Public health experts, teachers union urge Baker in strengthen coronavirus protocols as cases rise

A group of 30 organizations — including the state’s largest teachers union — are joining with doctors and public health experts to put pressure on Gov. Charlie Baker to strengthen statewide coronavirus protocols to curb a recent rise in infection rates as students return to schools.

“Governor Baker has unfortunately taken a cavalier approach to the role that public schools must play in preventing the spread of COVID-19,” said Merrie Najimy, president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association. “Educators are doing all they can to balance the learning needs of students and the health concerns of communities — and they want the state government to support this work, not undermine it.”

Massachusetts infection rates remain “alarmingly high,” the MTA wrote in a recent statement. The state has seen roughly a 40% increase in the average number of daily cases when compared to two weeks ago, according to public health data even as the state has begun to ease up on regulations, including expanding indoor dining at restaurants.

“This continued spread, advocates argue, is due to a lack of state-level policies to protect residents, especially in the workplace, which contributes to the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on people of color, who are more likely to work in front-line jobs,” according to the statement.

A letter sent to the Baker administration, the health coalition and more than 200 doctors, public health professionals and two state legislators demands more-stringent workplace safety standards in office buildings and nursing homes, more frequent MBTA service, an increase in test turnaround time, an end to punitive enforcement measures on coronavirus mandates and action on legislation that would stave off evictions and provide undocumented immigrants access to health care amid the pandemic.

Dr. Afi Semenya, of the Coalition for Health Equity, said Baker’s focus on personal responsibility in fighting the pandemic is “further marginalizing communities of color, rather than partnering and building trust to combat the dual pandemics of COVID-19 and racism together.”

The Baker administration did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A virtual press conference is planned for 11 a.m. on Tuesday.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3kWPabX