.3 Million square feet of municipal facilities (ie. Schools, Town Hall Building, etc.) are being sprayed every weekend with commercial grade disinfectant to help mitigate the spread of germs. This practice will continue for the foreseeable future.

The Town of Franklin is keeping up to date with the latest information related to the novel Coronavirus as it becomes available. This site will be updated regularly with information from State and Federal agencies. Please check back frequently.

The Town of Franklin will be cleaning and sanitizing all public buildings every weekend. There are many things you can do to prevent the transmission of COVID - 19 and other of viruses. Please follow the tips found here:

1. Keep a distance of 6 feet from people, especially individuals who are showing signs and symptoms of upper respiratory infection
2. Keep a small bottle of alcohol based (60%) hand sanitizer for travel. Rub over entire hands until hands are dry.
3. Wash hands with warm or hot water and soap for 20 seconds.
4. Try as hard as possible to not touch eyes, ears, nose, mouth, especially if you one has not washed hands recently.
5. Sneeze or cough into a tissue, discard tissue and wash hands thoroughly.

The following links provide up-to-date information regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Massachusetts Department of Public Health
https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

Center for Disease Control (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Frequently Asked Questions
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html



Best Practices for Prevention and Treatment 
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

Steps to prevent illness
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html

Messages from Superintendent Dr. Sara Ahern (March 8th, Feb 28th)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/superintendent/pages/messages-superintendent-regarding-coronavirus


Franklin Police Response to COVID-19 (March 13, 2020)
https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/2020-franklin-police-response-covid-19

Senior Center/Council on Aging COVID1-19 update (March 10, 2020)
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/uploads/cvupdate.pdf

How to clean your smartphone (and other computer hardware)
https://www.franklinps.net/district/educational-technology/files/how-clean-your-smartphone-and-other-computer-hardware

Please follow this link for information from Monica Bharel MD MPH, Commissioner of the Department of Health: https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/pages/corona-virus-information

 

Coronavirus Information Portal

Updates on coronavirus (COVID-19) from Senior Center, Franklin Police, Representative Roy, and Senator Spilka

• Senior Center Cancellation of Events and Activities

"As older adults and those with chronic medical conditions are the most vulnerable population with regard to the COVlD-19 outbreak, we will be cancelling most of our events and activities to reduce the risk of infection at the Franklin Senior Center for the next two weeks and possibly longer should conditions warrant. Our goal is to take all possible measures to prevent illness in older adults who attend the Senior Center, while maintaining activities that do not put participants at risk for exposure."

Read the full text including what services will still be offered mostly via appoint or phone  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/alerts/scclosing.pdf

• Franklin Police

Dear Residents, Businesses, and Visitors to the Town of Franklin,

As Chief of Police I have enacted several new policies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While many of these are internal and deal with how officers will continue to work and provide public safety, there are a few which the public should be aware of. These are effective immediately and will continue until further notice.

Effective March 10, 2020, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has declared a state of emergency and has urged other agencies to take action to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. As a police department, it is impossible for our employees to cut off all contact with the public, and because our role in the community is so vital, we must respond to this situation with some changes. In response to the state of emergency, and to protect the members of the Department and the public, the Franklin Police Department will implement the following changes until further notice.

Read the full text including what protocols were changed
https://www.franklinma.gov/police-department/news/2020-franklin-police-response-covid-19

• Representative Roy

I know there are many concerns about the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and I appreciate all of the calls and messages I have received over the last few days. New information is coming out regularly so please check the special state website for latest updates at https://www.mass.gov/covid19. In the meantime, here is the latest info I have:

Read the full text from Rep Roy
https://mailchi.mp/8562866a70a2/ux2l17im8a-2477749

• Senate President Karen Spilka

Greetings,

I am writing to you to provide information and resources about coronavirus and COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, in Massachusetts. This is a rapidly-evolving situation, and I know that there is a level of uncertainty in our communities. I can assure you, however, that I am working closely with state and local leaders to take steps to address the public health, economic and civic impacts of this pandemic.

