BOSTON â 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.
âThese have been long and hard days for everybody, but our hospital system was able to continue to provide medical care for residents. And today, three weeks into 2021, our public health data is trending in a better direction for some categories like hospitalizations and the percent of positive COVID cases for the first time in a long time,â Baker said. He added, âVaccines are reachin
A note from Bob Katzen, publisher of Beacon Hill Roll Call:
My guest on Jan. 24 on my WMEX 1510 AM Radio and online show will be Jordan Rich, beloved WBZ Boston radio personality, national voice-over artist, mobile disc jockey, emcee, philanthropist, all-around good guy and a mensch, to boot. He is also well-known for his support and work on behalf of many charities. Jordan will talk about his new book “ON AIR: My 50-Year Love Affair with Radio.”
Jordan currently hosts a podcast at www.jordanrich.com and is co-owner with Ken Carberry of Chart Productions, an iconic Boston-based audio-video production company. His book is available on Amazon. All proceeds from the sales of the book benefit Boston Children’s Hospital one of Jordan’s favorite charities.
The COVID-19 vaccination effort led to milestones over the past week in states including Florida and Texas, which became the first in the nation to administer its millionth dose, and prompted New York to call on Pfizer for direct purchase access so the state can meet increased demand due to expanded eligibility.
41 lawmakers are urging Charlie Baker to amend the eligibility criteria to make relief funding available to franchisees who still pay taxes, rent and employ residents of Massachusetts
President Biden stated last week that he will prioritize help for small businesses hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic based on the racial makeup and sex of their owners.