Are Smoking Bars, as defined in G.L. c. 270, § 22 permitted to be open during Phase III – Step 1?     No. State law defines a smoking bar as “an establishment that: (i) exclusively occupies an enclosed indoor space and is primarily engaged in the retail sale of...

On August 27,2020  the cumulative total of percent negative tests out of the 20,847 valid tests conducted since July 27, 2020 for students at Boston University was 99.84%.  This means that that a mere 0.16% tested positive.  This forms a good basis upon which to track...

The August 14, 2020, Friday 9:00AM DPH call with local public health heard from officials regarding  updates on a number of COVID-19 guidance's including travel exceptions, flu clinics, the preparedness management software PrepMod,, school reopenings, workforce mental...

NOTICE OF VIOLATION UNDER MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY COVID ORDERS AND M.G.L. c. 111, § 122:   While the nuisance statute is cited herein, fines for violation of the nuisance statute are probably best left until a Cease and Desist Order is issued.  Check with your...

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) continues to provide new information and updates on Fall 2020 School Reopening. This August 3, 2020 edition of Fall Reopening Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) includes some new questions/answers, as well as...

Effective August 1, 2020, all visitors and returning residents entering Massachusetts must follow new travel orders. The Commonwealth has made great progress to slow the spread of COVID-19 and gradually re-open the economy, and all visitors have a responsibility to...

Local Boards of Health are currently faced with enforcing emergency orders issued by the Governor.  MAHB has added a new template under the legal alerts frequently asked Questions — see Question 1.017.  This COVID-19 Checklist template can be used for a variety of violations including: business, organization, or other non-business enterprise openings; wearing of masks or facial coverings; isolation and quarantine; maximum premises capacity;  indoor and/or outdoor entertainment;  proper “social distancing” of  patrons or guests; food service preparation and delivery; indoor and/or outdoor recreational activities; summer day camps; day care services or  congregate living facilities? If as a Board of Health you need to enforce these orders, get a copy of our generic COVID-19 Checklist Cease and Desist LBOH Order that can be issued to cover any one of these areas.

The Video Recording and all supporting materials for the Webinar given on July 14, 2020, from 3:30pm to 4:30pm EDT has been posted.   Please join the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine for a webinar releasing a new report that highlights...