Tuesday, August 18, 2020

State Rep Roy: What's happening in the district - August 2020 newsletter


State Rep Roy: What's happening in the district - August 2020 newsletter

Voting has begun

With mail-in voting that was approved by the legislature in July, voting for the September 1, 2020 primary has begun. Vote-by-mail applications were mailed to every person who was registered to vote by July 1 and who had not already requested an absentee ballot for the State Primary. The applications are pre-addressed to your local election official and no postage is necessary. If you did not get one, you can download an application by clicking here.

For the State Primary ballot, your application must reach your local election office no later than August 26. If you wish to vote by mail, you are strongly encouraged to return your application earlier than that to make sure that you will receive your ballot in time to return it and have it be counted. And you can drop off your completed ballots in specially marked boxes at Town Hall. You can even track the progress of your ballot here.

You can also take advantage of early voting. In-person voting for the September 1 State Primary will take place over 8 days, with 7 days of early voting being held August 22-28. All cities and towns are required to offer early voting on Saturday, August 22 and Sunday, August 23. The early voting schedule for Franklin is here. The early voting information for Medway is here.

Finally, you can vote in person on Tuesday, September 1 at the regular polling places. Your vote is essential for our democracy, so I hope you will take advantage of one of the three available methods to let your voice be heard. As always, please stay safe and keep in touch.


Copyright © 2020 State Rep Jeff Roy, All rights reserved.
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Franklin Residents: A Message from the Town Clerk's Office

A Message from the Town Clerk's Office

Hello Franklin, 

Please know that we are processing ballot requests as quickly as possible. Our office is currently processing 1,000's of requests each day; be assured that you will receive your ballot. 

We will be returning phone calls to citizens who have left messages after the workday. Also, we are requesting our residents to return their ballots to the 24-hour white mailbox located on the left side of the Municipal Building  This is the best place to return your ballot for guaranteed on-time delivery. 

We appreciate your patience and understanding!

Thank you and have a great day!

Franklin Residents: A Message from the Town Clerk's Office
Franklin Residents: A Message from the Town Clerk's Office


'Talk Franklin' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - 8/14/20 (Audio)

FM #329 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 329 in the series. 


This session of the radio show shares my "Talk Franklin" conversation with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen and Communications Specialist Anne Marie Tracey. We had our conversation via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


We talk about: 

  • Re-opening

  • Election

  • Recap/set up

    • Stormwater - Sep 9 next meeting; 

      • #thinkBlueFranklin extension to 8/23

    • EDC/ MAPC 

      • Aug 20 next meeting, listening sessions scheduled

    • MECC grant

    • Senior center office hours 8/20

    • Councilor Earls leaves for law school

The recording runs about just over an hour, so let’s listen to my conversation with Jamie and Anne Marie. Audio Link = https://anchor.fm/letstalkfranklin/episodes/Town-Updates-and-News-Reopening--Elections-and-more-ei9f85/a-a2vir6h



 

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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  


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"


'Talk Franklin' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - 8/14/20 (Audio)
'Talk Franklin' with Town Administrator Jamie Hellen - 8/14/20 (Audio)

FM #330 Conversation with Rabbi Tom - 8/11/20 (audio)

FM #330 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 330 in the series. 

This session shares my conversation with Rabbi Tom Alpert of Temple Etz Chaim here in Franklin. Our conversation was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.


In this introductory conversation, I learn from Rabbi Tom of the history of the Temple and of his different path to this role. Did you know Rabbi Tom was a lawyer? Along the way, we talk of the shift from in person to virtual during this pandemic and yet still being present in spirit and community. I found the conversation easy going, informative and insightful. I hope you do too.


The recording runs just about 28 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Rabbi Tom. Audio file = https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-330-conversation-with-rabbi-tom-8-11-20



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


Temple Etz Chaim  https://temple-etzchaim.org/


InterFaith Council  http://franklininterfaith.org/



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

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial


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 #330 Conversation with Rabbi Tom - 8/11/20 (audio)
FM #330 Conversation with Rabbi Tom - 8/11/20 (audio)

In the News: Trump administration blocked by ruling; US House calls Postmaster General to testify

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

"A federal judge blocked the Trump administration on Monday from enforcing a new regulation that would roll back health care protections for transgender people.

Finalized days after the Supreme Court barred sex discrimination against LGBT individuals on the job, the regulation from the federal Department of Health and Human Services was to have taken effect Tuesday.

