BOSTON (AP) — Coronavirus-related developments in Massachusetts:
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BAN ON LARGE GATHERINGS
Gov. Charlie Baker issued an emergency order Friday banning most gatherings of more than 250 people as the state works to limit the spread of the new coronavirus.
The order will prohibit a range of gatherings, including civic, leisure and faith-based events, as well as sporting events with spectators, concerts, conventions, fundraisers, parades, festivals and other events that bring together 250 or more people in a single room or venue, Baker said.
Those venues include auditoriums, stadiums, arenas, large conference rooms, meeting halls or theaters.
The order doesn’t apply to airports, bus and train stations, medical facilities, libraries, shopping malls, polling locations and grocery or retail stores. Restaurants are exempted, provided they encourage social distancing. Office environments, government buildings and many factories are also exempt.
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COURTHOUSE DELAYS AND RESTRICTIONS
Massachusetts state courts are postponing all civil and criminal jury trials until at least April 21, the state’s highest court said. The Supreme Judicial Court said cases in which a jury has already been selected will continue until there is a verdict.
No new grand juries will be empaneled before April 21, either. Court officials say criminal suspects who want their case to move forward before then may seek an exception “in exceptional circumstances.”
Officials are also barring certain people from entering state courthouses. They include people who have traveled to China, Italy, Iran, Japan and South Korea within the past 14 days and people who live with or have had close contact with someone who traveled to those countries.
Others prohibited from entering state courts include people with apparent coronavirus symptoms, such as a fever, cough and shortness of breath.
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SENATE RACE
Democratic U.S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III said Friday that he is temporarily suspending all campaign activities in light of the growing threat of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus.
Kennedy is hoping to oust Democratic U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, who is running for reelection.
Kennedy’s campaign manager Nick Clemons said in a news release that it isn’t wise to continue political activities, given the reality that Massachusetts families and communities are facing.
The suspension will last one week, and the campaign will reassess its options by close of business on March 20, Clemons said. The campaign will maintain a digital presence.
The number of people in Massachusetts who have tested positive for COVID-19 rose to 102 on Thursday. More than 80 cases were associated with a meeting of executives of the firm Biogen at a Boston hotel last month.
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PRISON VISITS SUSPENDED
Family and friend visits have been suspended at all Massachusetts state prisons amid the outbreak of the novel coronavirus, officials said Friday.
The Massachusetts Department of Correction said family and friend visits will not be allowed at any of the state’s 16 correctional facilities. Attorneys will still be able to visit their clients behind bars, officials said.
Prisons officials said the they will evaluate the reinstatement of family and friend visits on an “ongoing basis.”
Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins said the county’s House of Correction is also suspending visits. Her office said it will “work with the community to make sure that families are able to remain in contact with their loved ones who are in custody.”
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ABOUT THE VIRUS
For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, or death.
The vast majority of people recover from the new virus. According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.
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The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
