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Press Releases Related to COVID-19

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January 2021

Baker- Polito Administration Expands Vaccine Access to All Eligible Residents in Phase One Effective Immediately 

1/21/2021 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Launches COVID-19 Vaccine CDC Pharmacy Partnership - Phase 1, Expands Vaccine Locations & Names Fenway Park as Mass Vaccination Site 

1/19/2021 Press Release

Department of Public Health announces first case of COVID-19 variant confirmed in Massachusetts 

1/17/2021 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Plan To Begin Vaccinations for Congregate Care Facilities, Updates to Phase Two 

1/13/2021 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Another $78.5 Million in Additional Grants to 1,595 Businesses Most Impacted by the Pandemic 

1/13/2021 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Launch of First COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Site at Gillette Stadium 

1/12/2021 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Pooled Testing Initiative for Massachusetts Schools, Districts 

1/8/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Extension of Capacity and Gathering Limits, New Guidance for Hospital ICU Staffing 

1/7/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Outlines Vaccination Plans for First Responders, Provides Vaccine Update 

1/4/2021 Press Release

Governor Baker Signs Health Care Legislation Increasing Access to Quality, Affordable Care, Promoting Telehealth and Protecting Access To COVID-19 Testing, Treatment 

1/1/2021 Press Release

December 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $67.4 Million in Additional Grants to 1,366 Businesses Most Impacted by the Pandemic 

12/31/2020 Press Release

First Soldiers’ Home Veteran Residents Receive COVID-19 Vaccination in Holyoke, Chelsea 

12/29/2020 Press Release

New weekly public dashboard to detail COVID vaccination in Massachusetts 

12/24/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $668 Million Small Business Relief Package 

12/23/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Further Measures to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 

12/22/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Support For 1,158 Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 Recession 

12/21/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Files Legislation To Maintain Unemployment Trust Fund, Provide Employer Relief 

12/18/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Vaccine Update, New Holiday Guidance 

12/15/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Initial Steps for COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution 

12/9/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Statewide Rollback to Phase Three, Step One, Additional Restrictions Effective December 13th 

12/8/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Launches New Testing Infrastructure to Increase Testing Capacity & Efficiency Statewide 

12/7/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Submits Initial Vaccine Order to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

12/4/2020 Press Release

COVID-19 Command Center Activates Everbridge Alert System 

12/3/2020 Press Release

November 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Over $4.7 Million to Support Food Security in Massachusetts  

11/24/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Launches Latest Statewide Campaign Calling for Continued Vigilance, Safety on COVID-19 to “Get Back Mass” 

11/23/2020 Press Release

COVID-19 Command Center to Activate Everbridge Alert System  

11/19/2020 Press Release

Regional Coalition of Northeastern Governors Announce Colleges will be Encouraged to Provide Testing for Students Before Leaving for Thanksgiving Break, Recommend Expanded Remote Instruction to End Fall Semester Safely 

11/18/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Higher Education Holiday Travel Guidance; First Round of Abbott BinaxNOW Covid-19 Point of Care Testing In K-12 Schools 

11/18/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Re-establishment of a Field Hospital at the DCU Center in Worcester 

11/13/2020 Press Release

Joint Statement from the Offices of Governors Baker, Murphy, Mills, Raimondo, Sununu, Scott and Lamont on the Suspension of Interstate Youth Hockey  

11/12/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration, COVID-19 Command Center & Department of Elementary & Secondary Education Release Updated Metrics, Guidance on Schools 

11/6/2020 Press Release

Department of Public Health Revises COVID-19 Daily Dashboard 

11/2/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Targeted Measures To Curb Rising COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations 

11/2/2020 Press Release

October 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Over $5.9 Million to Support Food Security in Massachusetts 

10/28/2020 Press Release

State public health officials offer tips for a safe and healthy Thanksgiving 

10/27/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Partnerships for Recovery, $774 Million Economic Recovery Plan 

10/22/2020 Press Release

Massachusetts to temporarily pause all indoor ice rink and ice skating facilities operations for two weeks 

10/22/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Launches Express COVID-19 Free Testing Site in Revere 

10/20/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $6.5 Million in New Manufacturing Emergency Response Team Grants 

10/15/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Submits Revised Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Proposal 

10/14/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces COVID-19 Measures in Place to Ensure Readiness for Fall and Winter 

10/13/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Comprehensive Eviction Diversion Initiative To Keep People Safely Housed During Pandemic 

10/12/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group 

10/7/2020 Press Release

State public health officials offer tips for a safe and healthy Halloween 

10/7/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Continued Efforts to Support Older Adults; Launches Second Round of Nursing Home Reforms; Strengthens Staff Flu Vaccine Requirements 

10/6/2020 Press Release

September 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Transition to Step II of Phase III for Lower Risk Communities Effective October 5th 