Monday’s preliminary injunction from U.S. District Court Judge Frederic Block in Brooklyn bars the administration from enforcing the regulation until the case can be heard in court and decided. Block indicated he thought the Trump administration’s so-called transgender rule is invalid in light of the Supreme Court ruling in June on a case involving similar issues in the context of job discrimination.

“When the Supreme Court announces a major decision, it seems a sensible thing to pause and reflect on the decision’s impact,” Block wrote in his order, suggesting the agency may want to reconsider. “Since HHS has been unwilling to take that path voluntarily, the court now imposes it.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200817/trump-rule-on-transgender-health-blocked-at-11th-hour?rssfeed=true


"Facing a public backlash over mail disruptions, the Trump administration scrambled to respond Monday as the House prepared an emergency vote to halt delivery delays and service changes that Democrats warned could imperil the November election.

The Postal Service said it has stopped removing mailboxes and mail-sorting machines amid an outcry from lawmakers. President Donald Trump flatly denied he was asking for the mail to be delayed even as he leveled fresh criticism on universal ballots and mail-in voting.

“Wouldn’t do that,” Trump told reporters Monday at the White House. “I have encouraged everybody: Speed up the mail, not slow the mail.”

Embattled Postmaster General Louis DeJoy will testify next Monday before Congress, along with the chairman of the Postal Service board of governors."

 Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/zz/news/20200817/amid-outcry-postmaster-general-to-testify-before-house?rssfeed=true

US House calls Postmaster General to testify
US House calls Postmaster General to testify


Monday, August 17, 2020

WFPR.FM: 4th District Candidate Interviews with Frank Falvey

"Our own Frank Falvey has been interviewing the many candidates running for the Fourth District seat. Listen to wfpr●fm Tuesdays from now until the primary election. 

Each week we will feature three of the candidates on Tuesday morning, afternoon and evening. Listen and learn all about the candidates – in their own words – on 102.9 FM.


------ Tuesday 8/18/20 ---------
JESSE MERMELL - 9 AM, 12 PM, 6 PM
ALAN KHAZEI - 10 AM, 1 PM, 7 PM
BEN SIGEL - 11 AM, 2 PM, 8 PM



------ 
Tuesday 8/25/20 ---------
JESSE MERMELL - 9 AM, 12 PM, 6 PM
NATALIA LINOS - 10 AM, 1 PM, 7 PM
BEN SIGEL - 11 AM, 2 PM, 8 PM


For more about the wfpr.fm and Franklin.TV programming schedule  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/zooming-into-future-part-6.html


WFPR.FM: 4th District Candidate Interviews with Frank Falvey
WFPR.FM: 4th District Candidate Interviews with Frank Falvey

Ballot question 2 - ranked choice voting

From the Boston Globe, an article of interest for Franklin:
Beyond picking winners this fall, Massachusetts voters will be asked to consider something very meta: Should they change how they choose them?

After centuries of residents picking one candidate per office, a question on November’s ballot proposes they instead rank their preferred choices in both primary and general elections for an array of elected seats. Should it pass, Massachusetts would have the second statewide — and most extensive — ranked-choice voting system in the country.

Implementing the new system would mean the person who receives the most first-place votes in a race with several candidates could, in fact, lose. If there is no candidate with a majority of votes, the last-place candidate is eliminated and his or her voters’ second and subsequent choices are re-distributed.
Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)   https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/07/22/metro/should-person-with-most-number-one-votes-always-win/

The summary of Ballot Question 2

"Ranked-choice voting would be used only in races where a single candidate is to be declared the winner and not in races where more than one person is to be elected."
Hence ranked choice voting would NOT be used for the Franklin Town Council or School Committee elections.

For other information to prepare for the Primary (on Sep 1) and Election (on Nov 3) visit the 2020 Election Collection https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/08/2020-election-collection.html

Ballot question 2 - ranked choice voting
Ballot question 2 - ranked choice voting

Talking the Blues - new episode available

Talking the Blues (@TalkingtheBlue2) tweeted at 11:27 AM on Sat, Aug 15, 2020:
New episode...What are they listening to "across the pond"?  Tune in to find out. https://t.co/15r8hUrFKc

"This week Todd and Jim check out the music being played across the pond. We look to the list of July's most played albums in the UK (according to the Independent Blues Broadcasters Association) and find plenty of great new music.  Link to IBBA list here - http://www.bluesbroadcasters.co.uk/top40.htm

The setlist includes music from Hurricane Ruth, Anthony Geraci, Robbie Reay, Peter Karp, Kaz Hawkins, The Lucky Losers, Mandalyn, Crooked Eye Tommy and Marcus Lazarus."