I have added a page to my website, Coronavirus Updates, that I will keep updated with the latest information. Please feel free to bookmark it and check it often for the latest updates and guidance.

Senator Spilka's update page
https://karenspilka.com/updates/2020/3/13/covid-19-updates

• The joint memo from Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and School Superintendent Sara Ahern

Based on the evolving conditions associated with the COVID-19 outbreak occurring throughout the state, in consultation with the Franklin Board of Health, town emergency management officials, we have made the decision to close the Franklin Public Schools and most town buildings, beginning today, Friday, March 13, 2020. As the situation remains fluid, we anticipate remaining closed for approximately two weeks (through March 27, 2020) resuming operations March 30th where the Town will resume business; however, this may change based on direction from state and local health officials as more information becomes available.

We realize this decision has a significant impact and far-reaching ramifications for our community and understand the disruption and uncertainty that is created for everyone. However, we believe these steps are necessary given the current realities. We encourage all families to take a step back, please follow best hygiene and prevention practices as instructed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and to be patient. We do not make this decision lightly, but making decisions to help prevent transmission of the virus is paramount.

We encourage every Franklin resident, business and visitor to follow the latest guidance from local authorities on our Coronavirus Information Portal here on the Franklin homepage. More information on each departments level of service will continue to be updated here:

https://www.franklinma.gov/

Continue reading the full text of the joint memo
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/news/coronavirus-update-town-administrator-jamie-hellen-and-superintendent-schools-sara-ahern

https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal

Franklin Public Schools will be closed through March 27, 2020; Senior Center, Library, Recreation - indefinitely

Good afternoon,

After much consideration, out of an abundance of caution, Franklin Public Schools will be closed through March 27, 2020. We recognize that this creates a disruption in our daily lives. We did not make this decision lightly, but the health and safety of our students and staff is our top priority.

Please see the attached memo in the e-mail for more town and school-based information. Additional details will be forthcoming later today from FPS administration.

Kindly,

Franklin Public Schools

-----------------

Based on the evolving conditions associated with the COVID-19 outbreak occurring throughout the state, in consultation with the Franklin Board of Health, town emergency management officials, we have made the decision to close the Franklin Public Schools and most town buildings, beginning today, Friday, March 13, 2020. As the situation remains fluid, we anticipate remaining closed for approximately two weeks (through March 27, 2020) resuming operations March 30th where the Town will resume business; however, this may change based on direction from state and local health officials as more information becomes available.

We realize this decision has a significant impact and far-reaching ramifications for our community and understand the disruption and uncertainty that is created for everyone. However, we believe these steps are necessary given the current realities. We encourage all families to take a step back, please follow best hygiene and prevention practices as instructed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and to be patient. We do not make this decision lightly, but making decisions to help prevent transmission of the virus is paramount.

We encourage every Franklin resident, business and visitor to follow the latest guidance from local authorities on our Coronavirus Information Portal here on the Franklin homepage. More information on each departments level of service will continue to be updated here: https://www.franklinma.gov/

Effective immediately, we will be ordering the following public facility closures and restrictions:

1. Franklin Public School District will be closed beginning today, March 13th, 2020. The schools anticipate opening Monday, March 30th.

The FPS Administration is considering numerous factors at this time, including how to provide for continuity of services, including feeding children. Additional information will be forthcoming this afternoon and in the coming days. School based staff should not report on Monday, March 16, 2020. Additional expectations for staff will be communicated soon.

This information will be sent to families and staff via Regroup as well as posted on our webpage: https://www.franklinps.net/

2. Franklin Senior Center will be closed to all patrons indefinitely, until further notice. The staff will be required to work a full schedule and will continue to conduct outreach and assistance to seniors in need. Staff will be readily available by telephone at 508-520-4926 during regular business hours to answer questions and offer any assistance. Franklin Senior Center staff are also spending time disinfecting the entire building during the week, as well.

