THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2020 Page 9 2020 | FROM PAGE 8 adding that there was also a salary cap of $100,000. PUA provided “up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefi ts to individuals who are not working as a result of COVID-19 and are self-employed, independent contractors, gig economy workers and others who otherwise would not qualify.” PUA also provides claimants with an additional $600 per week. Lastly, EIDL provided up to $10,000 and does not need to be repaid. As of April 24, $263.9 million in EIDL funding had been disbursed to small businesses across the state. Margaret Laforest, Boston Regional Director of the Massachusetts Offi ce of Business Development, said the Reopening Advisory Board would submit its recommendation to Governor Charlie Baker about how to go about reopening Massachusetts. “There’s a lot of anxiety about reopening the economy,” she said, adding that the state’s unemployment rate had reached 25 percent. Reopening plan The long-awaited process of reopening the state’s economy began on May 18. The meticulous process got underway with the Start phase in which “limited industries resume operations with severe restrictions.” That would be followed by the Cautious and Vigilant phases with the final step being the New Normal. “A safe reopening is necessary to allow the business community to survive over the coming months,” said Colin Kelly, president of the Everett Chamber of Commerce. “From our large commercial businesses to our neighborhood stores, Everett needs the energy and the economy to recover to keep our city moving forward.” Ward 4 School Committee Member Dana Murray said that as a mother she appreciated that Baker was “cautious and necessarily vague.” “I don’t want or need premature guarantees that can’t be delivered,” she said. “I don’t need my kids’ hearts crushed by undelivered promises, but I do value the hope a plan off ers.” School Committee Memberat-Large Samantha Lambert said Baker’s plan seemed “a little anticlimactic.” “Many of our students and their families have not had the privilege of staying home, continuing to work in the service, retail and medical industries,” she said. “We will all be happy when we are safely on the other side of this. I look forward to the day we hear the announcement that school is in session.” Ward 1 Councillor Fred Capone agreed that Everett was ready to begin allowing businesses to reopen. “We learn more about the virus every day, and with the help of God and good judgment on our parts, we should be able to get back to a more normal schedule in the near future,” he said. However, Capone said the Start phase would be challenging for many Everett businesses as it only applied to establishments with minimal contact between customers and employees. “Here in Everett, most of our businesses and those in which our residents are involved are fairly interactive,” he said. “Therefore, it may take a little longer before Everett sees a return to normal activity.” June Although additional legwork was needed, members of Everett High School’s Class of 2020 still graduated from inside their cars at the Mystic Street parking lots on June 6. “While it may not be the experience our seniors have been envisioning for all these years, we hope that we will be able to provide them with a unique and festive experience that will live on in their memories forever,” said Superintendent of Schools Priya Tahiliani. Senior Class President Ashley Yebba said she and her classmates appreciated the eff orts made by Tahiliani and Mayor Carlo DeMaria. “I could never say it enough, but I am so thankful for the superintendent and the mayor for doing everything they can for us,” she said. George Floyd In addition to the COVID-19 pandemic, the nation was dealt another traumatic blow with the death of George Floyd, the victim of a police encounter that went horribly wrong. After allegedly passing a bad check, Floyd, 46, of Minneapolis, was restrained by Offi cer Derek Chauvin, who proceeded to plant his knee on Floyd’s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds. Chauvin’s actions caused Floyd to suff ocate and also ignited a series of riots and protests in cities throughout the country. Reportedly having committed 18 infractions after nearly 20 years with the Minneapolis Police Department, Chauvin was promptly terminated along with the three other responding offi cers. He was subsequently arrested and charged with second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. “This man should not have worn a uniform,” said DeMaria during the city’s June 2 vigil that was held in Floyd’s memory. “The death of Mr. Floyd was an unjust and cowardly act of inhumane brutality. I want the black community to know that I hear you and the city of Everett hears you.” Dr. Omar Easy, vice principal of the academies at Everett High School, criticized President Donald Trump for claiming to be a “president of law and order.” “Law and order for whom? Clearly, it’s not for all of us,” he said. Police Chief Steven Mazzie agreed that excessive force was clearly employed during the incident that resulted in Floyd’s death. “We didn’t know him, but he did not deserve to die that day,” said Mazzie. “The Everett Police Department condemns all violence. The one thing we strive for is to be professional.” Minister Jean Daniels said nothing would be gained if people continued to point fi ngers. “Let us not use his death to promote a chaotic environment,” he said. “If we’re playing the blame game, we’re not going to get anywhere.” Although it was often ignored, State Senator Sal DiDomenico said, racism is still prevalent in the United States. “I’m working hard to right these historic wrongs,” he said. DiDomenico also off ered his condolences to the black community. “We can’t possibly understand the magnitude of what you’re feeling,” he said, adding that the best way to honor Floyd’s memory is to “push back for positive change.” Summer slow down After months of being bombarded by the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals noticed that the virus was loosening its grip – at least for the 2020 | SEE PAGE 10
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