Travel rules eased for some states: The Big E fair canceled
%2ST21 A3 ² Travelers from seven nearby states that have worked to curb the spread of the coronavirus will no longer be told to self-Tuarantine for days when arriving in Massachusetts, Gov. Charlie %aker announced Tuesday.
The new rules, which take effect Wednesday, apply to visitors from 5hode Island, Connecticut, 9ermont, 1ew +ampshire, Maine, 1ew “These surrounding states, like Massachusetts, are seeing a significant decline in cases and new hospitali]ations,” %aker said. All other visitors ² including those from states currently experiencing increases in reported cases of C29I'- 9 ² are still instructed to self-Tuarantine for two weeks after arriving in Massachusetts. The self-Tuarantine also applies to Massachusetts residents who are arriving home after visiting other states, except from the seven exempt states. Any travelers displaying symptoms of C29I'- 9 should not travel to Massachusetts, the 5epublican governor cautioned. “ %aker also said both Massachusetts residents and visitors to the state are reTuired to use masks or face coverings in public places where they can’t socially distance. BIG E FAIR CANCELED The 0 0 %ig (, a multistate fair in Massachusetts that drew more than . million visitors last year, has been canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, organi]ers announced Monday. The event was scheduled for Sept. through 2ct. in West Springfield. “)or the safety of our fairgoers, staff, vendors, entertainers, exhibitors, sponsors, suppliers and the broader community, we have made the decision to cancel the 0 0 %ig (,” trustees of the (astern States (xposition, the nonprofit that organi]es the event, said in a statement. “3lease know that this decision was not made lightly. In fact, it was one of the hardest decisions we, as an organi]ation, have had to make in modern times.” The fair was founded in 9 and was put on hold during both World Wars. It features exhibitions that highlight all six 1ew (ngland states, as well as nationally known musical acts, parades, fair rides and other entertainment. RENTAL, MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE A new 0 million fund to help low-income households having trouble making rent and mortgage payments was announced Tuesday by the %aker administration. The (mergency 5ental and Mortgage Assistance program is aimed at aiding renters and homeowners who have suffered financial hardship during the state of emergency put in place to curb the spread of C29I'- 9. The program will expand eligibility to more low-income households by adMusting the income threshold beyond the state’s traditional 5esidential Assistance for )amilies in Transition program. The new program will provide up to ,000 to pay rent or mortgage payments in arrears going back to payments due April .