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Robert Bosworth

Michael J. Mezzetti, 38

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Michael J. Mezzetti, age 38, of Weymouth, formerly of Boston, died unexpectedly, Thursday, March 26, 2020.

Born in Stoneham, he was raised and educated in Quincy and Weymouth. Michael graduated from Weymouth High School, Class of 1999. He attended the University of Connecticut and graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2004, with a Finance degree from the Isenberg School of Management.  He lived in Weymouth for the past few years, previously living in Boston’s North End and on his boat in the Charlestown Navy Yard.

Michael worked for Ameriprise Financial as a Manager of Interactive Marketing for many years.

Michael Mezzetti

Many close to Michael will recall his many joys in life such as baseball, candlepin bowling, corn hole and Golden Tee Golf – shared memories that will live on, just like his bright smile. Michael was an incredible athlete who loved playing baseball in his hometown of Weymouth.  In 1999, Michael won the coveted Buzz Herald award, named after a baseball league manager who instilled in his players leadership, good sportsmanship, and hard work. Quick-witted with the selfless willingness to always lend a hand or a laugh, Michael found his way into many hearts.

Beloved son of Cheryl M. (Eaton) Mezzetti of Marshfield, the late Stephen P. Mezzetti and the late Michael A. Ferreira.

Devoted brother of Anthony P. Mezzetti of Malden, Jon M. Mezzetti of Weymouth, Samuele N. Mezzetti of Framingham, and Nicholas Ferreira of Methuen.

Loving uncle of twins, Braeden and Brody Loomis, and their sister, Ellie Loomis.

Dear grandson of Jean L. Ferreira of Haverhill, the late Ruth Mezzetti, and the late Carolyn Eaton.

Longtime best friend and beloved boyfriend of Brooke Kintner.

Michael was also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

In light of current events, funeral services were private. A celebration of Michael’s life will be held at a later date.

For those who wish, donations in Michael’s memory may be made to the Michael J. Mezzetti Memorial Fund, Coastal Heritage Bank, c/o Gail Perry, 744 Broad St., Weymouth, MA 02189. All donations will be used for the purpose of helping children in his hometown of Weymouth share the love of baseball that brought him lifelong values and pure happiness.

Arrangements under the direction of the Sweeney Brothers Home for Funerals, 1 Independence Avenue, Quincy. You are invited to visit www.thesweeneybrothers.com or call 617-472-6344.

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation Partners with ConvenientMD Urgent Care to Open Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing Site In Quincy

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ConvenientMD and the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation are partnering to open a drive-thru COVID-19 testing site starting at noon on Friday, April 3rd at Harvard Pilgrim Health Care’s Quincy headquarters’ parking lot, located at 1600 Colony Dr.

“This creative partnership with ConvenientMD is designed to help provide timely, easy and critical access to COVID-19 testing in our communities, where our communities need it most,” said Michael Carson, President and CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and chair of the Foundation’s board of directors. “This testing service will assist public health efforts in the growing need to identify COVID-19 positive patients, as well as enable hospital emergency rooms and health care workers on the frontline to focus their resources and efforts on patients in the greatest need of immediate care.”

All Massachusetts insurance companies are covering COVID-19 testing with no member cost sharing.  Additionally, insurers are also covering telemedicine services. Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and other insurance companies are waiving all patient costs for ConvenientMD virtual urgent care visits to be evaluated for COVID-19.

Here are the guidelines for accessing the COVID-19 testing site:

  • In advance of visiting the COVID-19 testing site at Harvard Pilgrim in Quincy, all Massachusetts’ patients will need to be evaluated by ConvenientMD’s face-to-face Virtual Urgent Care service by calling (617) 303-6400.

  • After the virtual evaluation, a medical provider will determine eligibility for testing, and if needed, will refer the patient to the COVID-19 testing site.

  • Patients will be tested in their vehicle by a member of ConvenientMD’s medical staff.

  • Patients of any age can utilize the ConvenientMD Virtual Urgent Care service, however any patient under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian present at the time of service.

