Mass. revamps COVID-19 tallies; childcare centers could open
BOSTO1 — Massachusetts officials on Monday began reporting both confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases and deaths, a move that significantly increased both totals.
8nder the new method — which includes probable cases dating back to March 1 — total cases of COVID-19 in Massachusetts have now topped 1 , .
The number of new deaths reported Monday, which also includes probable deaths, stood at 189, bringing the total number of confirmed and probable deaths in the state since the start of the pandemic to , . Of the deaths reported Monday, 8 were newly confirmed deaths and 1 1 were probable deaths.
State health officials said the change was made following guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control and 3revention.
3robable cases include individuals who haven’t been tested by the standard viral molecular test.
Instead, the individuals have either had a positive antibody test and either had COVID-19 symptoms or were likely to be e[posed to a positive case, or did not have an antibody test but had COVID-19 symptoms and were known to be e[posed to a positive case.
3robable cases also include individuals whose death certificate listed COVID-19 as a cause of death but who were not tested.
The number of probable and confirmed COVID-19 deaths at long-term care facilities rose to , 9 or about
of all deaths. Other numbers released Monday indicated progress.
There were 1, individuals hospitalized with COVID-19, down from
, two weeks ago. The number of individuals in intensive care units stood at
, down from two weeks ago.
Other coronavirus-related developments in Massachusetts
CHILDCARE CENTERS
Childcare programs and summer camps could soon begin operating again in Massachusetts as part of phase two of the state’s reopening plan, under an e[ecutive order signed by *ov. Charlie Baker on Monday.
Childcare programs must submit plans outlining how they will handle screening and sanitizing protocols. Recreational camps will be allowed to operate with activity restrictions and limited openings for groups smaller than 1 — with each camp allowed multiple groups of 1 campers.
Retail businesses that fall into phase two can also begin putting in place safety requirements needed to welcome back customers.
The order also includes details about additional requirements needed for the safe resumption of amateur youth and adult sports and outdoor dining at local restaurants.
Baker said he will make an announcement on Saturday about when phase two will officially begin, which could be as soon as June. 8.
8nder the order stores will be required to monitor customer entries and e[its and limit occupancy to either 8 persons — including staff — per 1, square feet of accessible, indoor space, or
of the retail store’s ma[imum permitted occupancy, whichever is greater. *rocery stores and pharmacies must provide at least one hour of dedicated time for adults or older.
Malls can also operate at percent occupancy. Organized amateur sports programs for young people and adults can also begin in phase two, provided they limit sports to no-contact drills and practices, prohibit games, scrimmages, and tournaments and separate participants into groups of 1 or fewer.
The order will also let restaurants offer outdoor dining with restrictions at the start of phase two and the possibility of allowing indoor dining later in phase two.
CORONAVIRUS RESTRICTIONS-LAWSUIT
A group of Massachusetts business owners and others have filed a lawsuit accusing *ov. Charlie Baker of overstepping his authority with his coronavirus restrictions.
The lawsuit was filed Monday by :ashington, D.C.-based 1ew Civil Liberties Alliance on behalf of a group including salon owners, pastors and the headmaster of a private school. The lawsuit says the Republican “unlawfully e[ercised legislative police power” by declaring a state of emergency under the state’s Civil Defense Act and ordering certain businesses to close.
“)ear of a deadly virus is not a reason to abandon constitutional governance,” Michael De*randis, senior litigation counsel for the 1ew Civil Liberties Alliance, said in an emailed statement.
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
FOR BUSINESSES
A new program has been launched to help small businesses in the Merrimack Valley get a hold of masks and other protective equipment they’ll need as they reopen and follow new rules to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
The *reater Lawrence 333 3rocurement 3rogram addresses the logistical burden of finding and securing high-demand products, especially in smaller quantities, The (agle-Tribune reported Sunday.
+undreds of businesses have already received a month’s worth of masks along with a visit from a local inspector to e[plain new regulations.
Money to support the effort has been provided by the Merrimack Valley Business Resiliency and Recovery )und, said Derek Mitchell, e[ecutive director of the Lawrence 3artnership, one of the organizations coordinating the effort.
ZOO BY APPOINTMENT
The Buttonwood 3ark =oo in 1ew Bedford is planning to reopen to the general public on :ednesday, but visitors will have to make a reservation.
“:e’ve been doing a ton of work to modify the zoo grounds and try to make this as normal as possible,” Director .eith Lovett told The Standard-Times.
The number of people allowed into the zoo will be limited to make it easier to adhere to social distancing guidelines, Lovett said.
Visitors will also be required to wear face coverings.