State Supplying Outreach Teams to Spicer Administration To Curb Spread of COVID in Framingham

[broadstreet zone=”58892″]

FRAMINGHAM – Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced today, September 9 Framingham has been added to the state’s list of communities that need help to stop the “dangerously” high transmission of rate of Covid-19. Framingham, Lawrence, Chelse, Everett, Lynn, & Revere have the highest transmission of the virus in the state.

The state will deploy “Community Outreach Teams” to Framingham to increase COVID-19 education and distribute hand sanitizer, and has provided the City with customized messaging materials, announced the Spicer administration today, September 9, after 5 p.m. in a press release.

On Friday, September 4, Mayor Yvonne Spicer met with state leaders, who had offered their services to the City of Framingham.

Also on September 4, Senate President Karen Spilka announced the the State had extended COVID-19 testing in Framingham until September 30.

[broadstreet zone=”70106″]

Today,”the City confirmed additional resources that were discussed collaboratively on a call late last week. The State will supplement the City’s efforts to slow the spread of the virus by deploying ‘Community Outreach Teams’ this weekend,” said the Spicer administration in a press release.

“I am thrilled to see the Administration heeded my requests for more resources for the City of Framingham to fight COVID-19. Since day one, my focus has been on ensuring our communities have access to all available supports. I continue to stay in close contact with the Administration, and state and local officials on efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 and I stand ready to assist the City as we move forward during this public health crisis.,” said Senate President Spilka.

The State is in discussions with the Framingham Health Department about where the teams should focus their efforts, said the press release.

[broadstreet zone=”70107″]

The City also received customized messaging to support Framingham’s COVID-19 communications effort, said the press release.

The Governor said the 6 communities (named above) have “dangerously high levels of transmission” of COVID-19.

The campaign is expected to run in these top 6 communities over the next four to eight weeks, said Massachusetts Secretary of Health MaryLou Sudders.

Framingham is 12th in state for coronavirus cases.

As of last Wednesday, Framingham had the 6th highest rate of infection in the state at 3.46%, the City was averaging 10.9 cases per day, as of last week. The Commonwealth’s positive rate is just 0.9% said the Governor.

The state’s newest ranking are due tonight.

The state’s COVID intervention task force can offering communities multiple resources.

SOURCE asked the Spicer administration what specific resources from the intervention team the City will receive from the Baker-Polito administration.

“We can’t speculate. When we have specific info, you will receive it,” said the City’s Chief Information Officer to the news outlet.

[broadstreet zone=”59948″]

The state’s Enforcement and Intervention team can provide:

• Targeted interventions and inspections by a range of member agencies, including Local Services, Labor Standards, DPH, MSP and ABCC, coordinated by EOPSS and MEMA.
• Increased enforcement, including fines, of sector guidance for businesses to ensure businesses and residents are aware of and following COVID-19 orders.
• Cease and desist orders as necessary for businesses and organizations in violation of the COVID-19 orders.
•  Support for ABCC and local licensing boards in exercising their existing authority to fine restaurants or suspend or cancel liquor licenses when restaurants do not comply with required COVID-19 safety measure or sanitation codes.
• Targeted public messaging to alert residents of higher risk COVID communities (road signs, PSAs, reverse 911, etc.).
• Technical support to local government officials to support enhanced local COVID-19 prevention efforts such as assistance in accessing CARES Act funding.
• Potential restrictions or shutdowns for parks, playgrounds, businesses or other entities and locations believed to be contributing to the COVID-19 spread in higher risk COVID-19 communities.
•  Additional public health support such as testing, tracing and quarantining

[broadstreet zone=”58610″]