  • Individuals do not have to be Harvard Pilgrim members to utilize this service.  This service is available to the general public.

“The safety of our patients, employees, and the medical community are of utmost importance during this time and we will continue to take proactive steps to navigate this pandemic as it continues to evolve” said Dr. Mark Pundt, president and chief medical officer of ConvenientMD. “With the help of the Harvard Pilgrim Foundation, we’re expanding outpatient COVID-19 testing at the Quincy location for patients who may be experiencing signs and symptoms of COVID-19.  Our goal is to continue the mission of reducing the spread of this virus as much as possible. Anyone in Massachusetts now can speak with a provider in a virtual face-to-face visit in the safety of their home, who will evaluate and, if indicated, refer them for COVID-19 testing while remaining in their vehicle.”

ConvenientMD is providing Virtual Urgent Care and COVID-19 evaluation services from 8 a.m.- 8 p.m., seven days a week. COVID-19 testing services via this drive-thru testing site are available by appointment between the hours of 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., seven days a week, only after an evaluation.  To be evaluated for COVID-19, call (617) 303-6400.

On average, results for COVID-19 testing will take 5-7 days. ConvenientMD will follow up with all patients directly regardless of test results and whether or not they have a PCP.

ConvenientMD is a leading provider of urgent care and walk-in medical services in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.

 

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Additional Steps To Encourage Social Distancing At State Parks, Beaches

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Governor Charlie Baker Thursday (April 2) issued an emergency order requiring all coastal beach reservation parking areas managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to close effective 12:00 PM on Friday, April 3, 2020 to reduce large concentrations of people at beaches during the COVID-19 outbreak. Additionally, effective at noon on Friday, April 3, DCR will open select seasonal state parks early and expand access at other parks to provide additional open space opportunities for residents to enjoy and alternatives to popular state parks throughout the Commonwealth.

Coastal parkways that provide access to state beaches will also be closed to both parking and dropping off passengers. State beaches will remain open and available to pedestrians for transitory use only (walking, jogging, biking, solitary fishing, etc.). A link to find specific parking and traffic restrictions can be found here.

State parks and associated parking areas remain open at this time; however, the public is asked to visit state parks and other open space properties that are located near their homes to ensure social distancing to limit the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, DCR’s agency-owned ice rinks, visitor centers, campgrounds, playgrounds, fitness areas, athletic fields, athletic courts, golf courses, and bathroom facilities will remain closed until Monday, May 4, 2020.

DCR will also be limiting the amount of parking spaces available at certain high-visitation state parks. DCR continues to stress that if a park is crowded, visitors should consider visiting a different location or returning at a later date or time. The state parks system has over 450,000 acres of property, and every region of the state contains multiple parks to explore that may be less busy than others in the area. DCR advises visitors of state parks to:

·       Stay within solitary or small groups, and avoid gatherings of ten or more people;

·       Practice social distancing of at least six feet between individuals;

·       Participate in only non-contact recreational activities;

·       Practice healthy personal hygiene, such as handwashing for at least 20 seconds; and,

·       Stay home if ill, over 70, and/or part of a vulnerable population.

To centralize COVID-19 updates that impact the state parks system, DCR recently developed a Massachusetts State Parks COVID-19 Updates webpage. Prior to visiting a state parks property, members of the public should review the contents of the webpage. Furthermore, for information about the Baker-Polito Administration’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, please visit the Department of Public Health’s (DPH) website.

City of Quincy COVID-19 Update April 1, 2020

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CITY OF QUINCY

COVID-19 UPDATE

April 1, 2020

  • Applications are now available for housing assistance programs sponsored by the City, one for hospitality workers being coordinated by the Quincy Chamber of Commerce and one for all other workers coordinated by the Quincy Community Action Programs.
  • The programs are being funded by an emergency appropriation from the City’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund at the request of Mayor Koch. The Affordable Housing Trust is a fund created by fees paid by developers of housing projects in the City. There will be no expense to local taxpayers for these programs.
  • Contact he Quincy Chamber of Commerce at  www.quincyhospitalitysupportfund.com, 617-471-1700 or info@thequincychamber.com for an application and details of the hospitality workers program
  • Contact Quincy Community Actions Program at www.qcap.org, 617-657-5377, or QuincyCovidRent@qcap.org for an application and details of that program.

