The federal government would send $2,000 a month to most Americans under legislation sponsored by U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., that’s intended to address the outbreak’s economic fallout.
Under the legislation, households making less than $120,000 would receive $2,000 each month. Married couples who file taxes jointly would be eligible for up to $4,000.
Markey’s cosponsors are Kamala Harris,D-California, and Bernie Sanders, I-Vermont.
Massachusetts recorded another 138 confirmed COVID-19-related deaths on Saturday, bringing the total number of deaths recorded in the state since the pandemic’s start to 4,840. An additional 1,410 positive cases were announced Saturday for a new total of nearly 77,000.
The new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms for most people. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness or death.
A Whole Foods Market in Lynnfield has temporarily shut down after several employees were diagnosed with COVID-19.
The company would not say how many employees were infected but said it will continue paying all workers impacted by the closure. Other Whole Foods locations remain open, and a company spokesperson said the Lynnfield store should reopen soon.
On Sunday, Walmart stores in Avon and Abington reopened after closing last week because of the outbreak. A third Walmart in Quincy remains closed after workers there were diagnosed with the virus. One employee died.
Different rules about golfing during the outbreak are complicating the game at a course straddling the Rhode Island-Massachusetts border.
Golf course are now open in both states, but Rhode Island bars golfers from other states from its courses.
That’s a problem at the Pawtucket Country Club. Most of the course is in Seekonk, Mass., but several holes are in Rhode Island. That means Massachusetts residents aren’t supposed to play those holes.
Another wrinkle? Massachusetts has temporarily banned the use of golf carts to encourage social distancing, while Rhode Island has not.
WCVB-TV reports the course is asking golfers from Massachusetts to follow the rules — and so far police haven’t had to take action to enforce the law.
On Sunday, the state reported 4 additional COVID-19 deaths and 285 new cases, bringing the state’s totals to 422 fatalities and 11,274 cases.
Gov. Janet Mills’ ban on in-person worship services has been upheld by a federal judge who ruled that the restriction doesn’t violate the First Amendment.
Calvary Chapel in Orrington had challenged the ban in court, arguing the ban on gatherings of 10 people or more violated religious freedom. The church’s lawsuit sought to block the law so in-person Sunday services could resume.
U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen ruled Saturday that the temporary ban on in-person services was constitutional and that lifting it now would not be in the public interest. The ruling is in keeping with rulings in similar cases elsewhere in the country.
State officials had noted that religious groups may still hold drive-in and online services, and that the Maine Council of Churches had encouraged its members to avoid in-person services.
Calvary Chapel plans to appeal the ruling.
Maine reported 28 new cases and no additional deaths on Sunday, bringing the state’s total to more than 1,400 cases and 64 deaths.
Members of an advisory group on easing Connecticut’s coronavirus shutdowns are weighing what to do about schools.
The Reopen Connecticut Advisory Group plans to meet Monday to discuss the state education system and its ability to reopen.
Connecticut’s public schools closed March 17.
Late last month, Lamont, a Democrat, announced plans to begin gradually lifting restrictions on businesses and activities.
Connecticut officials released detailed protocols Friday on how restaurants, retail stores, hair salons and other businesses can reopen beginning May 20. Lamont has stressed that they don’t have to reopen if they don’t feel prepared.
On Sunday, officials announced another 35 deaths from the virus, bringing Connecticut’s total number of COVID-19 deaths to 2,967. Another 570 cases were reported Sunday for a total so far of 33,554. More than 1,200 people with the virus remain hospitalized.