Author: Press Release

As case numbers continue to rise in other parts of the country, the administration has established new guidelines for travel to Massachusetts from higher-risk states, effective August 1. Currently, the seven Northeast states that do not require quarantining are considered lower-risk, along with Hawaii.

A large part of our public health and reopening plan hinges on the ability of individuals who need to get tested for COVID-19 to do so. To ensure that robust testing is available, we’ve worked on both the state and federal level to make testing available to all at no cost when ordered by a health care provider.

As you may remember, in June the Legislature passed a law expanding options for early and mail-in voting for Massachusetts voters to ensure that all residents can participate in elections without risking their health and safety. This week, the Secretary of the Commonwealth began sending out mail-in ballot applications to all registered voters.

Massachusetts residents have consistently stepped up to the challenge whenever our statewide leaders and public health experts have asked us to take steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Safely providing high-quality education to every student in Massachusetts continues to be a top priority for the state’s public health and reopening team.

I’ve often written in these newsletters about the importance of appreciating first responders, health care workers, public safety officials, and the many state and local agencies coordinating our COVID-19 response. Today, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the tireless work of front-line workers who often operate in the background: our local boards of health and their staff.