Baker Declares Debate On Safety Of In-Person Learning 'Over'

The virus remains common among students and school personnel, according to weekly reports that document case counts.

'His Life Had Purpose': Remembering Coronavirus Victims

A year after the first reported COVID-19 death in MA, victims' families are reminding us that their loved ones were more than a number.

MA Town-By-Town Vaccination Stats: 14% Fully Vaccinated

Over a quarter of residents are fully vaccinated in nine Massachusetts communities.

MA Town-By-Town Coronavirus Stats: Positive Test Rate Rises

Twenty cities and towns were designated high risk for the virus, up from 14 last week.

MA Lifting Travel Order As State Enters Phase 4

The travel order will revert to an advisory Monday, March 22, as the state raises public gathering limits and allows the return to stadiums.

Yo-Yo Ma Serenades Newly Vaccinated At Massachusetts Clinic

State Rep. William Pignatelli praised Ma for bringing people "hope and optimism through his beautiful music."

Fighting Isolation: Recovery Persists In The Pandemic

“We’ll help you, we’ll support you," said Irene, a Massachusetts member of Al-Anon. "Just put that hand out.”

Daylight Saving Time 2021: When Clocks Change In Massachusetts

Daylight saving time — colloquially known as "daylight savings" — begins on the second Sunday in March.

MA Town-By-Town Coronavirus Stats: 14 High-Risk Communities

Nearly half of the state's cities and towns reported positive test rates below 2 percent.

MA Tweaks Travel Order As Vaccinations Proliferate: Patch PM

Also: One year later, this COVID-19 survivor is getting back on her feet | A man and woman are accused of a two-state crime spree | More.

MA Schools Say Reopening Mandate Is 'Unreasonable': Patch PM

Also: MBTA service cuts to last 'for months' | Swastika found in school | Wind farm nearing approval | More summer camps reopening | More.

Happy Campers: More MA Overnight Camps To Reopen This Summer

Several states like New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey that banned overnight camps last summer have changed their tune.

District Asks For Volunteer Help In Reopening Schools | Patch PM

Also: Local lawmakers reach deal on COVID recovery bill | Fundraiser after teen killed in crash | More.

Winter Weather Will Give Way To Warmer Temperatures

After a final day of cold temperatures, Massachusetts will get a taste of spring with temperatures in the 60s this week.

MA Ed Chief Gets Power To Force Local Districts Back To School

Most school districts will have to return elementary school students to in-person instruction by April, after the state board voted Friday.

No COVID Baby Boom: Massachusetts Saw Nearly 10% Decline In December Births, Data Shows

In total there were 4,948 December births reported in Massachusetts, compared to 5,468 in December 2019.

Massachusetts Now Exempt From Maine’s COVID Travel Restrictions

Other exemptions include anyone who recently had COVID-19 or who is fully vaccinated, regardless of what state they are coming from.

MCAS Tests For Spring Postponed For Grades 3-8 In Massachusetts

This year’s MCAS results will not be used to determine if any school district is underperforming.

MA Town-By-Town Coronavirus Stats: 19 High-Risk Communities

Positive test rates and coronavirus case counts fell in over 200 of the state's 351 municipalities.

Squeeze Play: Red Sox Bump Vaccine Site From Fenway | Patch PM

Also: Grand jury looks into Peabody High sex abuse allegations | Scammers forced to pay up | Cape Coast Guard comes through | More.

Back To School? Classroom Returns Take Big Step Forward: Patch PM

Also: A parking garage stairwell collapse killed one worker and injured another | Worcester could expel police from schools | More.

Education Boss Seeks Emergency Power To Push In-Person Learning

The move could result in hybrid and remote learning models no longer counting toward required student learning time hours.

Gas Prices Rising In MA: When To Expect Relief At The Pump

Experts warn that March could be among the most expensive months for gasoline prices nationwide.

MA Will Open Coronavirus Vaccine Appointments To Educators

Gov. Charlie Baker says educators will have access to state vaccine sites next week. CVS is allowing teachers to make appointments now.

Publisher Shelves Six Dr. Seuss Titles: Patch PM

Also: Emails show backroom deal | Pushback on Amazon's MA plans | Mother accused of attempted murder | March comes in like a lion | More

6 Dr. Seuss Books Won't Be Published For Racist Images

"These books portray people in ways that are hurtful and wrong," Dr. Seuss Enterprises said on the late author's birthday.

The Vaccine Cavalry Is Coming | Patch PM

Also: Longtime Somerville mayor not running for re-election | Outdoor dining resuming soon in Boston | More.

Incoming Single-Dose Vaccines To Boost State Rollout: Baker

Thousands of newly approved Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines will arrive in Massachusetts next week.

Arctic Cold, Strong Wind Before Balmy Weather Swing

Winds will pick up later Monday, ushering in arctic air and wind chills well below zero degrees. A historic temperature swing could follow.

MA Reopening Takes Another Step: Here's What Changes Today

Most of the state moves into Phase 3, Step 2 of the reopening plan Monday, increasing capacity for many indoor businesses.

MA Teachers Could Start Getting Vaccinated By Mid-March

Gov. Charlie Baker laid out a tentative timeline Friday for starting to vaccinate teachers, depending on the number of doses available.

MA Town-By-Town Coronavirus Stats: Just 28 High-Risk Communities

The statewide positive coronavirus test rate fell below 2 percent, the lowest level since October.

Lawmakers Confront Baker On Vaccine Rollout

The committee's co-chair thought the gravity of the issues residents have faced in securing a vaccine had not gotten through to Baker.

'Next Normal': Broad Reopening Measures Outlined In MA | Patch PM

Also: Lawmakers press Baker | State's largest school district bringing back kids | Tenants unionize to fight unsanitary conditions | More.

What Can Open March 1 In Massachusetts

Gov. Baker announced the easing of restrictions across several industries Thursday.

'Next Normal:' Broad Reopening Measures Outlined In Massachusetts

Restaurants with no capacity limits. Fans at pro sporting events. Live indoor music. The state's reopening plan will begin expanding Monday.

How Deaf Education Adapted To The Pandemic

Masks hiding faces, live-streaming interpreters, and more: Deaf and hard-of-hearing students face unique challenges in the COVID era.

Vaccine Slots Stay Level As Another Supersite Launches | Patch PM

Also: 2 dead in Boston construction site tragedy | Ex-state rep. pleads guilty | What the heck was that bang? | More.

MA Designates 11 New Regional Coronavirus Vaccine Sites

The 11 sites will each have the capacity to vaccinate at least 750 per day and begin vaccinating all eligible state residents March 1.

MA Teachers Balk At Return To In-Person Learning: Patch PM

Also: MBTA backing off plan to end late-night trips | Chelmsford magician will try to stump Penn & Teller | Explosions in Peabody | More.