 

Supporting Our Local Business Economy: A Message From The City of Quincy

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The City of Quincy is working with the Federal & State Government to provide continued updates relative to resources available to the Business Community on COVID-19 information and alerts for funding/disaster business resources. This document will be updated regularly so please stay tuned….
The following is a list of resources for the business community: COVID-19 – Disaster Relief with helpful links for immediate connection to these agencies.
New Information as of April 01, 2020
Federal Stimulus Relief Programs
Cares Act: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act
1) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loans
  • This program provides cash flow assistance through 100% federally guaranteed loans to employers who maintain their payroll during this emergency. Features include: loan forgiveness of up to 8 weeks of payroll based on employee retention and salary; no SBA fees, and 6 months deferral with max deferral of up to one year.
2) Small Business Debt Relief Program
  • This program provides immediate relief to small business owners already holding non-disaster SBA loans, specifically 7(a), 504 and microloans. The SBA will cover all loan payments on these loans including principal, interest, fees for 6 months. This relief is also available to new borrowers who take out loans within 6 months of the President signing the bill into law.
3) Economic Injury Disaster Loans & Emergency Economic Injury Grants
  • Emergency advance funding for up to $10K to small businesses and private non-profits within 3 days of applying for an SBA Economic Disaster (EDIL) Loan. To access the advance, a business must apply for EDIL, then request the advance. The advance does not need to be repaid under any circumstances, and may be used to keep employees on payroll, operating expenses, etc.
4) SBA Counseling and Training
  • Counselling and business assistance services provided through the Small Business Development Center, Women’s Business Center & SCORE.
***Click here for a summary of the CARES Act and Provisions.
SBA Financial Assistance:
Small Business Administration Economic Disaster Loan (EDIL) Program
* New streamlined application as of 4/1/2020
The SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan program has been activated statewide in Massachusetts.  Updated details about the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan and how to apply is available here:
  • If you apply for that Disaster Loan – you can ask for an “Economic Injury Disaster Loan Advance” for up to $10,000 as part of the loan application. If approved, these funds can be used for payroll and other operating expenses and can be FORGIVEN.
  • To learn more and apply, go to: www.sba.gov/DISASTER
  • Customer Service Center can be reached at: 1-800-659-2955 or e-mail disastercustomerservice@sba.gov
  • No cost to apply, small businesses are urged to submit applications immediately.
  • NEW 12-Month Deferment period for the first payment was approved for EIDL program.
  • NEW Expedited Processing for loans under $500,000 where the submission of current tax return is not required for small businesses.
  • Loans are available to assist with working capital needs.
  • SBA EIDL loans are for small businesses and private non-profits (of any size) that were previously profitable, but whose revenues have been adversely impacted by the outbreak of COVID-19 (since January 31, 2020). Loans can be up to $2 million and have a long-term repayment schedule of up to 30 years.
  • The Small Business Administration is offering an Express Bridge Loan Program to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. This program authorizes SBA Express Lenders to provide expedited SBA-guaranteed bridge loan financing on an emergency basis in amounts up to $25,000 for disaster-related purposes to small businesses who have applied for and await long-term financing (including the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program). Small businesses who are already working with an SBA Express Lender may be eligible to apply to this streamlined program.
  • Read general information about this program here; guidance is available here. Interested businesses can use the SBA’s Lender Match Tool to find an Express Bridge Loan Lender and apply.
***Click hereto find your local SBA lenders here in Quincy.
Tax Extensions and Waivers for assisting Small Businesses
The Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) issued emergency regulation 830 CMR 62C.16.2(7), which grants extensions on remitting the room occupancy tax and the sales/meals tax and is aimed at assisting small businesses. Learn More
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
Resources for businesses and employees relating to employee benefits can always be found at the Office of Labor and Workforce Development’s website.
Programs include:
  • Updated information regarding unemployment resources can be found here.
  • TheWorkShare program, a tool to help employers avoid layoffs during a downturn – read more about WorkShare here.
  • The Rapid Response program, which works closely with companies to avert layoffs and keep a skilled workforce engaged in the existing regional economy or industry; read more about how the Rapid Response Team can help businesses at here.
The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and the Department of Unemployment Assistance will be hosting virtual town hall meetings featuring a step by step process to achieve a successful unemployment claim. They will also take questions from claimants across the Commonwealth.
The current virtual town hall schedule is:
  • Thursday, April 2, 2020 at 2:10 PM
  • Friday, April 3, 2020 at 2:00 PM
Click here to sign up for a virtual town hall via phone or online. A web link to the daily visual presentation can be viewed here. You can also download the step by step presentation.
The Division of Insurance
Click herefor bulletin regarding flexibility in the issuance and administration of insurance during covid-19.
From the Governor
Governor Baker issued an emergency order requiring all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” to close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers, and the public as of Tuesday, March 24th at noon until Monday, May 4th at noon.
  • Detailed list of the services and operations deemed essential.
  • Governor’s press release with additional updates here. The latest information and guidance regarding COVID-19 is always available at mass.gov/COVID19.
MA’s Emergency Operations Center’s Private Sector Hotline – The Hotline will be staffed Monday – Friday from 8am to 4pm. The hotline is 508-820-2094.
Please contact the City of Quincy:
Maureen Geary
Director of Business & Government Relations
617-435-1824
James Scribi
Business Relations
617-780-2247
Please reach out to our State Business Partners:
Margaret Laforest
Regional Director, Greater Boston
Massachusetts Office of Business Development
617-939-3097
1515 Hancock Street, Suite 402
Quincy, MA 02169
Sue Whitaker
Regional Director – Greater Boston
Massachusetts Office of Business Development
617-620-1005
susan.whitaker@mass.gov
1515 Hancock Street, Suite 402
Quincy, MA 02169

