This week, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced a further rollback of the state's COVID-19 restrictions.
Mask rules have been relaxed outdoors. And in the coming weeks, businesses like amusement parks and bars will be able to reopen with guidelines in place. Brian Stahl, who manages two bars in Amherst, called the announcement "the light shining at the end of the tunnel."
The governor said if health metrics stay positive, all business restrictions could be removed by August 1.
Panelist Chris Collins said it certainly seems as though Massachusetts is ready to get back on roller coasters and bar stools again.
"This is all positive news," Collins said. "Hopefully, we have this thing on the run. But I wouldn't be shocked if things change — if we have a spike — if everything gets rolled back. So as optimistic as I am, cautiously, I still think we haven't heard the end of this."
Panelist Larry Parnass said if there's a light at the end of the tunnel looking at August 1, "it's a faint one," since there's still so much uncertainty.
"Vaccination numbers are strong, and the percentage of positive tests keeps falling," Parnass said. "So there's reason to be hopeful. I think people have been on a roller coaster this whole time, and I think people are going to adjust differently to this Memorial Day weekend. I think it's going to be a key date ... that's really going to be the test of how comfortable people are getting back out there."
There was a lot of talk this week about newly released census data, and what that would mean for congressional districts across the country. In Massachusetts, there could also be an impact on the territory state legislators represent. The Berkshire Eagle reports lawmakers from Berkshire County feel their districts could be expanding eastward as population drops or remains stagnant.
Meanwhile in Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont signed into law a bill eliminating the state's religious exemption from requiring vaccinations for students. The new law will require shots for all students unless they have a medical exemption. Lamont said the bill will keep kids safe in classrooms, but some parents plan to sue, saying their constitutional rights have been violated.
The debate isn't specifically about the COVID-19 vaccine yet, as that's not approved for use for most children.
We wrap up the week back in Massachusetts, where Governor Baker is filing legislation aimed at making the state's roads safer. The proposal would allow for red-light cameras at intersections. Police would be able to pull people over for not wearing seat belts, and includes other provisions around licensing.
Guests:
- Chris Collins, contributing editor, Franklin County Now
- Larry Parnass, investigations editor, The Berkshire Eagle
