Two Worcester police officers carried an elderly woman out of a burning building early Saturday morning during a fire that resulted in no severe injuries, officials said.
A week after the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce sent a letter to City Manager Edward Augustus requesting bar-top dining be allowed once again, the City of Worcester announced on Thursday the ban would be lifted Monday.
The announcement came on the same day that Gov. Charlie Baker announced the state would move forward into Phase 4 of the state’s multi-step reopening plan.
“While we understand the need to continue to be vigilant against the fight in stopping the spread of this virus, we must also remember that these small businesses are on the cusp of shuttering,” wrote Alex Guardiola, chamber director of government affairs and public policy in his Feb. 17 letter to Augustus. “One in four restaurants in the commonwealth have closed their doors for good.”
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Worcester City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. said he will allow city restaurants to begin offering bar-top dining. (Neal McNamara/Patch)
WORCESTER, MA After several consecutive weeks of declining coronavirus cases, Worcester leaders will allow city restaurants to expand indoor dining starting Monday. The move follows Gov. Charlie Baker s Thursday order allowing a slate of businesses to start reopening.
Worcester City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. said he will allow bar-top dining, an item he had previously prevented due to rising cases during the second wave of the virus.
But in six of seven recent weeks, cases have declined. Worcester added 304 cases since last Thursday, the lowest week-over-week increase since November. But officials still warned residents to keep safe, keep social distance and wear masks even after getting vaccinated.
Worcester City Council delays discussion on police reform until next week, public comments overwhelming support recommendations
Updated Feb 24, 2021;
Mayor Joseph Petty began Tuesday night’s Worcester City Council meeting by announcing discussion on the police reform recommendations submitted by City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. would be delayed until next week.
After the council heard public comments for more than an hour, most of which were in support of Augustus’ recommendations, Petty said the item would be on the agenda for next week’s meeting.
Last Friday, Augustus submitted a host of recommendations that were meant to target systemic racism within the city including in the police department.