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Baker orders masks in Massachusetts; Boston schools eye fall reopening

By Staff | May 2, 2020

A protester supporting Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, right, holds a sign as a motorcade of supporters of President Trump pass Baker's home in Swampscott, Mass., Thursday, April 23, 2020. The supporters, and others gathered outside the home, called for the businesses closed by the governor due to the COVID-19 virus outbreak, to re-open. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

BOSTON (AP) – Everyone in Massachusetts must begin wearing masks or facial coverings while in public under an executive order signed Friday by Gov. Charlie Baker.

The use of facial coverings is a commonsense strategy to help limit the spread of the coronavirus, particularly as the state makes plans to begin reopening the economy on May 18, Baker said.

“Covering our faces when we cannot practice social distancing is a critically important and essential step that everyone can and should take to stop or slow the spread,” the Republican said at a press conference.

The order also applies to workers in groceries, pharmacies and retail stores deemed essential businesses and for those using public transportation.

The new order takes effect on May. 6.

BOSTON SCHOOLS

Boston Public Schools will reopen in the fall, barring some dramatic second surge in the coronavirus, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said Friday.

“My goal and my intention is to have schools open in September in the city of Boston,” the Democrat said at a press conference. School buildings are closed through the end of the academic year and teaching has moved online.

He said the one event that could throw a wrench in the works would be a spike in the number of people with COVID-19. He called that a “worst case scenario” that could thwart efforts to re-open schools in New England’s largest school system.

CHURCH FUNDRAISING

A coalition of Massachusetts churches announced Friday it has started a fundraising effort to support immigrant, black, and unaffiliated churches as well as churches that minster to the homeless during the coronavirus crisis.

The One Church Fund launched by the Massachusetts Council of Churches will provide financial and other support to churches ministering to underserved communities, according to a statement from the council.

“Churches are essential service providers, especially in immigrant, black, poor, and homeless communities,” the Rev. David Wright, Executive Director of the Black Ministerial Alliance of Greater Boston said in a statement. “Humanitarian needs are increasing exponentially during COVID19.”

The goal is to raise $50,000.

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