By Beth David, Editor
Massachusetts education officials are working to get students back in the classroom full-time by April. The plan calls for elementary students to go back first, then older students.
Governor Charlie Baker and state education officials cited the drop in COVID-19 cases statewide, deteriorating mental health among students and the challenge to learning many students have by attending school remotely. No firm timeline has been established. Meanwhile, schools will continue to use a hybrid model with some students in classrooms, and others learning remotely on an alternating basis.
More categories of people are now eligible for the vaccine. The list now includes people 75+, low income and affordable housing senior residents and staff; first responders, people age 65-74; health care workers, people in congregate care settings, people with 2+ certain medical conditions, long term care settings. Visit https://www.mass.gov/ for details.
As of 2/16, Acushnet was still in the red, with a total case cound of 1109, 74 within the last 14 days (active cases), and a positivity rate of 7.96%. Fairhaven had dropped from the red zone to yellow, with a total of 1697 cases, 103 active, and a 4.81% positivity rate. New Bedford remained in the red zone.
A call center line to make vaccine appointments can be accessed tby dialilng 211 and selecting the prompt for “help scheduling a vaccine appointment.” Or visit https://www.masss.gov/covid-19-vaccine.
•••
Support local journalism, donate to the Neighb News with PayPal.
Click here to download the entire 2/25/21 issue: 02-25-21 BaskRibbonCut
Click here to download Mr. Espindola’s disclosure: 02-23-21 EspindolaDisclosure
