POLITICO Massachusetts Playbook: Virus DEATH toll passes 6,000 — RENT payments pile up for businesses — Unemployment soars in BERKSHIRES

By Stephanie Murray

GOOD MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. AS MASS. REOPENS, DEATH TOLL PASSES 6,000 — Massachusetts hit a grim marker yesterday: More than 6,000 people have died from coronavirus in the state. The first coronavirus-related death here was reported less than nine weeks ago. By now, the state has conducted nearly half a million tests — to be precise, 489,953 coronavirus tests as of Wednesday, according to the Department of Public Health — and the number of positive tests is decreasing. Emergency hospital sites in Worcester and Lowell are winding down operations as the state begins to slowly reopen the economy. For the last two months , Gov. Charlie Baker has decided what's open and closed in Massachusetts. The governor ordered schools and nonessential businesses closed in March, and nearly every business followed his order. But now that the state is in its first reopening phase, some of the decision-making will fall on companies and individual people in the weeks ahead. In the industries allowed to open over the next week, businesses are tasked with deciding whether to reopen at all, and then drafting their own Covid-19 safety plan using state resources. But they do not have to submit those plans to the state before reopening, meaning they could theoretically skip that step altogether, MassLive points out. Much of the safety monitoring will fall to employees and customers, who can report businesses which violate the state's strict safety guidelines. The MBTA is still figuring out how to handle an increase in ridership when more people head back to work over the next several months. There's some dispute over whether the MBTA should require riders to wear face coverings or just strongly encourage it, according to a CommonWealth Magazine report. And many places of worship, which are allowed to reopen now, may take until after Memorial Day to put social distancing practices in place and resume in-person services. Have a tip, story, suggestion, birthday, anniversary, new job, or any other nugget for the Playbook? Get in touch: smurray@politico.com. TODAY — Gov. Charlie Baker is a guest on WGBH’s “Boston Public Radio.” House Speaker Robert DeLeo speaks to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. Rep. Joe Kennedy III hosts OB-GYNs Neena T. Qasba and Megan Evans for a livestream on reproductive rights during the pandemic. Rep. Ayanna Pressley prepares food deliveries for Cambridge residents with Food for Free. Rep. Richard Neal visits a United States Postal Service branch in Springfield to thank employees for their work during the pandemic. State Sens. Michael Moore and Harriette Chandler host a virtual town hall with former Lt. Gov. Tim Murray. Boston’s chief of Health and Human Services Marty Martinez is a guest on WBUR.

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THE LATEST NUMBERS

– “Massachusetts officials report 128 new coronavirus deaths, bringing state’s death toll to 6,066,” by Tanner Stening, MassLive.com: “As conversations continue about what the ‘new normal’ will look like in the workplace, state health officials announced another 128 new coronavirus deaths, bringing the statewide deaths to 6,066. Health officials confirmed another 1,045 cases of the virus, which is based on 13,013 new tests reported Wednesday. There are now at least 88,970 cases of COVID-19 across Massachusetts.”

DATELINE BEACON HILL

– “Massachusetts vote-by-mail bill to address coronavirus concerns can’t wait until summer, advocates say,” by Steph Solis, MassLive.com: “Voting rights advocates on Wednesday said legislation expanding vote-by-mail options for the 2020 primary and general elections cannot wait until the end of the legislative session this summer. Pamela Wilmot, executive director of the advocacy group Common Cause, said she would like to see lawmakers take up legislation next week.” – “Food stamp demand surges amid pandemic,” by Christian M. Wade, Eagle-Tribune: “The economic toll of the coronavirus in Massachusetts has caused a surge in requests for food stamps and other public assistance programs. Hundreds of thousands of people have been put out of work by government shutdowns intended to slow the spread of the virus, and that has many families struggling to put food on the table.” – “As Massachusetts businesses reopen, it is up to employees, customers to report unsafe work conditions during coronavirus pandemic,” by Steph Solis, MassLive.com: “Manufacturers in Massachusetts must implement the Baker administration’s safety standards before restarting production on non-essential items, but the state has no system in place to confirm these companies are in good standing before they resume operations.” – “UMass President Seeks Tuition Freeze For Undergrads To Ease Students' Financial Pandemic Strain,” by Fred Thys, WBUR: “UMass President Marty Meehan is proposing a freeze in tuition for the coming school year. If approved by the board of trustees in June, it would be the first time in six years without a tuition increase for UMass undergraduates. Meehan was among five college presidents discussing their plans for fall at an online gathering of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce Wednesday. The presidents also looked toward the uncertainties of the fall semester.”