Florence L. Steeves, 86

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Florence L. (Martel) Steeves, 86, a longtime resident of Quincy, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family at her home on Friday March 27.

Florence Steeves

Born in Laconia NH, she was a daughter of the late Irenee Martel and Yvonne (Sevigny).  Proudly French-Canadian, Florence was raised in an entirely French-speaking household and learned English only upon entering first grade in 1939. Florence was employed by the Stop & Shop Supermaket Co. in Quincy as a cashier for many years, a job she loved, retiring in 1997.  Additionally she was a volunteer at the gift shop at Quincy Hospital, and CareOne at Weymouth.

Florence was what some might call a sports fanatic, following all of the Boston sports teams including the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots, the Boston Celtics and the Boston Bruins.  Flo rarely missed a game on television or an opportunity to tell you what one or another of the teams was doing wrong and how it could be corrected.  One of the greatest joys of her life was the Red Sox World Series victory in 2004 when her hooting and hollering from her living room during the late night finish was later reported to have been heard from the International Space Station.  At the time of her death, she remained disappointed in Tom Brady’s tragic decision to leave the Patriots.

Florence was the beloved wife of the late Eugene K. Steeves, and the devoted mother of Nancy M. McDonald and her husband Tim of Quincy, the late Martin L. Steeves who died in 2013, and a dedicated caregiver and constant companion of her daughter, Carol Steeves of Weymouth.  She was the proud grandmother, known lovingly as Meme, of Eliza, Maeve, and Fiona McDonald all of Quincy and attended every single one of their dance recitals and every play and musical in which they ever appeared at St. Ann School, St. Agatha School and Fontbonne Academy. She was the sister of Grace Montplaisir of NH and Alice Parzek of FL, Robert Martel of SC, Donat Martel of NH, Helene Stentiford of Wakefield, and the late Laurette Baillargeon, Rachel Pelczar, Blanche Mansour, Lucille Houde, and Lucien, Edmond, Leo, and Rolland Martel.  She is also survived by more than 100 nieces and nephews.