(https://twitter.com/TalkingtheBlue2/status/1294657033271226368?s=03)




Talking the Blues - new episode available
https://www.podbean.com/media/share/pb-kbf5w-e7370b

Register O’Donnell Reports on Resilient Norfolk County Real Estate Market

Register of Deeds William P. O’Donnell reported a better than expected real estate sales figure and a continued strong showing in mortgage lending highlighted Norfolk County real estate market activity for the month of July 2020.     

Register O’Donnell noted, “During the month of July, real estate sales transactions, both residential and commercial, increased 1% year over year. A total of 1,780 real estate sales transactions were recorded during the month compared to 1,761 sales recorded in July 2019. Considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the real estate transaction figure was welcome news. It reinforces what I have said in the past. Norfolk County is a destination location to live and work in Massachusetts. In addition to the surprising sales figure, the average sales price, both residential and commercial, increased 16% to $836,964. Also, total real estate sales figure, again both residential and commercial, increased 11% to $988 million.”

Norfolk County continued to experience a robust mortgage lending market during the month of July. The Register noted, “A total of 4,165 mortgages were recorded against Norfolk County properties during the month, an impressive 41% increase year over year. This can be explained by individuals, families and businesses taking advantage of historically low interest rates to both buy property and refinance existing mortgages. While the number of mortgage recordings increased significantly, the actual total mortgage borrowing figure decreased 33% to $1.4 billion. This can be explained by two mortgages of $436.4 million and $384 million being recorded against properties in Quincy and Franklin respectively during the month of July 2019.”  

During July, only 2 foreclosure deeds were recorded against Norfolk County property. However, due to the continuing statewide moratorium placed on initiation of foreclosures and evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, no Notice to Foreclose Mortgages, the first step in the foreclosure process, were recorded.   

Register O’Donnell stated, “While most foreclosure activity has been suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds continues to partner with two non-profit organizations that counsel and assist those struggling with foreclosure. Both the Quincy Community Action Programs, 617-479-8181 x376, and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, 508-587-0950 are available to help anyone who has received a Notice to Foreclose Mortgage from a lender or is struggling to make mortgage payments. Another choice available for those struggling with foreclosure is the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) at 617-727-8400. Each of these programs are staffed by knowledgeable professionals. I would urge anyone who is facing a foreclosure issue to contact one of these excellent programs.”

The month of July saw a total of 1,291 Homesteads recorded, a 1% decrease from July 2019. “The Homestead law,” noted O’Donnell, “provides limited protection against the forced sale of a homeowner’s primary residence to satisfy unsecured debt up to $500,000. I urge Norfolk County homeowners to consider this important consumer protection tool.”  

In conclusion, Register O’Donnell stated, “Considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the real estate numbers recorded in Norfolk County during July 2020 were quite impressive. The key to maintaining a strong real estate economy will be whether or not interest rates remain at historically low levels. All indications from the Federal Reserve and policy makers in Washington are interest rates remaining at their current levels over the next few quarters.” 

“I am also proud to note another factor keeping the Norfolk County real estate market viable during the pandemic has been the Norfolk County Registry of Deeds remaining open for business. While the Registry of Deeds building has remained closed to the general public, Registry staff has been able to continue the important work of recording land documents. This has allowed impacted homeowners to buy and sell property and lending institutions to provide needed funds to homeowners and businesses alike. Recording fees and deeds excise monies collected have been used by state, county and local governments to help fund many critical programs including education, public safety and health care.”

“I want to again urge our institutional users to continue utilizing electronic recording. Please note we also continue to receive land documents for recording from both regular mail and Federal Express. Additionally, a drop-off box in front of our main entrance at 649 High Street, Dedham, MA continues to be available for those individuals who want to bring their land documents to the Registry for recording.”

“Finally, I want to reiterate my appreciation to all Norfolk County residents and Registry users for the patience and understanding they have shown while this pandemic has been ongoing. While we are cognizant of breaking developments regarding the pandemic, we are confident we can continue our important work during the pandemic and are hopeful for a brighter future. Be healthy. Be safe.”

To learn more about these and other Registry of Deeds events and initiatives, like us at facebook.com/NorfolkDeeds or follow us on twitter.com/NorfolkDeeds and/or Instagram.com/NorfolkDeeds.

