Politico Massachusetts Playbook: Mass. joins REGIONAL reopening group — How CORONAVIRUS could impact COMMUTES — PRESSLEY calls on BAKER to scrap hospital guidelines

By Stephanie Murray

GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. PANDEMIC SPARKS CAR SALES OVERSEAS — Some car dealerships in Wuhan, China, are reporting sales increases in the wake of a citywide lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. Consumers are gravitating toward the perceived safety of cars instead of using more crowded public transportation, according to a Bloomberg report. If a renewed reliance on cars happened in Massachusetts, it would put a burden on roadways in the Greater Boston area that were already pushed to their limits before the virus arrived. When people do return to work, commuters with the financial means to drive may be wary of crowding into subway cars after practicing social distancing. "There are going to be concerns about getting back on transit. I'm a Green Line rider, I'm packed in there like everybody else is and appreciate that there's often very little personal space for people," Transportation for Massachusetts Director Chris Dempsey told me yesterday. "And that's going to feel even more uncomfortable than it did in the past because of this new recognition of how tight spaces like that can impact public health." "But it would be a mistake for us to conclude that because of this crisis, we should be getting everyone in the car and not investing in public transit," Dempsey continued, pointing to the burden on roadways and the environmental impacts of driving. "There is physically not enough space on our roads and in our cities to have hundreds of thousands of people commuting every day, driving alone. It physically does not work." Before the coronavirus outbreak shut down the state, there was momentum behind a sweeping transportation bill on Beacon Hill, but the future of that package is less clear now that the economy has taken a nosedive and state lawmakers are managing public health and economic crises. Roads and highways are virtually empty as the state's nonessential workforce has been asked to stay home, but just before the pandemic hit, Massachusetts was ranked as the worst state for traffic congestion in the country for the second year in a row. PRESSLEY CALLS ON BAKER TO SCRAP GUIDELINES — Rep. Ayanna Pressley is calling on Gov. Charlie Baker to rescind the state's new guidelines on which patients should receive critical care if a hospital is at capacity. The Crisis Standards of Care that were issued last week would have a disproportionate impact on people of color and those who have disabilities, Pressley says. That's because the guidelines factor in co-morbidities, which is when a patient has more than one health condition at the same time. "Racism and inequality have predisposed communities of color to underlying conditions like diabetes, asthma, and hypertension that heighten the risk of COVID-19 hospitalization and death," Pressley wrote in the letter. "Ethically and morally there is a strong case to be made that it is in fact because of these factors, not in spite of them, that we must prioritize the health, safety and wellbeing of our most vulnerable above all else." The letter. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com. TODAY — Ways and Means chairs state Sen. Michael Rodrigues and state Rep. Aaron Michlewitz host a virtual roundtable with Administration and Finance Secretary Michael Heffernan on the impact of the coronavirus on state finances. Sen. Ed Markey and Commissioner of the Massachusetts Asian American Commission Sam Hyun hold a livestream discussion.

TOMORROW - JOIN CONGRESSWOMAN ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ FOR A VIRTUAL PLAYBOOK: Join Playbook authors Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. EDT for an important virtual interview with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). to discuss how the coronavirus is impacting New York, efforts to make sure African American and Latino communities get essential economic relief, and the impact that this global economic and health crisis will have on the 2020 elections. Have a question for Rep. Ocasio-Cortez? Tweet it to @POLITICOLive using #AskPOLITICO. REGISTER HERE TO PARTICIPATE.

THE LATEST NUMBERS

- "Coronavirus in Massachusetts: Health officials announce 88 new deaths, noting that day-to-day changes do not amount to trends," by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: "Health officials have confirmed another 1,392 residents have tested positive for coronavirus, bringing the statewide count to 26,867, according to data released on Monday. Public health officials also announced another 88 COVID-19-related deaths on Monday, bringing the statewide total to 844 since the outbreak began."

