New Lowell Field Hospital Accepts First Patient: Patch PM

LOWELL, MA — It's Tuesday, Jan. 5. Here's what Patch has been covering in the Merrimack Valley and across Massachusetts today.

The Lowell field hospital received its first patient from Lowell General Hospital Monday, the hospital said.

The field hospital opened with 14 beds and is expected to have 28 beds available by the end of the week. Officials expect an increase in patients following the holidays.

The hospital is designed to be a "regional resource for transfer of recovering patients who need some additional medications or therapies before being discharged to home, opening up inpatient capacity for more severely ill patients," Lowell General said. Read more.

Also in the Merrimack Valley

State announces first responder vaccination sites

Massachusetts named over 100 sites across the state where first responders will be vaccinated beginning Monday. Some towns will have their own facilities, while other sites will serve multiple towns.

Here's where first responders in your town will be able to get vaccinated:

• Andover
• North Andover
• Wilmington
• Tewksbury, Chelmsford and Westford

Interim Andover Superintendent Claudia Bach Takes Office

Andover's new interim schools Superintendent Claudia Bach began her new term with the district Monday after Sheldon Berman left the district at the end of 2020.

Bach, a former superintendent, is expected to spend about six months back in the superintendent's office. A School Committee search for a permanent replacement is underway.

Chelmsford High School Gets New Assistant Director Of Athletics

Lori Martin, who is working on her master's degree in management at Merrimack College, was hired to fill a new role and will take over the social media efforts for scheduling, transportation as well as graphic arts.

Lowell Couple Welcomes Lowell General's First Baby of 2021

More than 2,000 babies are born each year at The Birthplace at Lowell General Hospital, but only one can be the first.

Izabela Grace Casara Cruz was born at 2:35 a.m. New Year's Day to parents Jean Casara and Zuleisly Cruz of Lowell. Izabela arrived a day early, her parents say, but she was ready, needing just a couple of pushes to come into the world. She is 20½ inches long and weighs 8 pounds, 1 ounce.

Boston Road To Be Redesigned: Public Hearing

Boston Road is set to be redesigned, and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation wants input from Westford before it commences work.

Tewksbury Reports 2,000th Coronavirus Case As Surge Continues

The town added over 100 confirmed cases in under a week, bringing the active caseload to a new high of 868 confirmed and probable cases.

Across Massachusetts

MCAS Returning, But Changes Include Shortening The Exam

This year's MCAS exams will feature "significantly" reduced testing time for third through eighth graders, and no schools will be newly named underperforming in the upcoming school year, Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeff Riley told superintendents in a memo Tuesday.

Hopkinton's 'The Spoon' Temporarily Closes After 40 Years

A Hopkinton staple is getting ready to close its doors, but it may not be for good.

The Spoon, a mainstay on Lumber Street for the past 40 years, announced on Tuesday that it would close its doors for the winter. The announcement, published on the restaurant's website and Facebook page, said Jan. 10 will be the last day "until further notice."

Tufts And Harvard Pilgrim Merge, Move Headquarters To Canton

Tufts Health Plan and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care announced the finalization of their merge on Monday and plan to move to a new headquarters in Canton later this year. The companies received all regulatory approvals as of Jan. 1 and will become one of the region's largest health services organizations.

Beverly Mayor: Coronavirus Vigilance Needed As Vaccines Arrive

Beverly Mayor Mike Cahill's message to the community issued this week included a plea to stay vigilant with coronavirus-related protocols even as hope is on the horizon with front-line health care workers and first responders being vaccinated against the virus.

Brookline Official Calls Town Negligent In Racism Case

A Brookline Select Board member is publicly urging the Supreme Judicial Court to rule against the town and for a former firefighter who he said was treated unjustly by the town after reporting racial harassment.

And finally today: It's 2021. Did you make any resolutions for the new year?