In light of current circumstances, immediate services are private.  A memorial gathering and service is planned for this summer or early fall, and will be announced on the funeral home website.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Florence’s name to Fontbonne Academy for the The Good Fountain Players C/O Fontbonne Academy, 930 Brook Rd. Milton, MA 02186.

Traditionally, the funeral is an opportunity for the community to gather in support of one another. Although we cannot gather together with Florence’s family at this time, friends may still offer their support by visiting www.Keohane.com and sharing a special memory or message.  For those who cannot access the website, please call 1-800-KEOHANE to have your message added.

Harold J. ‘Harry’ Merrill, Jr., 94

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Harold J. “Harry” Merrill, Jr., age 94, of Braintree, formerly of Quincy, passed away, peacefully, Sunday, March 29, 2020, at the John Bertram House in Salem, in the comfort of his loving family.

Harold Merrill

Beloved husband of the late Clara M. (Marcucci) Merrill.

Devoted father of Robert J. Merrill of San Diego, Calif., Lynn Raymond and her husband Reid of Norfolk, Va., and Debra M. Martineau and her husband Philip of Beverly.

Loving Pa of Jeff, Amy, Kimberly, Philip, Andrew, Brian, Brenda, Shawn, and Kelly.

Cherished great grandfather of eight.

One of three siblings, he was the dear brother of Mary E. Priscella of Braintree and the late Catherine E. Elliott.

Harry is also survived by many nieces, nephews, friends, and devoted neighbors who provided caring support for him over the past several years.

Born in Quincy, to the late Harold J. and Catherine L. (Roberts) Merrill, he was raised and educated in Quincy, and had lived in Braintree for the past sixty-three years.

Harry was a proud World War II veteran, having served honorably in the U.S. Army with the 355th Infantry Regiment. He participated in the Rhineland and Central Europe campaigns and received the World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, American Service Medal, and the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal.

A founding member of the Adams Heights Men’s Club of Quincy, he served as a manager there for many years.

Harry made many dear friends over his lifetime. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor. He always knew how to make people laugh. Harry had a passion for his family and of life, and sincerely appreciated all those who cared for him. He “loved all sooooo much!”

In light of current events, Harry’s interment at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne took place privately. A celebration of Harry’s life will be held at a later date.

For those who wish, donations in Harry’s memory may be made to the John Bertram House, 29 Washington Square, Salem, MA 01970.

Arrangements under the direction of the Sweeney Brothers Home for Funerals, 1 Independence Ave., Quincy.

You are invited to visit www.thesweeneybrothers.com or call 617-472-6344.

Baker-Polito Administration Extends Non-Essential Business Closures To May 4th

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The Baker-Polito Administration announced Tuesday (March 31) several updates related to the COVID-19 outbreak including extending the non-essential business emergency order and guidance for Executive Branch employees until May 4.

The Department of Public Health’s Stay-At-Home Advisory remains in effect. The Administration also updated the “COVID-19 Essential Services” categories for businesses and other organizations that provide essential services and workforces related to COVID-19 that are permitted to operate brick and mortar facilities during the emergency.

Essential Services Order: Governor Charlie Baker’s emergency order requiring that all businesses and organizations that do not provide “COVID-19 Essential Services” close their physical workplaces and facilities to workers, customers and the public will be extended until May 4. Businesses and organizations not on the list of essential services are encouraged to continue operations through remote means that do not require workers, customers, or the public to enter or appear at the brick-and-mortar premises closed by the order. This order also prohibits gatherings of more than 10 people until May 4th.

The Administration updated the “COVID-19 Essential Services” list today, which is based on federal guidance that was updated earlier this week. The new list will go into effect tomorrow, April 1, at noon.  While these businesses are designated as essential, they are urged to follow social distancing protocols for workers in accordance with guidance from the Department of Public Health (DPH).