9/29/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Indoor Visitation Guidance for Nursing Homes, Rest Homes, and Assisted Living Residences 

9/24/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Free COVID-19 Testing in 18 Communities is Extended through October 

9/23/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Grant Program to Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19 in Communities of Color 

9/23/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Urges Massachusetts Residents to Get Flu Vaccination 

9/17/2020 Press Release

College and university testing data added to COVID-19 weekly public health report  

9/16/2020 Press Release

Massachusetts Announces Extension of Administrative Tax Relief for Local Businesses 

9/15/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Nursing Facility Accountability and Supports  

9/10/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Launches Additional Intervention Initiatives for Communities With Highest Risk for COVID-19  

9/3/2020 Press Release

August 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Free COVID-19 Testing Site in Winthrop  

8/26/2020 Press Release

Massachusetts Launches “My Local MA” Campaign to Drive Economic Activity and Safely Support Small and Local Businesses  

8/25/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Testing Initiatives to Support K-12 Schools 

8/20/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Over $3 Million to Improve Food Security in Massachusetts 

8/18/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Releases Enhanced Community Level Data on Spread of COVID-19 

8/11/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Initiatives to Stop Spread of COVID-19 

8/7/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Free COVID-19 Testing Site in Framingham 

8/3/2020 Press Release

MassHealth Issues Initial Termination Notices to Three Nursing Homes 

8/3/2020 Press Release

July 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Launches #MaskUpMA, Reminding Residents To Wear Face-Coverings To Stop COVID-19 Spread 

7/31/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Expansion of Targeted Free COVID-19 Testing Sites 

7/27/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Issues New Travel Order Effective August 1st  

7/24/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $3 Million in Food Security Grants 

7/22/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces COVID-19 Testing Billing Protections for Uninsured Individuals 

7/22/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Extends Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures to October 17 

7/21/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $20 Million to Support Vital Social Services, Small Businesses 

7/16/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces COVID-19 Funding for Special Education Programs 

7/13/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Launches Targeted Free COVID-19 Testing Sites 

7/8/2020 Press Release

Reopening Massachusetts: Baker-Polito Administration Initiates Transition to Third Phase of Four-Phase Approach 

7/2/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration, MBTA and Community Partners Highlight Food Security Partnership with The RIDE 

7/1/2020 Press Release

June 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Updated Travel Guidelines to Support COVID-19 Response 

6/30/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Unveils $275M COVID-19 Economic Relief Package to Promote Equity and Economic Growth 

6/26/2020 Press Release

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Releases Initial Back-to-School Guidance 

6/25/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Crisis Counseling Assistance Program 

6/23/2020 Press Release

Department of Public Health releases recommendations of COVID-19 Health Equity Advisory Group to address pandemic’s impact on communities of color 

6/19/2020 Press Release

Reopening Massachusetts: Baker-Polito Administration Initiates Transition to Step Two of Second Phase of Four-Phase Approach 

6/19/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Pop-Up Testing Sites for Participants of Large Gatherings 

6/15/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Availability of $41 Million in Support for Food Security Programs 

6/11/2020 Press Release

Governor Baker Files COVID-19 Data Collection Bill 

6/9/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Visits Lawrence to Tour New Balance’s PPE Production Line  

6/9/2020 Press Release

Reopening Massachusetts: Baker-Polito Administration Initiates Transition to Second Phase of Four-Phase Approach 

6/6/2020 Press Release

Governor Baker Issues Executive Order in Advance of Phase II  

6/1/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration’s COVID-19 Command Center Files Plan With Federal Government To Expand Its Comprehensive Strategy For COVID-19 Testing And Tracing 

6/1/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Releases Detailed Guidelines for the Phased Reopening of Child Care, Camps and Summer Recreational Programs 

6/1/2020 Press Release

May 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Provides Update on Phase II of Re-opening Plan, Releases Guidance for Restaurants and Lodging 

5/29/2020 Press Release

COVID-19 Command Center Releases New Nursing Home and Community-level COVID-19 Public Health Data 

5/27/2020 Press Release

Massachusetts Implements Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)  

5/21/2020 Press Release

Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito Highlight Workplace Implementation of New COVID-19 Safety Standards at Symmons Industries in Braintree  

5/20/2020 Press Release

Reopening Massachusetts: Baker-Polito Administration Initiates Transition to First Phase of Four-Phase Approach 

5/18/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Invests $56 Million to Combat Food Insecurity in Massachusetts 

5/17/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration & Employer Community Announce Continuation of Work From Home Policies to Support Safe Reopening of Massachusetts Economy 

5/15/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration to Distribute $502 Million from the Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund to Local Cities and Towns 

5/14/2020 Press Release

New Resources to Help Massachusetts Residents Cope During COVID-19 

5/14/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Provides Update on COVID-19 Testing Capacity and Strategy, PPE Procurement 

