Wicked Local
For the first time in several weeks, Burlington is reporting a slightly lower COVID-19 case count and percentage of positive tests administered. The town remains in the high risk red zone, however, and multiple positive cases have recently been reported in the town’s elementary schools, middle school and high school.
Burlington administered 200 first-round vaccines to first responders in the past weeks, and the Board of Health awaits delivery of the next round of Moderna vaccine in order to administer the second dose in February.
Burlington by the numbers
As of Jan. 21, there were 1,354 total reported cases in Burlington since record keeping began, according to numbers posted on the state’s weekly public health report.
Baker Signs Safe Patient Access to Emergency Care Act
On Friday, Gov. Charles Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito participated in a ceremonial signing of S.2931, An Act to ensure safe patient access to emergency care.
Named in memory of Laura Levis, Baker and Polito were also joined by Laura’s husband, Pete DeMarco, members of her family, and Sen. Pat Jehlen.
“I signed ‘Laura’s Law’ to safeguard against future tragedies occurring just steps away from hospital emergency departments,” said Baker. “In the wake of her tragic passing, Laura’s husband, Pete, undertook an exhaustive effort to honor her legacy and protect others from similar fates. After months of collaboration and hard work with legislators, including Senator Jehlen and Representative Barber, I am proud to sign Laura’s Law and celebrate her memory in a meaningful way.”
Colin A. Young
State House News Service
BOSTON - Citing improvements to COVID-19 metrics since the start of the year, Gov. Charlie Baker announced Thursday that he will lift the 9:30 p.m. curfew that he imposed in November on restaurants and other businesses, effective Monday.
The post-December holiday season spike in COVID-19 activity was not as severe as the surge that followed Thanksgiving, the governor said, and the 30 percent drop in the positivity rate, 30 percent drop in new cases and 10 percent drop in hospitalizations that have materialized since Jan. 1 suggest it is time to begin easing up on some restrictions.
On Wednesday, Jan. 6, Senator Sal DiDomenico and his colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature passed $627 million in funding for a sweeping economic recovery and development bill, providing critical support to businesses, investments in infrastructure, and creation of new jobs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill was signed into law on January 14, 2021.
An Act Enabling Partnerships for Growth is a COVID-19 relief and recovery package that provides support to the restaurant and tourism sectors, small businesses, and those who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The bill also creates a Future of Work Commission, establishes protections for student loan borrowers, and ushers in zoning reforms to encourage affordable housing development in our communities.