FROM THE HUB

– “City Hall’s message to small businesses: ‘If you’re not ready, don’t re-open,’” by Katie Trojano, Dorchester Reporter: “ ‘Take your time.’ That was key message from City Hall officials during a webinar held this morning for small business owners. ‘We want to be really clear: Until you are prepared to open, you should not be opening,’ said Natalia Urtubey, director of Small Business for the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, which co-hosted the online discussion with Greater Ashmont Main Street and Fields Corner Main Streets.” – “Rent payments pile up for business owners,” by Sarah Betancourt, CommonWealth Magazine: “As the economy slowly reopens, many Massachusetts businesses are finding themselves facing another first of the month without cash flow, and some are running out of solutions as unpaid rent adds up. Stymied by eviction moratoriums, some landlords are tapping their tenants’ last-month rental payments and security deposits and looking for other ways to recoup what they are owed.” – “Will Fans Want To Fill Stadiums When They Reopen? Boston Sports Analytics Firm Looks For Answers,” by Shira Springer, WBUR: “When professional sports return, it will be in empty stadiums. And it's uncertain when fans will be allowed back in big numbers. Also, uncertain? Whether fans will flock to Fenway Park or TD Garden or Gillette Stadium when they reopen to the public. Now, amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Kraft Analytics Group (KAGR) is trying to figure out what fan demand will be like in the future.” – “If Massachusetts sees a second surge in coronavirus cases, hospitals say they could be ready within hours,” by Melissa Hanson, MassLive.com: “As Massachusetts public health officials continue to see the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations trending downward, field hospitals across the state are closing and medical centers are planning to bring in patients for some procedures that had been put off. Even as Massachusetts starts a phased reopening next week, there is the potential for another surge of coronavirus patients in the future.” – “Malden’s city council president hosted a large birthday gathering for her daughter. Now some people want her to resign,” by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe: “More than 130 people have signed an online petition calling for the resignation of Malden City Council President Jadeane Sica, after she hosted a large family party in a parking lot last week. Critics say the event drew some 50 people, in violation of COVID-19 social distancing protocols.” – “Suffolk DA Rollins: Child abuse reports have dropped amid coronavirus pandemic, but there could be more victims,” by Travis Andersen, Boston Globe: “Suffolk District Attorney Rachael Rollins said Wednesday the number of child abuse reports coming into her office has plummeted amid the pandemic, but there actually could be an ‘increase in victimization’ with children largely confined to their homes and apart from teachers and others who are required to flag suspected abuse.”

PRIMARY SOURCES

– “No surprise: Joe Kennedy is running for Senate like a Kennedy,” by Joan Vennochi, Boston Globe: “The ad begins with a gray-toned shot of Representative Joe Kennedy III gazing out a window. It’s quick and subtle, but for viewers of a certain age, it’s meant to evoke a famous image of a famous relative — that of President John F. Kennedy looking out of the south window of the Oval Office. What’s next? A shot of Joe playing touch football? Unfortunately, contact sports are not PC during the coronavirus pandemic, so that’s out.” – “2 on Fall River School Committee back Mermell for Congress,” by Ted Nesi, WPRI: “Democratic candidate Jesse Mermell has picked up her first endorsements from Fall River in the crowded contest to succeed Congressman Joe Kennedy III. Mermell’s campaign said Fall River School Committee members Paul Hart and Thomas Khoury are both backing her candidacy to represent the 4th Congressional District, which stretches from northern Fall River through the Attleboros and Taunton into Brookline and Newton.” - “Warren pivots on Medicare for All in bid to become Biden's VP,” by Alex Thompson, POLITICO: “In the thick of primary season, Elizabeth Warren and Joe Biden brawled over Medicare for All: He called her approach “angry,” “elitist,” “condescending”; she shot back anyone who defends the health care status quo with industry talking points is “running in the wrong presidential primary. Six months later, with Biden the presumptive nominee and Warren in the running for VP, she is striking a more harmonious chord.“

PLANES, TRAINS AND AUTOMOBILES

– “Audit: T warehouse contract doesn’t cut it,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: “The MBTA is not getting the savings or the service it expected when it privatized warehouse operations in 2017, according to an audit conducted by a unit of Inspector General Glenn Cunha’s office. During a three-year exemption from a state law placing restrictions on privatization efforts, the T signed a five-year contract with Management Consulting, known as Mancon, in February 2017.” – “T union official urges enforcement of face covering mandate,” by Bruce Mohl, CommonWealth Magazine: “The president of the Boston Carmen’s Union urged MBTA officials on Wednesday to require all passengers to wear face coverings. Jim Evers issued a letter he sent to state transportation officials that said it was disappointing that MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak is strongly urging passengers to wear face coverings but not requiring them to do so in all cases.”

DAY IN COURT

– “A former Green Beret and his son were arrested in Mass. They allegedly smuggled the ex-Nissan chairman out of Japan in a box.” by Alanna Durkin Richer and Michael Balsamo, Associated Press: “A former Green Beret and his son were arrested Wednesday in Massachusetts on charges they smuggled Nissan Motor Co. Chairman Carlos Ghosn out of Japan in a box while he awaited trial there on financial misconduct charges. Michael Taylor, a 59-year-old former Green Beret and private security specialist, and Peter Taylor, 27, are wanted by Japan on charges they helped Ghosn escape the country in December after he was released on bail.” – “First gas disaster settlement checks going out Friday,” by Jill Harmacinski, Eagle-Tribune: “The first $70 million in settlement payments to residents affected by the Merrimack Valley gas explosions will be mailed Friday about six weeks earlier than expected. ‘For those residents who filed a claim with the administrator seeking a lump-sum payment, the average per-household payment will be more than $8,000,’ according to the statement from several lead attorneys involved in the $143 million class action lawsuit.”

