Massachusetts is expanding its "Stop the Spread" initiative, which concentrates free COVID-19 testing in municipalities with higher than average infection rates, to three new communities: Salem, Holyoke and Saugus. That brings the total number of targeted communities to 20.
Free testing for anyone in those communities will be available through Sept. 12 at designated locations. The program is open to people not experiencing symptoms.
When asked — at his latest coronavirus briefing — if the state will eventually move on the second stage of phase three of its reopening plan, Gov. Charlie Baker said, "I think we need to do some work to deal with the communities that are currently struggling before we go for any further down the road."
Baker declined to say if he supports litigation to address the growing controversy surrounding Postmaster General Louis DeJoy's strategy of cost-cutting at the U.S. Postal Service while many states, including Massachusetts, are relying on mail-in balloting for upcoming elections.
Attorney General Maura Healey announced Tuesday that Massachusetts will join a group of states suing the Trump administration for limiting staff overtime at the U.S.P.S, which Healey claims will cause delays in postal service.
“By interfering with the Postal Service, President Trump is putting both our democracy and people’s health at risk,” Healey said in a statement. “We are suing to ensure the integrity of our electoral process and to make sure each and every vote is counted during this election.”
Baker said he wasn't comfortable speaking to Healey's suit without a better understanding of it, instead suggesting that Congress and the federal government address funding for the post office.
"The biggest hit to the post office budget is the loss of business revenue, and that is something that Congress and the White House should and need to deal with," he said.
Baker added that he is voting by mail.
This is a developing story.