The Norfolk County Registry of Deeds is located at 649 High Street, Dedham. The Registry is a resource for homeowners, title examiners, mortgage lenders, municipalities and others with a need for secure, accurate, accessible land record information. All land record research information can be found on the Registry’s website www.norfolkdeeds.org. Residents in need of assistance can contact the Registry of Deeds Customer Service Center via telephone at (781) 461-6101, or email us at registerodonnell@norfolkdeeds.org.

Register O’Donnell Reports on Resilient Norfolk County Real Estate Market
Register O’Donnell Reports on Resilient Norfolk County Real Estate Market

“As we all know, the movement started in Worcester in 1850”

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

When the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified in 1920, giving women the right to vote, it was after 70 years of hard work that started with a convention in Worcester.

There were other discussions held about women’s rights, including the heralded regional convention in Seneca Falls, New York, in 1848 organized by Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, but the first national Women’s Rights Convention held in Worcester in 1850 was a foundation to the cause of women’s rights. The convention was organized by prominent women’s rights activists, including Lucy Stone of West Brookfield and Abby Kelley Foster of Worcester. It proved such a success they followed it up the next year with a second national convention in Worcester.

The women’s movement grew out of efforts to abolish slavery for which both Stone, Foster and Foster’s husband, Stephen Symonds Foster, were all active. Stone gave her first address on women’s rights three years before the convention from the pulpit of the Evangelical Congregational Church in Gardner, where her brother, the Rev. William Stone, was minister.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)   https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200817/since-1850-worcester-heart-of-fight-for-womens-rights?rssfeed=true

 

One-Day Electronics Recycling Event - Sat - Aug 22

One-Day Electronics Recycling Event at St Mary's Church, on Saturday, Aug 22 from 9 AM to 2 PM. The image shows the pricing per item accepted for this event.

Follow the event on Facebook for updates   https://www.facebook.com/events/4624346957583028/?


Electronics Recycling - Sat - Aug 22
One-Day Electronics Recycling Event - Sat - Aug 22
One-Day Electronics Recycling Event - Sat - Aug 22


Sunday, August 16, 2020

Zooming into the Future, Part 6

 Ch – Ch – Ch – Ch – Changes! Time to Face the Change. 

by Pete Fasciano, Executive Director 08/16/2020

"Lately, all I hear rolling through my head is an unending earworm of David Bowie’s “ Changes”.

Changes keep a-comin’ as the virus forces us to move toward whatever our new normal might be. Our goal is simple: Get in front of it, and drive. We seek and embrace whatever new means help us to “ Build Back Better” via changes, big and small.

Clearly, Zoom is a permanent part of that future. We will begin posting the Zoom access code on our cable channels for ten minutes each evening prior to the government meetings.

And –

Our own Frank Falvey has been interviewing the many candidates running for the Fourth District seat. Listen to wfpr●fm Tuesdays from now until the primary election. Each week we will feature three of the candidates on Tuesday morning, afternoon and evening. Listen and learn all about the candidates – in their own words – on 102.9 fm.

And – as always –

Thank you for listening to wfpr●fm. And, thank you for watching."


Program Note: This Wednesday evening at 7 PM on the government channel you can hear the congressional candidates discussing the topic of racism.

If you too have the earworm, or haven't heard the song in sometime, check out this recorded live version  https://youtu.be/IJSv6JXKS_I

The complete program guide for Franklin TV and wfpr.fm can be found online
http://franklin.tv/programguide.pdf    or in the PDF copy here

 

Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Aug 20, 2020

 August 20, 2020 =  6:00 PM


Agenda:

1.      Reopening Phase 3 Discussion

2.      Economic Development update

3.      Market Analysis & Market Position Presentation Discussion & Work Plan


For the connection information (via Zoom) along with the MPAC Market Study, find the agenda doc on the Town of Franklin page  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/agendas/08-20-2020_edc_agenda.pdf


Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Aug 20, 2020
Economic Development Subcommittee - Agenda - Aug 20, 2020


Franklin Senior Center: Five Wishes - Aug 19

 Wed, Aug. 19:

FIVE WISHES is a legally binding, advanced directive (living will), that lets you control your personal, emotional and spiritual wishes. This presentation is on Zoom at 1:00 PM

If you aren't able to access Zoom our Nurse can call you to discuss the info one- on-one. To sign up, email: adoggett@franklinma.gov or call 508 520-4945. 


For more about Five Wishes, visit them online at https://fivewishes.org/

For other activities in August, check out the Senior Center Connections  https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/uploads/aug20connection.pdf

Franklin Senior Center: Five Wishes - Aug 19
Franklin Senior Center: Five Wishes - Aug 19


Washington Post: "How Jennifer O’Malley Dillon transformed Joe Biden’s campaign"

From The Washington Post, an article of interest for Franklin:

"When Jennifer O’Malley Dillon was brought in to take over the Joe Biden campaign operation five months ago, she barely knew a soul there — and that included the candidate himself.

