Masks Are Back In Massachusetts As Delta Variant Surges: Patch PM

MASSACHUSETTS — It's Friday, August 6. Here's what you should know this afternoon:

• Senate President Karen Spilka called on Gov. Charlie Baker to require face coverings in public schools this fall. Some businesses and local governments are already implementing new mask rules as the Delta variant of the coronavirus continues to push key indicators in the wrong direction.
• State officials have still not detected a mystery virus afflicting song birds along the East Coast — but wildlife experts are still asking Massachusetts residents to keep bird feeders and bird baths mothballed for now.
• As the Peabody West Little League All-Stars prepared for the program's first trip to New Englands since 2009, they got a shout-out from Red Sox manager Alex Cora.

Scroll down for more on those and other stories Patch has been covering in Massachusetts today.

Today's Top Story

Massachusetts reported increases in most coronavirus metrics over the last week, and that means more and more mask requirements are returning.

While the state has yet to impose a new mask mandate, several local governments are reimposing the rules. Swampscott, for example, is now requiring masks in all municipal buildings. So far, the state is letting local school districts decide what to do about masks in the fall, a move that has been mostly applauded by superintendents.

That, however, may change. On Friday, Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka called on Gov. Charlie Baker to require face coverings in public schools this fall.

"Public health experts and the American Academy of Pediatrics agree that universal masking in schools is an effective way to keep our vulnerable children and residents safe as we continue to fight this global pandemic," Spilka said. "Parents, school staff and students seek clear, consistent direction as the school year starts, and they deserve to get it from the state. That’s why I am calling on the Baker Administration to require masks in school this fall."

More private businesses are also asking workers and, in some cases, customers, to mask up. Here's a list of the current mask rules for major retailers in Massachusetts.

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Friday's Other Top Stories

No sick birds, but feeder ban continues: State officials have still not detected a mystery virus afflicting song birds along the East Coast — but wildlife experts are still asking Massachusetts residents to keep bird feeders and bird baths mothballed for now. In a July 30 update, MassWildlife said biologists have not seen any "large-scale mortality events" in the state. The mystery disease has been seen in Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana and has sickened blue jays, robins, starlings and common grackles, according to state officials. Symptoms of the disease include crusty eyes and seizures.

Woman seriously hurt after jumping onto Mass Pike: A woman suffered serious injuries after jumping from the Carlton Street overpass onto the westbound side of I-90 in Boston Thursday evening. The woman survived the jump, but was taken to Tufts Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. Police said a preliminary investigation indicates that the woman jumped from the overpass in a suicide attempt.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or call 911 for immediate assistance.

Alex Cora's message to Peabody Little Leaguers: As the Peabody West Little League All-Stars prepared for the program's first trip to New Englands since 2009, they got a shout-out from Red Sox manager Alex Cora. Peabody will open the tournament Monday night at 7 p.m. against the winner of Sunday's game between Maine and New Hampshire. The game will be broadcast on the ESPN+ app with a live viewing party scheduled for the recently opened Double Bull Taphouse at the Northshore Mall.

Eat fresh: Patch's 2021 Massachusetts Farmers Market Guide

Picture This: Turtles Back In The Wild

Four rehabilitated loggerhead seat turtles that were rescued from the shores of Cape Cod over the winter were released back into the wild after months of recovery at the New England Aquarium. The sea turtles became cold-stunned in December and were rescued by staff and volunteers with the Mass. Audubon Society's Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.

In Case You Missed It

Second VaxMillions winners announced: State officials announced the latest VaxMillions winners on Thursday, a seven-figure reminder to unvaccinated residents about incentives to get inoculated as the COVID-19 Delta variant circulates across the state. Donna McNulty, a Billerica resident, won the second of five $1 million prizes the state is handing out to fully vaccinated residents. Blue Hills Regional Technical School student and Norwood resident Dylan Barron won the $300,000 college scholarship prize.

Eat Mass: New Julia Child Documentary Hits Screens This Fall

Eat Mass is Patch's weekly round up of food and restaurant news in Massachusetts. Click for more, including:

• Latest restaurant openings and closings in Massachusetts.
• The famous sign outside East Cambridge wholesale firm Mayflower Poultry is up for auction.
• Lansdowne Street's Bill's Bar reopens its doors for select dates throughout August.
• A second location of Buttermilk & Bourbon set to open next week at Watertown's Arsenal Yards.
• Malden brewery Idle Hands launches new beer in partnership with Ales for ALS.

Read the full story.