Boston -- Gov. Charlie Baker announced Tuesday the extension of the state’s stay-at-home advisory and the closure of all nonessential businesses to Monday, May...
The move toward recovery facilities is part of a broader plan by the administration of Gov. Charlie Baker to convert skilled nursing facilities into treatment centers for COVID-19 patients. The goal is to take the pressure off of nearby hospitals.
The problem is that recreational sales account for the vast majority of revenue for stores, and since medical marijuana is not taxed, revenues to the state and the municipalities that host the stores have dried up during the shutdown.
Town moderator Michael Wise said he thought it was important that the budget be passed by Tuesday, June 30, even if the other items of the annual town meeting warrant were pushed aside until restrictions on large gatherings were lifted.
“The idea was to give the community some way to care, which they were aching to do; to give a local establishment some extra business; and to feed families.” - Rev. Erik Karas
Both housing trusts are allocating funds received from the local Community Preservation Act surcharge and granted to the trust in previous annual town meetings.
Widener had already started a delivery business, the Berkshire Valet, and last year launched its MealGopher unit, which delivered meals from area restaurants to boarding school students in Berkshire County and Litchfield County, Connecticut.
“The only way we as a community can flatten this curve and prevent further spread of the COVID-19 virus is to isolate as much as possible and respect the social distancing guidelines being shared widely,” added selectboard Chairman Steve Bannon.
Businesses and organizations not on the list of essential services are encouraged to continue operations through remote means that do not require workers, customers, or the public to enter or appear at the brick-and-mortar premises closed by the order.
The Baker-Polito administration announced steps to keep vulnerable families in their homes, preserve the health and safety of low-income renters and homeowners, and prevent homelessness due to reduced or lost income.
Berkshire County has been gearing up to support her more vulnerable citizens who have lost work, can’t leave their homes or are otherwise struggling with the vast new restrictions on everyday life.
