Governor Baker has declared a state of emergency among growing concerns about the coronavirus (COVID-19).

Here are a few key takeaways:
* Employers and other large organizations are urged to follow the state’s example and limit or eliminate non-essential travel, limit or eliminate large events where possible, and explore telework where appropriate. The Governor has urged older adults and those with health issues to avoid large crowds and large events.

* The Administration issued updated guidance to members of the public. This guidance is posted on the Department of Public Health’s website, www.mass.gov/2019coronavirus.

* Regarding K-12 schools, the Department of Secondary and Elementary Education (DESE) is providing local schools with relief from attendance and school year requirements so that schools have the flexibility to make decisions on temporary closures due to Coronavirus concerns. More specifically:

The longest that any school district will be required to go is its scheduled 185th day. No schools will be required to be in session after June 30th.

For accountability purposes for school year 2019-20, DESE will calculate chronic absenteeism as of Monday, March 2, 2020 and disregard all attendance data for the remainder of the school year.
DESE Commissioner Jeff Riley is strongly urging all districts to cancel all out-of-state travel at this time. This is in addition to the Administration’s existing request for schools to cancel international trips.

The Department of Public Health will be issuing updated guidance to Superintendents on how to address cases that arise at a school, including potential school closures.

*The public is also reminded of steps to take to limit the spread of COVID-19:

Cover your mouth – when you cough or sneeze use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
Wash your hands – with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based sanitizing gel.
Stay home if you are sick – and avoid close contact with others.

Source: Press Release, Governor Baker Declares State of Emergency to Support Commonwealth’s Response to Coronavirus