Speaking Tuesday on Boston Public Radio, Shirley Leung warned that Massachusetts isn’t prepared for the economic consequences of a second COVID-19 lockdown, despite surging case numbers.
“Without federal stimulus, it makes it very difficult for [Gov. Charlie] Baker and for local mayors to decide if they want to enact harsh measures to contain the virus,” she said, reflecting on her recent piece for the Boston Globe, which she co-wrote with reporter Tim Logan.
The latest data from the Mass. Department of Public Health indicates that the seven-day average of new COVID-19 cases in the state is at 1,916 — more than 1,000 percent above its lowest point during the pandemic.
Leung said it's “shameful" that federal leaders haven’t been able to pass a new stimulus deal since the CARES Act in March. She contrasted the U.S. response with how countries like Germany and the U.K. — which are paying upwards of 80% of worker salaries in order to keep people financially afloat and indoors — are handling the pandemic.
Last Friday, Baker signalled that he intends to allow schools and business to remain open, in part because the number of schools and businesses found in conflict with state rules has been, in his words, "very small.”
