WATCH MA Gov. Baker COVID-19 update (5.1.20) signed order today requiring MA residents to wear face masks in public when they cannot socially distance.
Order to take effect Wed, May 6.  Total MA deaths 3,562; 1,940 new cases; total cases over 62,000.
This week, Baker extended closures to May 18. Contact tracing under way with Partners in Health. Baker: “Please take the call from area codes “833” or “857” or caller id: MA Covid Team.”
To watch Gov. Bakers Updates click here

Watch  MA Gov. Baker announcement (4.21.20) to extend closure of all public & private schools through the end of the school year, and the closure of all non-emergency child care programs until June 29, 2020. The governor and Education Commissioner Jeff Riley stressed that Tuesday’s order does not immediately end the school year. Districts still will be asked to offer remote learning to all students, and many end-of-year activities, such as graduations, likely will be canceled or shifted online.

Extending closures through the year “gives us additional time” to draft plans for reopening buildings, Riley said, a process that likely will result in different school experiences once students do return.

Officials acknowledged the challenge of educating students from a distance, particularly because some households do not have access to a computer or to high-speed internet needed for classroom videoconferences.

The state will issue guidance this week about how to achieve education goals amid the circumstances.

Gov. Baker COVID-19 Update (4.17.20): Addresses Homelessness, Supporting Foster Families, Childcare:

Watch MA Gov. Baker outline state’s comprehensive strategy to address homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Administration also announced additional support for foster families and a new emergency order authorizing the creation of emergency childcare sites. (4.17.20)