MARKEYCHUSETTS

– “Markey says EPA administrator should apologize to minorities for coronavirus response,” by Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill: “Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) condemned Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler on Wednesday, saying the Trump administration official owes communities of color an apology for his handling of air pollution regulations leading up to the coronavirus pandemic.”

MARIJUANA IN MASSACHUSETTS

– “Drive-up marijuana sales start Monday,” by Shira Schoenberg, CommonWealth Magazine: “Drive up in your car, pay for your marijuana, take the bag, and leave. A global pandemic has moved Massachusetts’ legal marijuana industry into what had previously been the domain of illegal street market sales – curbside pickup, where a customer can buy marijuana without leaving their car.”

ABOVE THE FOLD

— Herald: “IT'S LIKE A MIRACLE,” — Globe: “2 studies buoy hope on immunity," "Colleges optimistic for fall, but experts balk.”

FROM THE 413

– “‘Hit hard': Berkshires jobless rate may be 30%” by Tony Dobrowolski, The Berkshire Eagle: “In March, about 2,756 Berkshire residents filed for jobless benefits; the local unemployment rate was at 4.4 percent. Then the coronavirus hit. Just a month later, the number of first-time filers in the Berkshires jumped to more than 7,500, according to early information provided by the state Department of Unemployment Assistance. So, when the state releases official figures Friday morning, the Berkshires could have an unemployment rate approaching 30 percent, according to an analysis by a Boston-based research firm.” – “Report: Federal staffing standards for nursing homes leaves Soldiers’ Home on shaky ground,” by Michael Connors, Daily Hampshire Gazette: “Despite complaints about staffing issues from workers and families in years’ past at the Soldiers’ Home, inadequate federal staffing standards for long-term care facilities have created a shaky foundation on which the facility is dealing with a deadly coronavirus outbreak that has killed 74 veterans, according to a recent study.” THE LOCAL ANGLE – “Coronavirus patients moved from state-run service at Worcester Quality Inn after ‘environmental concern,’ city manager says,” by Melissa Hanson, MassLive.com: “Augustus also said Wednesday that there has been an ‘environmental concern’ at the Quality Inn, which has had rooms reserved as part of a state-run service for people who have coronavirus but cannot isolate. The 12 people who were at the hotel have been moved to another state-run program at a hotel in Northampton. The city manager said the information was developing and that he could not be more specific regarding the concern at the facility.” – “Cape towns hammer out safety guidelines to handle beachgoers,” by Christine Legere and Ethan Genter, Cape Cod Times: “Memorial Day is generally the unofficial kickoff of summer on the Cape, and while the upcoming weekend will likely be quieter than usual due to pandemic-related restrictions on lodging, retailers and restaurants, here’s what beachgoers can expect. Most Cape beaches will be open, although not yet staffed with lifeguards. Many will have some bathroom facilities available, albeit those may be in the form of port-a-potties.” – “Officials cautious, business owners thrilled about reopening plans,” by Mary Whitfill, The Patriot Ledger: “Health officials and local business leaders are split on whether they agree with the governor’s plan to reopen the state’s economy. Some say the plan is appropriately cautious and applaud the governor for not rushing into a full-scale reopening, but others say the slow rollout could spell disaster for hundreds of small businesses already suffering.” – “Worcester summer school to be virtual; Chromebooks going out to families,” by Scott O’Connell, Telegram & Gazette: “Superintendent Maureen Binienda said during a virtual summit on summer learning Tuesday afternoon the city schools will be having summer school programs this year, but they will be virtual due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.” – “Lowell General Hospital closing alternative COVID-19 site at UMass Lowell,” by Robert Mills, The Lowell Sun: “Lowell General Hospital announced it is closing the alternative care space setup last month inside the UMass Lowell Campus Recreation Center as admissions for COVID-19 have leveled off in the past two weeks. The 85-bed site was setup on three basketball courts in the Campus Recreation Center in mid-April, and included a mobile chest X-ray unit, 27 oxygen concentrators for patients, and a mobile laundry unit outside, in addition to areas for staff to get into and out of protective equipment.” – “Nursing home administrators sprint to meet the Monday’s COVID-19 test deadline,” by Jeannette Hinkle and Trevor Ballantyne, MetroWest Daily News: “Doty is one of many long-term care facility administrators scrambling to test 90% of residents and staff for COVID-19 by Monday in order to qualify for some of the $130 million in state funds Gov. Charlie Baker allocated to support individual nursing facilities on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Baker announced the emergency funding on April 27. Nursing homes in the region seem likely to meet Monday’s testing deadline despite reported shortages of coronavirus tests.” HAPPY BIRTHDAY – to Edelman’s Amy Larkin Long, Beth Dozoretz, and Lacey Rose, VP at 617MediaGroup. 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. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com.   GO BEYOND OUR BORDERS FROM YOUR HOME: Global Translations, presented by Bank of America, is the only newsletter focused on essential global news, trends and decisions layered with critical contextual analysis from the sharpest minds around the world. 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