Page 2 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 2020 CITY OUTLINES | FROM PAGE 1 and safety and to prevent community transmission of coronavirus, effective 5PM Thursday, March 19, 2020: • Declared a State of Emergency in the City of Revere to implement broad emergency measures to ensure public health and safety; • Ordered the closure of all City parks and playgrounds; • Ordered the City of Revere Board of Health to mandate the closure of non-medicallylicensed facilities or businesses for which operation involves close (within six feet) or actual contact between individuals as a basic aspect of the business or operation. This order includes specifically, but not exclusively, hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, massage parlors, spa including electrolysis and laser facilities, manicure and pedicure facilities, cosmetic (make-up) facilities, body art facilities, and all related services provided by these facilities. City staff are canvassing the City to visit all establishments affected by this requirement, and providing business owners with a resource sheet outlining city contacts, small business loan programs, and employee assistance resources. Revere Police will be patrolling the city tomorrow to remind the public of the need and importance of social distancing practices, particularly in anticipation of warmer weather. The Response Team includes outreach and wellness coordinators who oversee needs and services for vulnerable populations, such as seniors, veterans, the disabled and veterans. A network to check in with residents in being created; pharmacies are being asked to prepare for an increase in demand and deliveries; and the city is working with Mystic Valley Elder Services, which, according to spokesman Shawn Middleton, is continuing to deliver meals to Revere seniors. The Response Team also includes a business liaison to work with small businesses that need assistance through programs like the newly launched $10 million small business loan fund. The state has announced that requirements to collect unemployment are being relaxed and MassPort Noise Complaint Line: 617-561-3333 payments are going out faster for anyone who is out of work because of the virus. Hanton mentioned the possibly of appointing a benefits coordinator to help residents apply for assistance. The Response Team’s Communications Coordinator is continually posting news and updates about the virus on the city’s website and providing information, such as the mutual aid information packet, which lists resources for residents in need of help with food, health care, transportation, housing rights and other issues. City Councillors raised several questions during the update on the virus. Ward 5 Councillor John Powers asked what types of federal and state assistance were in the pipeline for residents struggling with financial issues and work-related problems, such as childcare. Arrigo said he hadn’t heard much, particularly on the issue of childcare. He said the $1 million appropriation for emergency management will allow the city to help residents with the impact as local business comes to a halt. “We can’t wait for federal or state action,” he said. “We have to be prepared ourselves.” Powers also asked what residents should do if they develop symptoms and where they could be tested. Board of Health Director Dr. Nathalee Kong said anyone with a cough or fever or other symptoms should contact their health care provider, who will determine if he or she meets the criteria for testing. She said that patients younger than 65 who have some symptoms will most likely be advised to quarantine at home for 14 days and a few days after that. More testing is expected to be available soon. Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) was expected to open a drive-through center this week offering tests by appointment to CHA patients with symptoms. And Mayor Arrigo’s Chief of Staff, Bob Marra, said the City of Revere has been working with Target and CVS on the logistics for mobile testing sites that may possibly be in place next week. Again, there may be criteria for residents seeking a test, and appointments may be necessary to avoid crowds. Ward 3 Councillor Arthur Guinasso asked about first respondSCHOOL | FROM PAGE 1 Thanks to Revere educators that’s not a risk. “Teachers have been doing an unbelievable job pulling together curriculum that’s been loaded on a hidden page on the district website,” said Kelly, who has called Revere teachers and school staff one of the city’s greatest assets. This week while Kelly was at Beachmont School for the lunch distribution period, she spoke to a mother who had come to pick up some work for her child from a teacher who wasn’t in her classroom. “It seemed like she has crossed wires with that teacher, but she was actually out driving around delivering reading books to students,” said Kelly. The next priority for Revere High teachers will be ensuring that seniors earn their diplomas, which will involve reaching out to students who need to make up work. “There will be a graduation, I’m just not sure when,” said Kelly. In addition to teachers who are working on academics, ers and what the city would do if there were an outbreak within either the police or fire departments. “We want to be prepared for the worst,” said Arrigo, adding that he has discussed that scenario with both chiefs, and there is a plan in place. Other city departments are still at work, and there is a line of succession among staff to ensure essential services continue should any department head or director become ill. CITY OUTLINES | SEE PAGE 19 the district’s occupational and physical therapists are looking at ways to continue providing services for students and their families, including possible videoconferencing. Like other districts, Revere is providing students breakfast and lunch to go during the shutdown. Breakfast is available from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and lunch is distributed from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., but students can pick up both meals whenever they come. On Fridays, kids pick up six meals to go so they have breakfast and lunch over the weekend. The cafeteria workers have done yeoman’s work this week,” said Kelly. “They are really the heroes of the district.” Essential school staff have also been available to help students and families with different issues, but Kelly said next week schools will streamline hours with buildings open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kelly said she’ll continue to provide school families with regular updates on the ongoing closure and other school news. Everett's Newest Real Estate Office Commercial Sales and Leasing Residential Home Sales Real Estate Consulting Apartment Rentals Real Estate Auctions Business Brokerage Personal Property Appraisals Mass Licensed Auctioneer 560 Broadway, Everett, MA 02149 | 617-512-5712 | sam@broadwayRE.com ADRIANA RESNICK DOMENICA RIGGIO SAM RESNICK
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