By Beth David, Editor
Massachusetts governor Charlie Baker extended the statewide restrictions due to COVID-19 to May 18 at a briefing on Tuesday, 4/28/20.
As of Tuesday, 4/28, the state had 58,302 confirmed cases, 3,150 deaths, and a total of 254,500 tests perform across the state. Of the 3,150 deaths, 1,810 have been residents of long-term care facilities; 11,022 workers at those facilities have tested positive; and 310 facilities have had at least one case.
In Fairhaven, Alden Court Nursing Care and Rehabilitation had less than 10 cases, according to information on the sate’s COVID website, which only lists facilities that had at least two cases; Our Lady’s Haven had less than 10 cases; Atria Assisted Living ad 10-30 cases. The Royal of Fairhaven was not listed on the website as of press time.
The governor said on Tuesday that the number of hospitalizations has reached a plateau, but that the plateau is at a very high rate. He said he will not remove the restrictions until he is sure that the trend is going down for new cases.
Gov. Baker also created the “Reopening Advisory Board to explore strategies for re-opening the economy and removing restrictions. The 17-person panel includes a municipal representative Easthampton (western Mass.), Lawrence (northern Mass.) and Boston, but none from the southeastern part of the state or SouthCoast. It will produce a plan to the governor by May 18.
The board includes public health officials, business leaders, and municipal government leaders. It includes three public health officials, three municipal leaders, and 11 business leaders, including Joe Bahena of Joseph Abboud Mfg. in New Bedford.
In addition to extending the closure of all non-essential businesses, Governor Baker’s stay at home advisory is also in effect until 5/18. The order also extends the ban on gatherings of more than 10 people.
Residents are advised to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel and other unnecessary person-to-person contact.
Residents are also advised to wear face coverings when out in public.
As of press time, Acushnet had 18 cases and Fairhaven had 45, according to the website, which is updated on Wednesdays, however the Fairhaven Health office had more up to date information, listing 50 cases in Fairhaven, with nine active cases being followed; New Bedford had 212; Dartmouth had 66; Marion had less than five; and Mattapoisett had nine.
The public is still not allowed to visit nursing homes or assisted living centers. Residents who have questions or concerns about the care their loved ones are getling in a long term care facility, may call 617-660-5399 for information from the state.
Visit https://www.mass.gov/ for more information.
Schools
School buildings in Massachusetts will remain closed to the end of the year, but districts are continuing learning by remote means.
For Acushnet schools, visit https://www.acushnetschools.us
In Fairhaven, Superintendent Robert Baldwin posted a letter to parents on 4/27, with additional information on remote learning.
Dr. Baldwin lays out the strategy for remote learning in phases.
“We will continue to be empathetic and cognizant about the personal, physical, social, emotional, and financial well being of everyone in our school community when making our decisions,” wrote Dr. Baldwin. “With that being said, our obligation will continue to be supportive to our families and students and to do whatever we can, as best as we possibly can. We stand ready to be that constant that is there for you. We’ve got this!”
Visit www.fairhavenps.org and click on “Coronavirus Updates and Resources” and then on “Extended Remore Learning Plan” to see Dr. Baldwin’s letter.
State Parks
The state has closed parking areas at most state parks and beaches to keep people from crowding beaches. Residents are free to walk on the beaches, but are asked to stay at least six feet away from each other.
For more information on the state’s response to COVID-19, and links to the governor’s orders, visit www.mass.gov.
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