As stated by the CDC, older adults and those with serious illnesses are especially at high risk to contract the virus and have greater risk of complications from the virus. Please visit the Franklin website for additional information. We are urging our senior citizen population to continue to be vigilant, avoid large gatherings, practice social distancing and good hygiene, and to stay home as much as possible to limit exposure to Coronavirus.

3. Franklin Public Library will be closed to all patrons indefinitely, until further notice. The staff will be required to work a full schedule and will continue to operate business via online services and will be available by phone during modified business hours at 508-520-4941.

Modified business hours will be 9AM to 5PM Monday through Saturday where staff will be available by phone. All programs at the Library are cancelled for this duration.

Any late fines will be waived through at least March 27th.

4. Franklin Recreation Building will be closed to all patrons indefinitely, until further notice. The staff will be required to work a full schedule and will continue to operate business via online services. The Franklin Recreation Department operates all of its program registration online and individuals may continue to sign up for programs. The Town is cancelling all recreation programs through March 30th.

5. Municipal Building & DPW Administration Building will remain open during regular business hours for the time being. We are working through the legal factors relating to public meetings, public hearings and our ability to continue to conduct regular business as much as possible. Public bodies, such as elected Boards, must continue to work,unless further directed by the state. We hope to have additional information at the beginning of next week on the status.

We encourage all residents to use our online business options for permits, payments online at our online customer service center.

https://unipaygold.unibank.com/customerinfo.aspx https://franklinma.viewpointcloud.com/

6. Police and Fire Department will remain open to respond to public safety related matters as they arise. Emergency dispatch has included enhanced screenings to further diagnose any calls with infectious diseases.

7. Historical Museum will be closed indefinitely until further notice.

Other actions taken:

● The Town of Franklin is providing weekly deep sanitization of all public facilities every weekend. This will continue until further notice.

● The Town has installed numerous hand sanitizing stations throughout our buildings and schools to help prevent the spread of this (or any) virus.

● We continue to monitor the latest information from state authorities.

● The March 21st Stormwater Forum at the Public Library will be cancelled.

The following links are resources to find out information on best practices, travel restrictions and other facts about the spread of the virus. These are the three most trusted and factual sources of information for you and your family.

Center for Disease Control -- https://www.cdc.gov/Coronavirus/ 
Massachusetts Department of Public Health -- www.mass.gov/2019coronavirus Town of Franklin -- https://www.franklinma.gov/

Download your copy of the file
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eYh_NvOoJnUGa--I9NOMlFVI1S91kBHS/view?usp=sharing

One of the many casualties of the closing will be the monthly book sale

FM #224 Health Director Cathleen Liberty on the coronavirus (audio)

FM #224 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 224 in the series.

Town of Franklin Health Director Cathleen Liberty took some time from her schedule to sit and talk about the coronavirus and the steps to take to respond to it. 

Don’t panic, she says: “The Board of Health recommendation is to go about your normal life, however, if you are showing any type of symptoms, stay home, stay away from people.”

The Coronavirus portal on the Town page is being updated regularly as information from the CDC and MA Dept of Public Health is available.

What you won’t find there are any numbers on current cases, spending time and effort to update those when the situation is so dynamic is not a good use of time.

What you will find there is accurate and directly from the CDC, the MA Dept of Public Health, etc.

The audio segment runs about 10 minutes, so let’s listen in to my discussion with Town of Franklin Health Director Cathleen Liberty.
https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HrytChYX






--------------

Town of Franklin Coronavirus Information Portal
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/urgent-alerts/coronavirus-information-portal


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
• If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #224 Health Director Cathleen Liberty on the coronavirus (audio)

St John's Episcopal Church Suspends Worship & Programs for 2 weeks

"For the next two weeks, through March 26th, all programs and worship at St John's will be cancelled. That includes the Newcomers' Brunch, Junior Youth Group, Wed Morning Prayer, The Mind-Body-Spirit March dates, Sunday worship, and Church School.

I will livestream worship on Sunday at 10am via FaceBook. We will reach out to those in the parish who don't have email, and encourage all of you to stay connected with each other by phone.

Please remember that God is ever present with us in this time of uncertainty, and be not afraid."

