• Boston Mayor Marty Walsh recommends a city-wide curfew beginning today.
  • Top American health leaders tell Americans to brace for the toughest week yet.
  • State education officials wait to decide on cancelling the rest of the academic school year leaving many parents, educators and health care professionals with concerns.
  • Housing advocates call on the Legislature to quickly pass a housing security bill.
  • The expansion of telehealth is a savior for many with mental health concerns, including children and teens.
  1. As the state braces for the peak of COVID-19 cases, Mayor Walsh will be closing all Boston parks, is recommending residents wear a mask when they leave their house and is asking residents to observe a city-wide curfew from 9pm to 6am starting today.

 

  1. As the nation’s hospitals and first responders ready themselves for a surge of COVID-19 cases, the U.S. Surgeon General compares the ensuing devastation of this upcoming week as our “Pearl Harbor moment.”

 

  1. As states across the country cancel what remains of the school year, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and state education officials have yet to make a decision. While it is a prudent and logical way to stop a wave of transmission of COVID-19, cancelling the school year comes with many challenges. With the glaring inequities within our public schools, how do we ensure students receive the resources, support and guidance they need while at home?

 

  1. In a letter sent to lawmakers over the weekend, more than 200 advocacy organizations called on the Governor and legislative leadership to swiftly pass a bill that would stop evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill, which passed the state House of Representative last week, would institute a moratorium on the process until 30 days after the end of the current state of emergency.

 

  1. The vast expansion of access to and health plan coverage for telemedicine is allowing for continuity of needed health care services including behavioral health and there’s been a surge in utilization from teens and adults.