BOSTON (AP) — Almost every nursing home in Massachusetts has tested virtually every resident and staff member for the coronavirus, according to state data, but experts warn that continued vigilance is necessary to prevent new outbreaks.
The testing has been completed at 350 out of 360 nursing homes in the state, the state Public Health Department said.
“I would say the worst of this surge has passed for now, but we are going to remain ever-vigilant,” Rich Bane, CEO of BaneCare nursing homes told The Boston Globe. “The new normal is intense vigilance on infection control until we can have a vaccine.”
The state asked long-term care facilities to test 90% of their staff and residents in order to qualify for a share of $130 million in additional funds the state allotted to cover pandemic costs. The state paid for the one-time testing, but experts said facilities will need even more funding going forward.
More than 20,000 residents and staff of long-term care facilities in Massachusetts have tested positive for the virus, and more than 60% of the state’s more than 6,600 coronavirus-related deaths were nursing home residents.
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RETURNABLE CANS AND BOTTLES
Massachusetts residents whose returnable cans and bottles have been accumulating during the pandemic will soon be able to return them.
Consumers will be allowed to redeem the nickel deposits at automated collection machines at retailers starting June 5, while face-to-face, over-the-counter redemptions are scheduled to resume June 19, the Department of Environmental Protection said in a statement Friday.
The state’s bottle bill was temporarily suspended on March 18 due to risks associated with the coronavirus.
Customers returning cans and bottles will still be required to wear masks and observe social distancing guidelines.
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DROPKICK MURPHYS, SPRINGSTEEN CHARITY SHOW
There won’t be any fans in the stands when Boston-based rockers the Dropkick Murphys play a short set at Fenway Park on Friday evening to raise money for charity, but music lovers will still be able to catch the show live on social media.
Although plenty of musicians have played Fenway over the years, the Dropkick Murphys will be the first to play on the actual infield.
The band will be joined remotely by Bruce Springsteen for what’s being called “Streaming Outta Fenway.”
A text-to-donate campaign will support the Boston Resiliency Fund — set up in response to the coronavirus pandemic — as well as Feeding America and Habitat for Humanity.
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