Many blessings,
The Rev. Kathy McAdams, Rector

857-237-9428
www.StJohnsFranklinMA.org

St John's Episcopal Church Suspends Worship & Programs for 2 weeks

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Mar 13 to THU - Mar 19

This is a snap shot of the calendar as of early Friday morning. Please check with the online calendar and or facility where the event is scheduled for updates. The scheduling of events due to the pandemic is dynamic.

Note - updated 3/13/20 PM - The Library, Senior Center, and all Recreation activities have been canceled. The facilities are closed "indefinitely"
 

Friday, March 13

9:00am

 Library-Baby-Wearing Dance Party-Ages 0-12mo

10:00am

 Knitting Group

10:30am

 Library-Happy Feet!-Ages 2-4

3:30pm

 Library-Chess Club for Kids-Ages 8-13

Saturday, March 14

10:00am

 Franklin Historical Museum (Always free)

10:00am

 Library - Technology Help with Nerds To Go - Adults

1:00pm

 Library- Girls Who Code!- Ages 6th-8th Grade

7:30pm

 FPAC performs "Legally Blonde The Musical"

8:00pm

 Cancelled -> The Squeezebox Stompers: Circle of Friends Coffeehouse

Sunday, March 15

1:00pm

 Franklin Historical Museum (always free)

2:00pm

 FPAC performs "Legally Blonde The Musical"

3:00pm

 Library - Padula's Jazz, Etc - All ages

Monday, March 16

10:30am

 Library-Move Along- Ages 0-5

3:30pm

 Library- D&D for Kids- Ages 7-13

Tuesday, March 17

 St. Patrick's Day

9:30am

 Library- Cool Cruisers- 8mo-18mo

10:30am

 Library-Get Ready for Kindergarten- 3-5yrs

4:00pm

 Library - Code I.T. Ages 4th grade +

4:00pm

 Library-Code I.T.-Ages 4th grade+

4:00pm

 Library-Toe-Tapping Tuesdays-Ages 2-4!

6:00pm

 Library - Adults - Drop-In ESL Conversation Class

7:00pm

 Leaping into Kindergarten

Wednesday, March 18

10:30am

 Library- Terrific Toddlers- Ages 18mo-3yrs

3:30pm

 Library- Creation Station!- Ages 4+

6:00pm

 Library-RAD Storytellers Club!-Grades K+

6:30pm

 “Taming Technology for Community Members”.

Thursday, March 19

8:30am

 Town Council Office Hours

9:30am

 Library- Tummy Time- Ages 0-12mo (pre-walkers)

10:30am

 Library-Story Xplorers- Ages 0-5

4:00pm

 Library- Bookworm Bounce Storytime!- Ages 0-5

6:00pm

 Franklin Democratic Party Caucus - CANCELED

6:00pm

 Library-Volunteens-Teens (13+)

For the interactive version, please visit

https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/blog-page.html

For the Town of Franklin Public Meeting Calendar

https://www.franklinma.gov/calendar

Submit an event for the Community Calendar, please use this link

https://www.franklinculture.org/things-do/links/submit-event

Upcoming Events in Franklin, MA: FRI - Mar 13 to THU - Mar 19

DLS Alert: Baker-Polito Administration Announces Emergency Order Modifying the State’s Open Meeting Law

Open meeting law regulations modified to allow public meeting to continue during this pandemic period

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Emergency Order Modifying the State's Open Meeting Law The Baker-Polito Administration today announced an emergency order temporarily modifying the state's open meeting law in order to allow state, quasi and local governments to continue to carry out essential functions and operations during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. This emergency order suspends the requirement for public access to the physical location where a public meeting is taking place, provided there are other means of access available. This includes the use of a phone conference line for members of the public, social media or other internet streaming services, on-line meeting services, or methods of access. Both the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) have advised residents to take extra measures to put distance between themselves and other people to further reduce the risk of being exposed to COVID-19. Additionally, the CDC and DPH have advised high-risk individuals, including people over the age of 60, anyone with underlying health conditions or a weakened immune system, and pregnant women, to avoid large gatherings. Additionally, the order relieves the requirement that a quorum of members be physically present at a public meeting. During this period, members may all participate by remote or virtual means. This order is applicable to meetings of public bodies including commissions, boards, and committees that engage in policy making at the state, quasi and local level, and it does not apply to Town Meetings or judicial and quasi-judicial hearings. It follows Governor Baker's declaration of a State of Emergency on Wednesday, March 11, and it will remain in place until rescinded or the State of Emergency is terminated.