Some of the updates to the essential services list include:

  • Clarity around the supply chain that supports other essential services
  • Adding health care providers like chiropractors and optometrists
  • Expanding the types of workers providing disinfectant and sanitation services

Click here for the essential services extension order.

Click here for the full list of categories of “COVID-19 Essential Services.” (PDF)

Click here for COVID-19 Essential Services FAQs created by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.

Hotel/Motel Guidance: As part of the updated essential business list, DPH issued new guidance today around hotels, motels, inns, beds and breakfasts and other short-term residential rentals. Based on this new guidance, hotels, motels, and short-term rentals may only be used for efforts related to fighting COVID-19, like front line health workers or individuals, or for Massachusetts residents who have been otherwise displaced from their residences.

Click here for the Hotel/Motel Guidance.

Stay at Home Advisory: Last week, Governor Charlie Baker directed DPH to issue a stay-at-home advisory, and the Governor announced today that the advisory will remain in effect. Residents are advised to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel and other unnecessary person to person contact during this time period. Residents who are considered at high risk when exposed to COVID-19  should limit social interactions with other people as much as possible

Click here for the Stay-At-Home Advisory.

Executive Branch Employee Guidance: The Baker-Polito Administration today also extended the guidance issued to Executive Branch employees on protocol during the COVID-19 outbreak to ensure state government can continue to provide key services while protecting the health and safety of the public and the Executive Branch workforce. Under the guidance, all employees performing non-core functions who are able to work remotely should continue to do so until May 4. Full guidance will be sent to Executive Branch employees later today

Some Executive Branch services and walk-in offices remain open, but residents are encouraged to use online services when available. For the status of in-person Executive Branch office locations, please click here.

Field Medical Station Announcement: The Commonwealth, through MEMA, has requested and received approval for a Field Medical Station that will provide additional medical care capacity as the state plans for a surge in cases. The federal Strategic National Stockpile has approved a 250-bed field medical station that will be deployed to the DCU Center in the City of Worcester this week. This temporary facility will be managed by UMass Memorial and staffed by a partnership including the City of Worcester and others. The temporary field medical center will be used to treat lower acuity patients who still need monitoring.

Nursing/Rest Home Program: The Commonwealth is implementing a pilot project that allows for safe, on-site testing of symptomatic residents of nursing and rest homes with a quick turnaround. The pilot will operate under the auspices of the Massachusetts National Guard in partnership with the Department of Public Health and Broad Institute of Cambridge, and samples will be collected by trained personnel from the Massachusetts National Guard. Prior to this launch, the only way for nursing home residents to be tested would be to be transported to a hospital or physician’s office.

Members of the public should continue checking www.mass.gov/covid19 for the latest information on impacts from the COVID-19 outbreak.

Donna LaPenna

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Donna LaPenna (Iacovelli) passed away at her home after recent health issues March 30, 2020.
Donna LaPenna

Donna was loved by so many. She loved to cook, sew, shop, take road trips, especially to Florida, watch crime shows, and be with her family, particularly her grandchildren. She always looked forward to her lunch dates with her school friends. Donna was always the one who made you laugh and always knew the right thing to say. She was the best Mother and Nonnie.

She is survived by her husband Bob, her daughters Dawn LaPenna. Carrie LaPenna-Sullivan, Lauren LaPenna,Donna Peterson and her son Michael J. Sullivan. Her grandchildren Andrew and Anthony Sullivan and her granddaughter Sophia LaPenna. Also her sister’s Mary Ioannilli and Linda Grazioso her Brother Johnny Iacovelli and her many beloved nieces and nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Donna may be made to American Heart Association, P.O. Box 417005, Boston, MA 02241-7005. Normally, the funeral is an opportunity for the community to gather in support of one another. Although we cannot gather together with Donna’s family at this time, friends may still offer their support by visiting www.Keohane.com and sharing a special memory or message. For those who cannot access the website, please call 1-800-KEOHANE to have your message added.