5/14/2020 Press Release

Governor Baker Highlights Administration’s COVID-19 Testing, Contact Tracing Initiatives At Fall River Testing Site 

5/13/2020 Press Release

Governor Baker Tours MetroWest Manufacturer MatTek Life Sciences, Pivoting to Support COVID-19 Research With Support from M-ERT 

5/12/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Files Supplemental Budget Bill to Authorize $1 Billion in COVID-19 Spending 

5/12/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Four-Phase Approach to Reopening and Publishes Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards 

5/11/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration, Mass League of Community Health Centers to Launch Public Awareness Campaign 

5/8/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration, Partners in Health, Public Health Officials Provide Update on Community Tracing Collaborative 

5/7/2020 Press Release

Governor Baker Tours Participating M-ERT Company, Merrow Manufacturing, in Fall River 

5/5/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Orders Use of Mask or Face Covering in Public, Announces Increased Community Health Center COVID-19 Testing Capacity 

5/1/2020 Press Release

April 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Extends Non-Essential Business Closures to May 18th, Announces Reopening Advisory Board 

4/28/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Further Support, Resources, and Accountability Measures for Nursing Facilities, Funding for Congregate Care Facilities During COVID-19 

4/27/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Files Medicaid Waiver For MassHealth Flexibility, Provides Update On Launch Of New Unemployment System  

4/24/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Increased Community Health Center COVID-19 Testing Capacity, Access to High-Speed Internet 

4/22/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Division of Banks Joins Multi-State Initiative to Provide Relief to Massachusetts Student Loan Borrowers 

4/21/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Extension of School and Non-Emergency Child Care Program Closures, Continued Steps to Support COVID-19 Response 

4/21/2020

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Implementation Of CARES Act Unemployment Benefits For Self-Employed, Gig Economy And Other Workers 

4/20/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Outlines Ongoing Steps To Address Homelessness During COVID-19, Announces New Childcare Actions 

4/17/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Distribution Of PPE To All Emergency Responders In Massachusetts 

4/17/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Funding, Outlines Ongoing Steps To Support Long-Term Care Facilities 

4/15/2020 Press Release

Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito Tour Field Medical Station at Joint Base Cape Cod, Announce Further COVID-19 Response Reporting Data 

4/14/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Launches Manufacturing Emergency Response Team To Support Supply Production 

4/13/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Launches Spanish Language Unemployment Application 

4/11/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Issues Further Public Health Guidance to Mitigate Spread of COVID-19, Expands First Responder Testing Sites to Include Grocery Store Workers and Authorizes Increased National Guard Activation 

4/10/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Provides Update On Hospital Surge Capacity 

4/10/2020 Press Release

Advisory Regarding Face Coverings and Cloth Masks  

4/10/2020 Advisory

Baker-Polito Administration Announces COVID-19 Text Alerts Now Available In Spanish 

4/10/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Field Medical Station Details, New Support for Health Care Workforce, Expanded COVID-19 Data Reporting and Domestic Violence Resources 

4/9/2020 Press Release

Massachusetts Announces Initial Implementation Of New Federal Unemployment Benefits From CARES Act 

4/9/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Testing Site Expansion, New Restrictions For Grocery Stores, Crisis Standards of Care Recommendations 

4/8/2020 Press Release

Governor Baker Files Legislation To Provide Health Care Workers Liability Protections During COVID-19 Response 

4/8/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Increased Resources For Health Care Providers, Expanded Support For Long-Term Care Facilities, COVID-19 Testing Initiatives 

4/7/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration, CVS Announce Expansion Of Rapid COVID-19 Drive-Through Testing In Massachusetts 

4/7/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces COVID-19 Community Tracing Collaborative to Further Mitigate the Spread of Virus 

4/3/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Outlines COVID-19 Surge Modeling, Response Efforts To Boost Hospital Capacity 

4/2/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Additional Steps to Encourage Social Distancing at State Parks and Beaches 

4/2/2020 Press Release

Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito Tour Field Medical Station Site At DCU Center 

4/1/2020 Press Release

Governor Charlie Baker Announces Attorney Mark W. Pearlstein to Investigate Holyoke Soldiers’ Home 

4/1/2020 Press Release

DCU Center in Worcester to be Used as a Field Medical Station 

4/1/2020 Press Release

March 2020

Baker-Polito Administration Extends Non-Essential Business Closures and Executive Branch Employee Guidance 

3/31/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Actions To Expand Health Care Workforce, Other Actions To Support Providers, Business During COVID-19 

3/30/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Launches Online Portal for Personal Protective Equipment, Volunteers to Support COVID-19 Outbreak 

3/29/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Federal Disaster Declaration for COVID-19 Response 

3/28/2020 Press Release

Massachusetts Public Health Department reports 10 more COVID-19 deaths, bringing statewide total to 35; more than 29,000 people have been tested 