Massachusetts Department of Revenue - Division of Local Services · 100 Cambridge Street · Boston, MA 02114 · USA

"They were frustrated, but they knew it might be coming"

Josh Perry, Managing Editor of HockomockSports.com, provides some insghts on the MIAA decision, and reaction from both the Foxboro and Franklin girls basketball teams who won't be playing on Saturday.

"Both the Franklin and Foxboro girls basketball team were practicing on Thursday evening when the news filtered through that both of their seasons had ended with a victory, although neither got the opportunity to complete their impressive seasons by taking the floor in a state championship game.

The MIAA announced early Thursday evening that it was canceling the state championship basketball games originally slated to be played on Saturday in Worcester out of concern for the COVID-19 pandemic. The six hockey state championship games scheduled for Sunday at the TD Garden were also canceled and the beginning of the spring season has been postponed for at least two weeks.

With the decision to cancel the finals, the teams that had reached this stage were declared co-champions. Foxboro will share the Div. 2 title with West champion Taconic, earning the Warriors a second state title in three seasons. Franklin finishes its season at 25-0 and will share the Div. 1 crown with North champion Andover, claiming the first state title in program history and widely regarded as the top team in the state.

For both teams, it is hard not feel the season’s end and the state titles were anti-climactic after the excitement of winning four or five tournament games."

Continue reading the article online
https://hockomocksports.com/franklin-and-foxboro-girls-basketball-earn-respective-state-titles/

FHS Girls Varsity Twitter photo  https://twitter.com/fhsgvbasketball/status/1238212014138408960?s=20

Comcast Tourney Champs, Hockomock K-R Champs, #1 seed in the Central, Sectional Champs, Div 1 State Champs and an UNDEFEATED SEASON!!! CONGRATULATIONS on a PERFECT SEASON!!! You are all exceptional student-athletes!!! We are so proud of each of you and all this team accomplished! https://t.co/ZV69Vu1nqb

— FranklinAthletics (@FHSSports) March 13, 2020

"Biden’s new campaign manager is Franklin native Jennifer O’Malley Dillon"

From the Milford Daily News via the Washington Post, an article of interest for Franklin:

"Former vice president Joe Biden named Jen O’Malley Dillon as his new campaign manager Thursday, a major shake-up that comes as the party’s leading candidate plans an organizational expansion to prepare for the general election.

The move is intended to quell concerns raised in recent weeks by senior Democratic strategists about the leadership structure of the Biden campaign, which has been beset by underwhelming fundraising, scant staffing resources and organizational miscues during the early nominating contests.

“She will be a tremendous asset to a campaign that is only growing and getting stronger as we prepare to take the fight to Donald Trump this fall,” Biden said in a statement accompanying the announcement.

The campaign shuffle is an acknowledgment that while Biden has had a remarkable recent run of victories - at least 15 of the past 21 contests - his operation was not up to the challenge posed by President Donald Trump if Biden wins the nomination."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200312/bidens-new-campaign-manager-is-franklin-native-jennifer-omalley-dillon

The Washington Post article (subscription may be required)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/joe-biden-appoints-jen-omalley-dillon-as-new-campaign-manager/2020/03/12/9fbde70e-63fd-11ea-845d-e35b0234b136_story.html

In the News: Dean students get extra break; BAA marathon to be rescheduled

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

"In light of the continuing spread of the new coronavirus, Dean College students are getting an extra-long spring break.

