Some Boston officials frustrated by open-ended school plan

Boston (AP) — A look at coronavirus-related developments in New England:

Massachusetts

Some Boston city councilors are frustrated that school officials filed their reopening plan with the state without making a firm decision.

Districts were required by Friday to prepare plans for three different scenarios: in-person classes, remote learning, or a hybrid of the two options. In its plan, Boston Public Schools ruled out a full return but otherwise kept options open.

Councilor Andrea Campbell, who favors a remote start, told the Boston Globe, she was “shocked and disappointed” by the plan.

“Every day the district delays this decision, we lose an opportunity to prepare our students for success and our community loses confidence that this school year will be safe and successful,” she said.

Councilor Michelle Wu, who also favors a remote start, agreed.

“It continues to be a very confusing plan that is not fleshed out,” Wu said.” The most important thing is to have a stable predictable start to the school year.”

In a statement Saturday, Boston Superintendent Brenda

Cassellius said she understands the urgency as officials work to ensure the plan is “thorough, thoughtful and responsive to our community.”

Maine

The Maine Center for Disease Control on Sunday reported an additional 21 people testing positive for the coronavirus but no new deaths. More than 4,100 people have tested positive, and 127 have died.

The true number of cases is likely higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

Vermont

Vermont’s congressional delegation says the state is getting $2.1 million through the federal CARES Act for a revolving loan fund that will help businesses hurt by the pandemic.

U.S. Sens. Patrick Leahy and Bernie Sanders and Rep. Peter Welch said the money will provide critical financing to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

The recipients include the Vermont Community Loan Fund Inc., which will receive $1 million to capitalize and administer loans to coronavirus-impacted small businesses in Caledonia, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille and Orleans counties.

The Vermont Health Department on Sunday reported five more people testing positive for the virus, bringing the total to 1,515. The number of deaths remained at 58.

Boston Public Schools ruled out a full return but otherwise kept options open.

New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services on Sunday said eight more people tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the state’s total to nearly 7,000. The number of deaths stood at 423.