3/27/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Travel Guidelines and New Health Care Resources To Support COVID-19 Response 

3/27/2020 Press Release

Massachusetts Announces State Income Tax Filing Deadline Being Extended to July 15 

3/27/2020 Press Release

Massachusetts Dedicates Former Hospital for Shelter, Treatment of Homeless Individuals 

3/26/2020 Press Release

Massachusetts Public Health Department reports 10 more COVID-19 deaths, bringing statewide total to 25; to date more than 23,500 individuals tested 

3/26/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Federal Disaster Request and Other COVID-19 Response Efforts 

3/26/2020 Press Release

Massachusetts Public Health Department reports four more COVID-19 deaths, bringing total in state to 15; to date 19,794 individuals have been tested 

3/25/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Extension of School and Non-Emergency Child Care Program Closures and Steps to Ensure Housing Stability To Support COVID-19 Response 

3/25/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces COVID-19 Response Command Center Advisory Board of Medical Experts, Infectious Disease Specialists 

3/25/2020 Press Release

Massachusetts Public Health Department Reports Two More COVID-19 Deaths, Bringing Total Number in the State to 11; State Case Count Now at 1,159 

3/24/2020 Press Release

Massachusetts Launches a COVID-19 Text Message Notification System Text “COVIDMA” to 888-777 for Important Updates 

3/24/2020 Press Release

DPH Public Health Advisory: Stay-at-Home Advisory 

3/24/2020 Advisory

Baker-Polito Administration Files Legislation to Address Challenges Faced by Municipalities, School Districts During COVID-19 Outbreak 

3/24/2020 Press Release

Massachusetts Public Health Department Reports Four More Deaths from COVID-19, Bringing the Total Number in the State to Nine 

3/23/2020 Press Release

Governor Charlie Baker Orders All Non-Essential Businesses To Cease In Person Operation, Directs the Department of Public Health to Issue Stay at Home Advisory For Two Weeks 

3/23/2020 Press Release

Massachusetts Public Health Department reports three more deaths from COVID-19, bringing the total number in the state to five 

3/22/2020 Press Release

Massachusetts Public Health Department Reports State’s Second Death from COVID-19 

3/21/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Health Care Resources, Small Business Relief, Other Efforts To Support COVID-19 Response 

3/20/2020 Press Release

Massachusetts Public Health Department Reports State’s First Death from COVID-19 

3/20/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Activates Massachusetts National Guard to Support COVID-19 Response 

3/19/2020 Press Release

SBA Approves Massachusetts Disaster Declaration  

3/18/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Makes New Announcements on Childcare, Small Business Tax Relief and Unemployment Insurance Legislation Related to COVID-19  

3/18/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Issues New Guidance for Executive Branch Employees 

3/17/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Changes To Expedite Health Care Licensing, Increase Support For Local Boards Of Health And Small Businesses 

3/17/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $10 Million Small Business Recovery Loan Fund 

3/16/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Emergency Actions to Address COVID-19 

3/15/2020 Press Release

Statement from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on patient testing for COVID-19 

3/15/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Clinical Protocols for COVID-19 Testing 

3/14/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Launches COVID-19 Response Command Center 

3/14/2020 Press Release

State Health Officials Announce Launch of 2-1-1 to Provide COVID-19 Information and Referrals 24/7 

3/13/2020 Press Release

Governor Baker Issues Order Limiting Large Gatherings in the Commonwealth 

3/13/2020 Press Release

Massachusetts Issues Guidelines to Assisted Living Facilities, Community-Based Providers and Other Caregivers to Reduce Risk of Coronavirus 

3/12/2020 Press Release

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Emergency Order Modifying the State’s Open Meeting Law 

3/12/20 Press Release

Massachusetts Issues Policies and Procedures Restricting Visitors to Nursing Homes and Rest Homes to Reduce Risk of Coronavirus 

3/11/2020 Press Release

Governor Baker Declares State of Emergency to Support Commonwealth’s Response to Coronavirus  

3/10/2020 Press Release

Massachusetts Department of Public Health Updates New COVID-19 Cases in New Online Dashboard  

3/09/2020 Advisory

15 New Presumptive Positive Cases of COVID-19 Identified by Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory  

3/08/2020 Press Release

Five New Presumptive Positive Cases of COVID-19 Identified by Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory  

3/07/2020 Press Release

Five New Presumptive Positive Cases of COVID-19 Identified by Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory 

3/06/2020 Press Release

Second Presumptive Positive Case of COVID-19 Identified by Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory  

3/05/2020 Press Release

Governor Baker and State Health Officials Discuss Community Preparedness With Health Care, Infectious Disease Experts and Front Line Leaders  

3/04/2020 Press Release

First Presumptive Positive Case of COVID-19 Identified by Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory  

3/02/2020 Press Release

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