DATELINE BEACON HILL

- "Is Massachusetts seeing the COVID-19 surge?" by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: "Is Massachusetts in the so-called surge? It seemed like it on Sunday, when the number of new COVID-19 cases for the first time exceeded Gov. Charlie Baker's daily metric for surge peak of 2,500. But then the number of new cases on Monday fell back to 1,392, suggesting there is still some time before the state hits the peak. While the timing of the surge peak remains a bit unclear, Baker insisted the immediate forecast isn't good." - "Massachusetts joins discussions on Northeast reopening plan, Gov. Charlie Baker's office confirms," by Steph Solis, MassLive.com: "Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker's office confirmed that he joined discussions with governors across the Northeast on a possible regional reopening plan after the coronavirus surge. 'The Baker-Polito Administration is in touch with other states in the region including New York and looks forward to participating in discussions with experts regarding the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic,' Terry MacCormack, a Baker spokesman said in a statement." - "Bill would give extra money to welfare recipients," by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: "In the last couple of months, Elissa Bennett has lived in a Pittsfield homeless shelter, at her mother's house, and most recently, in a hotel room with her fiancé and 2-year-old daughter. The money to pay for the hotel room ran out April 10. She has health problems and is terrified of moving back to a shelter where she would have to share common living spaces. Bennett was among those who testified at a virtual hearing on Monday begging lawmakers to pass a bill that would provide a one-time extra payment for welfare recipients to help them as they cope with the coronavirus pandemic." - "'The surge has officially started': Boston Medical Center ER doctor shares update from COVID-19 front lines," by Dialynn Dwyer, Boston.com: "A Massachusetts state representative who also works in the emergency room of a Boston hospital is warning that the surge in coronavirus cases is underway. Rep. Jon Santiago shared the update on what he is seeing during his shifts at Boston Medical Center's emergency room on Sunday." - "Nursing home leader warns of death and devastation," by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: "The president of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association on Monday warned of death and devastation at nursing homes unless the state dramatically ramps up COVID-19 testing of residents and employees, prioritizes the delivery of personal protective equipment, and funnels an additional $130 million a month to the industry." - "Gov. Charlie Baker announces supports for hard-hit coronavirus hot spot Chelsea," by Alexi Cohan, Boston Herald: "The city of Chelsea, hard hit by coronavirus, will be getting some support from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, Gov. Charlie Baker said Monday. 'For individuals who are homeless and have tested positive for COVID-19 in Chelsea, the command center is helping to set up an isolation hotel,' Baker said." FROM THE HUB - "Councilor Andrea Campbell wants to document digital divide among BPS students," by James Vaznis, Boston Globe: "Boston City Councilor Andrea Campbell on Monday called upon Boston school officials to make public a host of data that would expose the depth of the digital divide that exists among students in their homes and what steps the school system is taking to ensure all students have the opportunity to learn during the COVID-19 school closure." - "With Surge Of Infections Underway, Boston Mayor Walsh Announces First Tests For General Public," by Isaiah Thompson, WGBH News: "Boston Mayor Marty Walsh said Monday that testing for the novel coronavirus is now being offered to all Boston residents. The Whittier Street Health Center, in Roxbury, is offering scheduled rapid testing for the general public, Mondays through Saturdays. The clinic is asking residents to schedule tests by phone." - "Already, universities are planning for a fall without students on campus — just in case," by Deirdre Fernandes, Boston Globe: "Colleges and universities in Massachusetts and across the country have begun planning for what was once an unthinkable scenario but now may be a real possibility: a fall semester without students on campus. Boston University, Brown University, the University of Massachusetts system, MIT, and Harvard University are among those discussing potential scenarios for a dramatically different start to the upcoming school year due to the coronavirus pandemic." - "New Data Show A 'Devastating' Month For Greater Boston Hotels," by Adrian Ma, WBUR: "A month after travel restrictions, social-distancing, cancelled conventions, and stay-at-home advisories went into effect, new data show just how much hotel business has plummeted in Greater Boston and the surrounding counties. During the first week of April 2019, the occupancy rate for some 39,000 hotel rooms in the region that includes Greater Boston was nearly 77.6%, according to data compiled by Smith Travel Research and provided to WBUR by the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCVB). By contrast, during the first week of April 2020, the occupancy rate was 11.4%." PRIMARY SOURCES - "A city councilor wants to know: Is Boston ready for elections in the time of coronavirus?" by Danny McDonald, Boston Globe: "A Boston city councilor is pushing for information about local readiness for a pair of upcoming elections, including the feasibility of contests that are entirely vote-by-mail, given the complications presented by the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic." - "Coronavirus Is Changing Everything — Except The Signatures Mass. Politicians Need To Get On The Ballot," by Adam Reilly, WGBH News: "In the course of a few weeks, the coronavirus crisis has transformed the way we work, learn, get healthcare, and socialize. Still unchanged, at least for now? The signature-gathering process that determines whether individuals seeking elected office get on the ballot in Massachusetts." - "Beacon Hill wrangles over rules for candidates," by Christian M. Wade, The Salem News: "Democrat Angus McQuilken has reached out to prospective voters by phone, email and social media, but he is still short of the 2,000 signatures he needs to get on the ballot to run for Congress. Like many candidates, McQuilken's campaign has been largely sidelined by the coronavirus outbreak and social distancing directives that prevent him from carrying out one of the more mundane, but essential, tasks of running for office — collecting signed petitions to get his name on the ballot." TRAINS, PLANES AND AUTOMOBILES - "Amid the crisis, MBTA