Number Of COVID-19 Deaths, Cases In Quincy Up To 7, 89 Respectively

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The number of COVID-19 cases and virus-related deaths in Quincy continues to climb with seven residents who have passed away from complications and a reported 89 cases in the city. Quincy also reports 22 residents with symptoms of COVID-19 have recovered as of Monday, March 30.

Statewide, there have been 56 deaths attributed to COVID-19 and 5,752 cases as of Monday, March 30. Counties with the highest number of reported coronavirus cases are Middlesex (1,114), Suffolk (1,115) and Norfolk (628)

The city also announced Monday that the due date for fourth-quarter property tax bills has been extended until June 1.

Deadlines for property tax exemptions and deferral applications are extended from April 1 to June 1.

The City of Quincy Park Department has also closed all basketball courts throughout the city due to a concern that people were not practicing proper social distancing.

Other information:

• Governor Charlie Baker has issued an executive order to further extend the closure of all Massachusetts schools and all non emergency child care programs until May 4, 2020.

  • A temporary emergency order has been issued that prohibits the use of reusable bags until further notice. Retailers will provide bags free of charge during this time.
  • Governor Charlie Baker ordered all non-essential businesses to close no later than noon on Tuesday, March 24. The order does not apply to grocery stores, pharmacies and many other services deemed essential. For a full list of essential services included in the Governor’s order, please click here.
  • The Governor also reduced the maximum number of group assemblies to 10 people, down from 25. Additional guidance on that order, can be found here.
  • A Wollaston Elementary School Grade 5 teacher, who was last in school on March 12, has tested positive for COVID-19. In a letter to Grade 5 parents, Superintendent Richard DeCristofaro asked that children in the class self-isolate in their home until March 26 as a precaution, based on the recommendation from Health Commissioner Ruth Jones.
  • All day-care facilities except Exempt Emergency Childcare Centers to serve families of first-responders and front-line medical personnel are closed.
  • City offices are closed to the public. The City will still operate and offices will still be staffed, but residents will be required to conduct business via telephone, the Internet or through the mail. No emergency services will be impacted. For a full list of department phone numbers and contact information, please click here.
  • All playgrounds in Quincy are closed, but park spaces are open.
  • Students can pick up “Grab and Go” meals at North Quincy High School, Quincy High, Snug Harbor and Lincoln-Hancock. Meals will be available from 11 AM to noon. Additional details are available on QPS website.  To visit the site, please click here.
  • All restaurants and bars in Quincy are not allowed to serve food or beverages on site.
  • Any gathering should maintain “social distancing” meaning people stay further six feet away from each other at all times.
  • All public regulatory boards are postponed until at least April 7.
  • All public facilities will continue to undergo aggressive environmental cleaning on a daily basis.
  • Mayor Koch will use $1 million from the City’s Affordable Housing Trust to assist workers in the City’s hospitality industry and maintain their housing during prolonged closures. The full details of the program will be developed in the coming days.

Best Practices

  • Residents in potentially vulnerable populations, such as seniors and those with underlying medical conditions, are advised to stay home.
  • Many of the things you do to help prevent colds and the flu can help protect you against other respiratory viruses such as Coronavirus:
    • Avoid large gatherings.
    • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
    • Cover your coughs and sneezes.
    • Stay home if you are sick. If you are ill call your healthcare provider for instructions before going to a clinic, office or emergency room.
  • There are currently no vaccines available to protect against this novel coronavirus infection. It is not recommended that people wear masks when they are in public. Masks can be useful in some settings, such as a clinic waiting room, to prevent someone who has a respiratory illness from spreading it to others. There is no hard evidence that wearing a mask protects the wearer outside of the healthcare setting.
  • Don’t flush Disinfecting Wipes, Paper Towel or Flushable Wipes down your toilet.  They can clog sewer lines and cause plumbing issues in your home.

Need More Information?

  • Ruth Jones
    Health Commissioner
    (617) 376-1272
    rjones@quincyma.gov
  • City of Quincy COVID-19 Informational Hotline
    (617) 376-1288
  • Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services
    (617) 376-1500