Message from Commissioner McCosh: Moving into Fall

Dear Disability Community Members, 

Well, it’s that time of year again. Summer is winding down, and the seasons will begin changing soon. This has been a summer like we’ve never had before, and the upcoming fall season will certainly be very different too.

The coronavirus has been part of our lives for nearly six months, and it looks like it will be with us for some time to come. This can feel discouraging, but there are some positive things that are worth noting - most of all, that the rates of COVID-19 in Massachusetts are much lower now than they were when they peaked in May. While many other states across the country have seen sharp increases in new cases, we haven’t - and we need to keep it that way!

We’ve learned a lot over the past year, and we’re learning more every day. One thing we know for sure is that putting an end to this novel coronavirus will take a multifaceted approach that includes changes in behavior, support for those in need, and medical intervention. Each of these factors play a crucial role in keeping people safe and healthy.

Changing our behavior has been challenging, but it has really helped to slow the spread of the virus. We’ve made it through the most difficult time so far - remember when we were ordered to stay at home unless it was absolutely necessary to go out? That is no longer the case, but there are still certain public health protocols that remain in effect to ensure that the virus doesn’t get out of control, such as:

• Frequent hand washing, wearing face coverings, and staying six feet apart from others

• When traveling to states that have high rates of COVID-19, stay up to date with Massachusetts travel restrictions and rules upon re-entering: MA Travel Order
• Indoor gatherings are limited to 8 people per 1,000 square feet with a maximum of 25, and outdoor gatherings are now limited to 50 people (this is down from a previous allowance of 100 people earlier this summer)

As for supporting those in need, the City began its emergency response immediately upon learning the seriousness of the coronavirus, in order to ensure the health and well-being of  Boston residents. Some of the support that has been provided so far includes:

• Providing free meals for tens of thousands of Boston families and children
• Giving out over $20 million dollars in grants to small businesses and community organizations
• Putting a moratorium on evictions and providing rental relief assistance for the most vulnerable Boston residents
• Increasing COVID testing, making it widely available throughout Boston including new mobile testing sites
• Reopening the city! Many local restaurants and businesses are now up and running, with new public health protocols in place. If you feel like venturing out, why not visit a restaurant in your neighborhood? Our small businesses need our support in order to make it through this pandemic!

Medical intervention is also key. Extraordinary efforts were undertaken to treat those who contracted COVID-19. Hospitals expanded their ICUs; First Responders reported to work even when their own health was at risk, and doctors came up with new treatments. You may remember that the City of Boston set up a field hospital at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center that could hold 1,000 patients. Luckily, these beds were never filled to capacity. And now there is a worldwide effort to find a vaccine. Until that point, we must keep doing what we’re doing.

As fall rolls in, there are a number of important events coming up. Let’s take a look back at some important deadlines you don’t want to miss:

• The deadline to take the 2020 US Census is approaching quickly - you must fill out your form by September 30th, so if you haven’t completed it yet, do it today! 
• This year we have a US Presidential Election. Access and safety around voting has increased dramatically this year because we can now vote by mail. Keep these important dates in mind:
  • Request a vote by mail ballot by: August 26, 2020
  • Register to vote by: August 22, 2020
  • Primary election is: September 1, 2020
  • General election is: November 3, 2020

As always, please feel free to reach out to us if you need assistance. You can dial 311 to reach City Hall, or call us at 617-635-3682. Our email is disability@boston.gov and the latest updates are available at www.boston.gov. 

Until next week, please stay informed, stay safe, and stay cool.

Sincerely,

Commissioner Kristen McCosh