Read on Twitter
4 months ago, I wrote about how East Boston had the highest COVID numbers in Boston.
That hasn't changed.
I said rates were 4x the MA average. That also hasn't changed
Except then, our infection rate was 7.9%
Now, it's 26.2%
That's over 1 in 4 residents testing positive
https://twitter.com/adrianmadaro/status/1295391332685557763
That hasn't changed.
I said rates were 4x the MA average. That also hasn't changed
Except then, our infection rate was 7.9%
Now, it's 26.2%
That's over 1 in 4 residents testing positive
https://twitter.com/adrianmadaro/status/1295391332685557763
Let's take a moment to revisit why East Boston and communities like it--working class, low-income, communities of color--continue to have the highest COVID-19 numbers in the Commonwealth.
Because those reasons, too, have not changed.
Because those reasons, too, have not changed.
Eastie residents continue to be at heightened risk of COVID from their jobs. Many, working in the service industry, construction, etc. lack the privilege of working from home, meaning regular exposure to coworkers and the public.
When these workers get infected at work, they take the virus home with them. Expensive housing means most residents live in small apartments with family or roommates. When people experience rent hikes or get evicted, they "double up," moving in with family and friends.
Evidence says this type of 'family spread' is the top cause of COVID infection in at-risk communities like Eastie, full of essential workers working in-person jobs, going home to crowded units
It's not "informal gatherings" causing the spread here. It's work & living conditions
It's not "informal gatherings" causing the spread here. It's work & living conditions
We know that because of structural & systemic racism, Black and brown families are more likely to be evicted and work in essential jobs with few protections. Strengthening protections for renters and essential workers is a racial justice and public health priority.
Communities like Eastie also have a higher risk from the onset due to health issues caused by pollution. We are an Environmental Justice community with a long history of air pollution, causing respiratory issues that increase COVID vulnerability. https://www.wbur.org/earthwhile/2020/05/12/massachusetts-coronavirus-environment
To address COVID infections that center around work & home, we need solutions that focus on work and home.
We need Emergency Paid Sick Time to protect workers exposed to COVID-19, & we need an Eviction & Foreclosure Moratorium to avert a housing crisis for vulnerable families.
We need Emergency Paid Sick Time to protect workers exposed to COVID-19, & we need an Eviction & Foreclosure Moratorium to avert a housing crisis for vulnerable families.
Emergency Paid Sick Leave would ensure that workers who were exposed to COVID can stay home without worrying about their economic security. Many are forced to continue working even if exposed so that they can pay the bills. This puts them, their co-workers, and customers at risk.
The Eviction & Foreclosure Moratorium will keep at-risk families housed, preventing overcrowding when evicted households 'double up' by moving in with friends & family.
MA must also expand access to isolation sites in at-risk communities for workers who can't quarantine at home
MA must also expand access to isolation sites in at-risk communities for workers who can't quarantine at home
Many of the problems that made Eastie a MA COVID hotspot in August are the same problems that make it a hotspot today.
And the solutions that Eastie needed in August are still the ones that we need now.
The only difference is that the infection rate is much, much higher.
And the solutions that Eastie needed in August are still the ones that we need now.
The only difference is that the infection rate is much, much higher.
When a vaccine is approved, vulnerable populations that have borne the burden of COVID in MA must be prioritized, right behind elders, medical workers, & other essential employees.
But we can't wait for a vaccine to act. Our communities need solutions right now.
But we can't wait for a vaccine to act. Our communities need solutions right now.
Saying this COVID spike comes down to 'personal responsibility' misses the point.
Insinuating that East Boston residents are 4x more irresponsible than the average MA resident is absurd. It's insulting to the many essential workers that have kept MA running through the pandemic
Insinuating that East Boston residents are 4x more irresponsible than the average MA resident is absurd. It's insulting to the many essential workers that have kept MA running through the pandemic
As I said 4 months ago, we have an obligation to provide protections for our most at-risk residents who are more systemically exposed to COVID-19.
Our COVID rates are not going to improve unless we take action to address the root causes of spread within our communities. #mapoli
Our COVID rates are not going to improve unless we take action to address the root causes of spread within our communities. #mapoli
