Massachusetts continues to report staggering coronavirus numbers. Overnight, officials announced another 2,038 cases of the virus. More than 162 thousand cases overall. Another 21 people died because of the virus, bringing that total to 9,880. Officials say the unusually high number may be related to a backlog in reported cases coming from a lab. The state has been averaging some 12 cases a day for the last couple of weeks.
The State has finally come out with a list of 16 communities throughout the state that remain high for Covid19. Among the communities is Springfield. It is the only Western Mass city or town on the list. Springfield Mayor Dom Sarno says that since the city continues to be a high-risk community, he will keep the Cyr Arena closed. The Mayor says after two weeks that issue will be revisited.
The Springfield School Committee has delayed the decision on whether and how to return students to in-class learning. Right now the system is under a remote learning platform. But the vice-chairman of the School Committee Chris Collins last night said that there was still a need to allow parents to weigh in on the issue, so instead of voting on a plan, they may vote simply to hold at least one more virtual town meeting style event to allow parents a chance to speak.
Word from MGM Springfield that they have furloughed some 250 employees and they are blaming the latest measures by the state to deal with the pandemic as a reason why. As part of the latest measures in the state, restaurants, casinos and bars must close by 9:30 and a Stay-at-Home Advisory in effect from 10PM until 5AM is in effect.
At The Russell Inn Restaurant Inn Restaurant in Russell---they are on Westfield Road, officials say they will be closing until November 12th because of a Covid19 case. Officials say that even though everyone was careful and clean ---the virus still made its way to affect them. Again, they will reopen on November 12th.