expects a revenue shortfall of $231 million," by Adam Vaccaro, Boston Globe: "The MBTA expects to fall short of its revenue target by $231 million this fiscal year, a massive deficit that an oversight group warns makes plans for an ambitious budget proposal for the next fiscal year 'basically moot.' With ridership plummeting during the pandemic, the MBTA is projecting the shortfall for the fiscal year that ends June 30, representing more than 10 percent of its budget." TRUMPACHUSETTS - "How a pair of anti-vaccine activists sparked a #FireFauci furor," by Tina Nguyen, POLITICO: "When President Donald Trump retweeted a call to fire Dr. Anthony Fauci on Sunday night, he jolted a fringe conservative movement that viewed the boost as an acknowledgment of its cause. And the #FireFauci gang was ready with a replacement: Dr. Shiva Ayyadurai." WARREN REPORT - "Elizabeth Warren wants a bill of rights for essential workers. Here's what it includes." by Nik DeCosta-Klipa, Boston.com: "Elizabeth Warren says the next coronavirus relief package should 'put all workers front and center.' But the Massachusetts senator is also proposing a slate of new protections for those who don't have the luxury of staying at home during the pandemic. Warren and California Rep. Ro Khanna unveiled an 'Essential Workers Bill of Rights' on Monday aimed at boosting protections and benefits for the employees most exposed to COVID-19." MARKEYCHUSETTS - "Just a Good Social-Distancing Look," by Sangeeta Singh-Kurtz, The Cut: "Style looks a lot different in a time of social distancing. Mostly, we're all wearing our softest, loosest clothes, and when we do go outside, we tend to prioritize safety over style. For me, that means dressing in ratty, oversize sweatsuits. But for Massachusetts senator Ed Markey, that means looking extremely cool." MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS - "Mass. marijuana commissioner to step down in May," by Dan Adams and Felicia Gans, Boston Globe: "Massachusetts marijuana regulator Kay Doyle is stepping down from the Cannabis Control Commission for a private sector job, the agency announced Monday. Doyle, an attorney, was jointly appointed as one of the independent agency's five commissioners in 2017 by Governor Charlie Baker, Treasurer Deborah Goldberg, and Attorney General Maura Healey." ABOVE THE FOLD — Herald: "EYE OF THE STORM," — Globe: "Fauci faces veiled threat of dismissal," "Baker joins coalition to plan recovery," "When the curtain falls on an economy." FROM THE 413 - "Soldiers' Home trustees barred from meeting to discuss superintendent's firing ," by Dusty Christensen, Daily Hampshire Gazette: "A Hampden Superior Court judge has temporarily blocked the Soldiers' Home board of trustees from meeting to consider firing the facility's superintendent over his handling of a coronavirus outbreak that has led to at least 32 deaths since March 25." THE LOCAL ANGLE - "New Bedford seafood workers report overcrowding, poor sanitation," by Kiernan Dunlop, SouthCoast Today: "Seafood processing workers across SouthCoast are reporting overcrowding and poor sanitation procedures in plants and are demanding better protection against the spread of the coronavirus. On Monday, workers sent letters to more than 30 companies with a list of safety protocols they want the companies to follow to protect public health" - "Weymouth schools to skip April vacation," by Jessica Trufant, The Patriot Ledger: "The school district has decided to skip April vacation this year as teachers, students and parents start to get into the swing of remote learning. The Weymouth School Committee voted to keep school in session April 21 through 24, which would have been April vacation. April 20, Patriots Day, will remain a holiday and time off from school." - "Despite pushback, Templeton declines to release COVID-19 numbers," by Kim Ring, Telegram & Gazette: "Despite pushback from residents, the Board of Health voted Monday to withhold numbers of residents who have tested positive for COVID-19. Board members took the vote at a remote meeting broadcast live on YouTube. During the meeting, Chairman Jane Crocker said people should act as if everyone is infected with the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and take proper precautions. She shared her opinion that knowing the numbers for the town wouldn't make any difference and that after watching Gov. Charlie Baker's press conference, she learned that the numbers being reported are about 10 days behind actual events." - "Cruise ship visits to Provincetown not yet canceled," by Ethan Genter, Cape Cod Times: "The town has become a prime port for cruise ships in recent years, but these types of trips have come under more scrutiny during the coronavirus pandemic. Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention extended its no-sail order for cruise ships until the secretary of health and human services declares that COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency, the CDC rescinds the order, or 100 days after the order's publication. Still, the cruises that have planned to visit Provincetown in the summer and early fall have not yet changed their schedules." MEDIA MATTERS - "Globe reader points out grim milestone: 11 pages of death notices on Sunday amid coronavirus pandemic," by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe: "With each day - each passing hour, really - comes a grim reminder of the devastating toll the coronavirus has taken across the globe and in our communities. On Sunday afternoon, one Globe reader spotted yet another unfortunate marker." REMEMBERING BERNIE RUBIN ... via the Boston Globe: "Bernie Rubin, the cofounder of Bernie & Phyl's Furniture, died Monday of COVID-19, according to a statement from his family. Rubin, 82, and his wife, Phyllis, were married 61 years and began building their iconic New England furniture chain in 1983 in Quincy, the family said." Link . TRANSITIONS - Attorney Heather M. Gamache was elected as the next president of the Women's Bar Association for 2020 to 2021 HAPPY BIRTHDAY - to former Rep. Chester Atkins, who is 72, and Joe Rospars, founder and CEO of Blue State Digital and an Elizabeth Warren alum (h/t Jon Haber). NEW EPISODE: FLOUR POWER - On this week's Horse Race podcast, hosts Steve Koczela, Jennifer Smith and Stephanie Murray speak with Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz about the coronavirus pandemic. Subscribe and listen on iTunes and Sound Cloud or watch the Zoom video. Want to make an impact? POLITICO Massachusetts has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Bay State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you're promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness among this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. 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