Looking to New England for COVID-19 best practices
Good morning. Today, we're taking a trip to Massachusetts to look at a city that's being lauded for its coronavirus prevention methods. Weather's first.
Hot. Very hot. Afternoon heat indices get as high as 96 in the Twin Cities before an even hotter Saturday. Possible showers in the afternoon and likely storms at night. Statewide, highs from the mid-80s to lower 90s with possible storms at night. More on Updraft | Forecast
When New Bedford, Mass., saw major coronavirus outbreaks in meatpacking cities across the nation, its leaders took action. Nearly 15 percent of its population works in manufacturing, an industry the virus has hit hard. So, local authorities issued emergency orders that safety experts say could become a model at workplaces across the nation, if properly enforced.
Among the rules: companies must report any confirmed or potential COVID-19 cases to local health authorities. Other orders include require industrial facilities to provide their workers with protective equipment, enforce distancing rules, disinfect work areas, and have a health and safety officer who takes workers' temperatures when they start shifts. Penalties for not complying with the orders include a $300 fine for each day of violations and possible legal action.
New Bedford has already seen better working conditions and other positive changes. "This emergency order is a great model for others around the state and across the country. It sets very clear health and safety standards that were created in partnership with workers and reflects their demands," said Jodi Sugerman-Brozan, executive director at the Massachusetts Coalition for Occupational Safety and Health, a nonprofit that advocates for safe conditions for low-wage workers. Sugerman-Brozan said no other U.S. cities have passed such stringent emergency orders.
In Minnesota, state officials are bracing for an increase in severe COVID-19 cases and deaths. The recent increase in cases is expected to precede a spike in hospitalizations and fatalities in the coming weeks.
44,347 cases confirmed (611 new) via 805,212 tests
1,526 deaths (8 new)
4,526 cases requiring hospitalization
249 people remain hospitalized; 103 in intensive care
38,290 patients no longer requiring isolation
Target and CVS will soon require face masks. Target's policy starts Aug. 1 and CVS' starts Monday. Their mask mandates follow similar measures by other large companies like Walmart, Starbucks, Best Buy and Kohls.
Let's end on something nice ... Comet Neowise, a 3.1 mile long ice hunk, is going to be visible to us this week. Here's a guide on how to go catch a glimpse.