If that wasn’t a big enough adjustment, there was another big announcement during the staff meeting where she was introduced as campaign manager: Biden’s Philadelphia headquarters was about to be shuttered due to the coronavirus. Starting the next day, they all would be working remotely — indefinitely, it turned out.

Since then, O’Malley Dillon, 43, has been transforming what had been an underfinanced, undisciplined and dysfunctional Democratic primary operation into a general-election machine capable of carrying Biden through to the November election. (Disclosure: My adult son works for the Biden campaign.)

The lockdown order has meant that the nerve center of the campaign in which anxious Democrats are investing their hopes is now located on the third floor of O’Malley Dillon’s suburban Maryland home, where she is also raising twin 7-year-old daughters and a 2-year-old son. Her second-graders have taken to joking that their mother is “the ghost in the attic.”

Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, Joe Biden’s campaign manager. (Andre Chung for The Washington Post)
Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, Joe Biden’s campaign manager. (Andre Chung for The Washington Post)


In the News: "second human case of Eastern equine encephalitis"

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

"The state Department of Public Health is reporting the year’s second human case of Eastern equine encephalitis.

State health officials said a woman in her 60s was exposed to the EEE virus in Hampden County.

As a result, the EEE risk level in Wilbraham has been raised to “critical,” while the risk levels in Hampden and Monson have been raised to “high.” All three communities are in Hampden County.

In addition, the risk level in the Hampden County communities of Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Ludlow, Palmer and Springfield has been raised to “moderate.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required) https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200815/state-reports-second-human-case-of-eee?rssfeed=true

Listen to my conversation with Franklin Health Director Cathleen Liberty on mosquito and tick borne diseases  https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/05/fm-271-franklin-health-director.html

For more about EEE in MA, check out the MA.gov page  https://www.mass.gov/guides/eee-in-massachusetts  and the risk map copied below  https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-arbovirus-update#eee-risk-map-


EEE risk map
EEE risk map

“Any public communications would promote only the topic, not the elected official”

From CommonWealth Magazine we share an article of interest for Franklin: 

"AN ELDERLY MAN speaks dispiritedly on a TV public service announcement about having been a victim of financial fraud.  But his frown quickly morphs into a big smile as he talks about how Secretary of State William Galvin got him his money back.

“I like to bring good news,” says Galvin on the ad. “If you’ve been the victim of financial fraud, we might be able to help. Call me.”

The public service announcement is another in a long line that Galvin has been running at taxpayer expense since he took office 25 years ago. From April 2019 to March 2020, Galvin spent close to $2 million of taxpayer money to produce and air five different public service announcements, according to documents obtained under the public records law.

The announcements undoubtedly perform a public service by alerting the public to the services Galvin’s office provides. But they also serve as a form of taxpayer-funded advertising for Galvin the politician."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)   https://commonwealthmagazine.org/state-government/galvin-mixes-public-service-promotion/

Not the first time for this issue of Galvin's PSA usage to be questioned  https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/11/22/ethics-officials-say-mass-secretary-state-used-public-resources-for-political-gain/A9lh58iTVfem8xA2GAzFrO/story.html


"disproportionate number of false positive results being reported from that lab"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:  (so separate from the fact that some tests can result in false positive results, this story reminds us all that the handling process to get the results is also very important. The quality control of this particular  lab is in question and we'll need the fulls set of retests to confirm what the real problem is.)

"Late Friday afternoon, the Department of Public Health disclosed that a commercial lab, which state officials did not identify, is under investigation and has voluntarily suspended all testing after state officials detected 130 false positives test results were reported.

The errors mean Fall River is being re-categorized from the red to yellow, moderate-risk category and Taunton is shifting from yellow to green.

DPH officials say the reporting issue occurred from July 30 to Aug. 1 and “resulted in a disproportionate number of false positive results being reported from that lab during that time.”

“The lab ceased testing when the issue was identified and is under investigation,” DPH spokeswoman Katheleen Conti said in a statement. “Test results conducted by the lab during this time are being verified by an independent lab, and based on results received to date, the Department has accordingly released updated case numbers and risk levels for the August 12 weekly public health report for Fall River and Taunton.”

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)   https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200815/fall-river-taunton-risk-assessments-changed-after-false-positives?rssfeed=true