Gov. Charlie Baker on Wednesday said that those protesting police brutality across the state, as well as officials, should remain mindful of the coronavirus pandemic amid public demonstrations in response to the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Baker, speaking during his daily press briefing, said he understands there's a conflict between guidance to avoid assembling in large crowds due to the pandemic and the ability to exercise one's right to freedom of speech.
"We ask everyone to balance the fight against the virus with the fight for what we as individuals believe in," he said.
Amid protests that amass thousands of people, public health experts have expressed fears about what the crowds could mean for transmitting the coronavirus. Baker said anytime there is a large gathering, the potential for spread is real. He pointed out that most protesters have been wearing face masks, but admitted that "big gatherings ... come with significant risks."
Baker said protests Tuesday night in Boston and Brockton were largely peaceful, with some moments of tension and raw emotion.
Baker thanked peaceful protesters and law enforcement, EMS workers, firefighters and members of the National Guard. He also called those who tried to damage property and injure law enforcement officers "cowards and criminals," and said he expected they would "have their day in court."
He said he and and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito have had conversations with members of the Black and Latino communities, elected officials, members of the clergy and public safety officials over the past several days to start a dialogue on working on ways to enhance transparency and accountability across the state's law enforcement system.
"There are no easy answers, but there's no shortage of important, bright ideas and we intend to pursue those closely," he said.
State officials also gave updates on the state's continuing plan for reopening the economy.
Samantha Aigner-Treworgy, the commissioner of Early Education and Care, detailed the minimum ofhealth and safety requirements for child care facilities in order to reopen as part of Phase 2.
Child care providers must screen children and staff prior to entering facilities, stagger drop-off schedules and have only one point of entry. Daily activities will need to be redesigned to avoid close contact between children, among other requirements.
Marylou Sudders, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, said day camps will be allowed in Phase 2 and will include requirements like not allowing off-site field trips and having at least two health staff on site.
She also said that beginning Wednesday, family visitation restrictions at nursing homes, rest homes and assisted living facilities have been eased to allow for scheduled, outdoor visits.
Restrictions on this include the precaution that residents who have COVID-19 cannot be visited at this time, and a limit to visits to only two individuals at a time, along with social distancing measures.
"And while we continue to promote alternative electronic methods for communication with families between residents and visitors such as Skype, Facetime, there is nothing, we know, like an in-person visit," Sudders said.
Mike Kennealy, the secretary of Housing and Economic Development, said part of the reopening protocols for retail stores will include new standards, including monitoring the number of customers in a store at a time and requirement for face coverings.
Polito also said that part of an executive order Baker signed Monday that allows businesses to prepare to reopen in Phase 2 includes a framework for amateur organized sports activities and programs.
As part of Phase 2, outdoor athletic facilities can be opened for organized youth and adult sports activities in accordance with the guidance. Games, scrimmages and tournaments are currently not permitted and contact sports must be limited to no contact drills and practices.
Right now, indoor sports and athletic facilities can only be reopened to supervised youth sports leagues and summer sports camps for participants under the age of 18. These facilities will have to adhere to specific protocols for hygiene, social distancing and cleaning and disinfecting.
Asked by a reporter if this means he would go visit his father, whom the governor has spoke of often during press briefings, Baker confirmed he will see his dad "soon."
