By Beth David, Editor
Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker has eased up on some restrictions for businesses this week, citing a downward trend in new cases of COVID-19. Businesses that were limited to 25% capacity, are now able to operate at 40% capacity, including restaurants and close contact personal services. Businesses that can now operate at 40% include arcades and recreational businesses, driving and flight schools, gyms/ health clubs, libraries, museums, retail stores, offices, places of worship, movie theaters (50 person maximum per theater). The new rules became effective on of 2/8/21.
Visit https://www.mass.gov/ for details on specific businesses and limits.
Call Center for Vaccine Appointments for 75+
The state also launched a vaccine scheduling resoure line to help residents 75 and older schedule an appointment. Previously, the only way to schedule an appointmen was online, which was difficult for older residents, who often do not have access to the internet or are not proficient enough to navigate the system.
The line can be accessed tby dialilng 211 and selecting the prompt for “help scheduling a vaccine appointment.” The line is open 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The center is staffed with more than 500 representatives who can provide life phone support to assist with booking appointments.
Call workers will be available in English and Spanish, and 100 additional languages will be available through translators.
Only those 75 and older and unable to use the website are eligible to use the call center at this time.
Call center workers will have the same access to appointments that users will see on the public website, so if you have access to the internet, visit https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine to book your appointment.
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