Administrators, led by President Paula Rooney, issued a decision on Wednesday to extend the break at least through March 22; the break was original scheduled for March 9-13.

The decision comes a day after Gov. Charlie Baker declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts regarding the respiratory illness, known as COVID-19, and as the World Health Organization on Wednesday labeled the virus a pandemic.

“Our focus is and will always be on the health, safety and well-being of our community of students, faculty and staff,” states an announcement posted by Rooney’s to the college website on Wednesday."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200312/franklins-dean-college-extending-spring-break-in-light-of-covid-19-emergency/1

"Organizers of the 2020 Boston Marathon will postpone this year’s race amid concerns about COVID-19, sources told 5 Investigates.

The 124th running of the world’s oldest and most prestigious marathon was set for April 20, Patriots’ Day. Organizers are now looking to reschedule the event for September, although an exact date has not been determined, sources tell 5 Investigates. Sources say Sept. 5 - the Saturday before Labor Day - is being considered.

Legislators are talking about creating a special holiday in the fall in order to have the Marathon be held on a holiday, WCVB has learned. The bill would be subject to the same approval process as other bills.

The Boston Athletic Association had said it was working closely with state and local officials and would adhere to policies put forth by the Department of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200312/organizers-will-postpone-boston-marathon-according-to-wcvb

BAA web page with updates  https://www.baa.org/races/race-updates

BAA web page with updates

Massachusetts Legislature Approves a $15 Million Fund in Response to the Coronavirus Outbreak

The Senate and House today passed a supplemental budget to create a $15 million fund in response to the outbreak of COVID 19 cases in Massachusetts. The funds, held in reserve, will support the Commonwealth’s monitoring, treatment, containment, public awareness and prevention efforts against the 2019 novel coronavirus by the Department of Public Health, regional and local boards of health, and other public entities.

“Massachusetts acted quickly to put in place funds for our public health system so that it may have resources immediately available to combat the spread of the coronavirus,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D – Winthrop). ““Thank you to Chair Michlewitz for his work to move this legislation this week and Leader Jones for his support. We took this action in partnership with our Senate colleagues, and we appreciate the leadership of Senate President Spilka and the work of Chair Rodrigues during this public health crisis.”

“This week, the Senate, along with our partners in the House, acted decisively to provide a flexible source of funding to assist state and local efforts to deal with our unfolding public health crisis,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I would like to thank everyone, from Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues and Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, to Speaker DeLeo and Chair Michlewitz, for their collaborative work to quickly pass this supplemental budget.”

“I am pleased that we were able to approve this critical funding so quickly,” said Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways &; Means (D – Boston). “We will continue to work collaboratively with our partners in the Senate and with the Baker administration to combat this crisis however we can.”

“As COVID-19 outbreak continues to disrupt the day-to-day actions of our Commonwealth, we must continue to rapidly respond to this immediate public health crisis,” said Senator Michael Rodrigues, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways & Means (D-Westport). “Thanks to the leadership of Senate President Spilka, and the partnership of Speaker DeLeo and Chair Michlewitz, we have acted swiftly to provide an immediate infusion of $15 million to enhance state and local response efforts to ensure the well-being of our residents and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”

“I’m pleased we were able to take quick action as a first step to address the coronavirus outbreak,” said House Minority Leader Representative Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). “I expect this will be the first of many actions we will take to respond to this rapidly evolving public health situation.”

“To combat the spread of Coronavirus illness, the Senate and House have acted quickly to give the state and local agencies charged with protecting the public health the resources they need to respond effectively to this threat,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). “Our actions today reflect our ongoing commitment to do what is necessary to reduce risk of harm to the people of the Commonwealth.”

The bill now goes to the governor.

Massachusetts Legislature Approves a $15 Million Fund  in Response to the Coronavirus Outbreak

March Veterans Council Meeting Cancelled

March Veterans Council Meeting Cancelled

The monthly Veterans Council Meeting scheduled for March 19, 2020 has been cancelled due to Coronavirus concerns.

Stay tuned for updates!

March Veterans Council Meeting Cancelled