Baker to Launch Major COVID-19 Rapid Testing Initiative
Gov. Charlie Baker said his administration has secured over 2 million rapid COVID-19 tests and will be distributing them in the state’s communities “hardest hit” by the pandemic.
First Case of Omicron Variant Detected in Mass.
A woman in her 20s who had traveled out of state is the first known case of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus detected in Massachusetts, the state Department of Public Health announced Saturday.
Free Rapid Tests Part of Biden’s Winter COVID Strategy
As COVID-19 cases surge in Massachusetts and around the country and scientists begin to get a better picture of a worrisome new variant circulating, President Joe Biden on Thursday laid out his strategy to control the pandemic this winter without putting new restrictions on the economy.
EXPLAINER: The Knowns and Unknowns of the Omicron Variant
The World Health Organization says it could still take some time to get a full picture of the threat posed by omicron, a new variant of the coronavirus as scientists worldwide scramble to assess its multiple mutations.
Baker Has ‘Three Big Questions’ About Omicron Variant
Count Gov. Charlie Baker among the public officials who are eagerly awaiting answers to crucial questions about the latest COVID-19 mutant and whether it could alter the nature of the pandemic and the public health response.
NB Development Submits Guest Street Hotel Plans
A 175-room hotel will occupy one of the two undeveloped parcels at Boston Landing under development plans submitted by NB Development.
Vaccine Researchers Open GMP Facility at Cummings Park
A Cambridge biotech that begins trials next year on a self-administered vaccine technology has opened a new GMP manufacturing facility in Woburn with immediate expansion plans.
Growing Uncertainty Pushed Biz Confidence Down in August
Having risen to levels not seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic in June and July, business confidence took a step back in August as Massachusetts employers dealt with waves of Delta variant cases, worker shortages and supply chain disruptions, Associated Industries of Massachusetts said.
Banker & Tradesman’s Editorial Cartoon: Deja Mask
Anyone else getting a feeling like we’ve been here before?
Baker ‘Not Considering’ New Mask Guidance
Gov. Charlie Baker said Monday he has no plans to revisit his administration’s guidance for wearing masks indoors as the spread of COVID-19 accelerates around the country, reiterating his position that decisions about mandating masks in schools are best left with local officials.
Virus Transmission Up, Renewing Calls for Masks
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Sunday that all the counties in the states of Connecticut and Massachusetts are the sites of high or substantial transmission of COVID-19.
Most of Mass. Now at Higher Risk for COVID-19
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s updated mask guidance now applies to nine Massachusetts counties, according to data released Monday.
Federal Eviction Moratorium Set to Expire
As nonprofits, landlord and tenants fiercely advocate for an extension or solution, the federal eviction moratorium is set to expire this weekend.
CDC Recommends Masking up Again in Many Public Indoor Spaces
In parts of the country where the Delta variant is fueling a surge of COVID-19 cases, including in parts of Massachusetts, even people who are fully vaccinated against the virus should go back to wearing a mask when in public indoor spaces.
Mass. COVID-19 Cases On The Rise
Though the metrics remain near their recorded low points, COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are rising in Massachusetts as the Delta variant continues to spread.
Pfizer to Seek OK for 3rd Vaccine Dose
Pfizer is about to seek U.S. authorization for a third dose of its COVID-19 vaccine, saying Thursday that another shot within 12 months could dramatically boost immunity and maybe help ward off the latest worrisome coronavirus mutant.
Most Mass. Restaurants Did Not Receive RRF Grants
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund has closed, and three-quarters of the Massachusetts restaurants that applied to the federal grant program did not receive funds.
Report Says Boston Hotel Market in ‘Depression’ Cycle
Boston hotels are suffering from the second-worst financial performance in the nation as the urban hospitality market continues to feel the lingering effects of COVID-19 travel downturns.
Skanska Sticks With Office, not Labs for Back Bay Tower
Skanska USA Commercial Development is showing confidence in the future of office space in Boston, moving ahead with plans for a 625,000-square-foot office tower at a Back Bay property it acquired in December.
Many Mass. Firms Plan Real Estate Diets, Survey Says
Over one-third of Massachusetts companies responding to a survey plan to decrease their real estate footprints following the widespread adoption of work-from-home models during the pandemic.
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