Mass Public Health Blog

The August monthly meeting of the Public Health Council was held remotely. The meeting started with an update from Commissioner Bharel regarding the COVID-19 pandemic response including ongoing improvements to the daily and weekly data reports and reminders to residents to remain vigilant against this very   …Continue Reading Highlights of the August 12th Public Health Council Meeting

As Massachusetts restaurants, cafes, gyms, and beaches continue to open, it has become more important than ever to wear a mask in public spaces – anywhere that you can’t keep 6 feet of distance from other people. It’s also important to expand testing for COVID-19   …Continue Reading Help Us Stop the Spread of COVID-19

This month’s meeting of the Public Health Council was convened on a remote basis in keeping with current limitations on public gatherings. During the meeting, Council members received a series of informational presentations from Department staff, which included: Overview of Massachusetts’ COVID-19 Response in Long-Term   …Continue Reading Highlights of the July 8th Public Health Council Meeting

The June monthly meeting featured an update from the Commissioner and a vote by Council members on a set of final proposed regulations. With today’s release of the latest DPH quarterly opioid overdose data, Commissioner Monica Bharel provided an overview for Council members. Next, the Council   …Continue Reading Highlights of the June 10 Public Health Council Meeting

Reprinted with permission from the Harvard Crimson, May 27, 2020. Here in Massachusetts, we are fortunate to have top university researchers, some of the finest medical schools and teaching hospitals in the world, and a robust state system of public health. But even a state   …Continue Reading Health Disparities Close to Home: an Op-Ed by Commissioner Monica Bharel

The May monthly meeting of the Public Health Council featured an update from DPH leadership on the status of proposed amendments to regulations in the area of 105 CMR 665.000: Minimum Standards for Retail Sale of Tobacco and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems. Following a discussion, the Council voted   …Continue Reading Highlights of the May 20 Public Health Council Meeting

Reprinted with permission from the Harvard Crimson, May 27, 2020. Here in Massachusetts, we are fortunate to have top university researchers, some of the finest medical schools and teaching hospitals in the world, and a robust state system of public health. But even a state   …Continue Reading Health Disparities Close to Home: an Op-Ed by Commissioner Monica Bharel

The June monthly meeting featured an update from the Commissioner and a vote by Council members on a set of final proposed regulations. With today’s release of the latest DPH quarterly opioid overdose data, Commissioner Monica Bharel provided an overview for Council members. Next, the Council   …Continue Reading Highlights of the June 10 Public Health Council Meeting

This month’s meeting of the Public Health Council was convened on a remote basis in keeping with current limitations on public gatherings. During the meeting, Council members received a series of informational presentations from Department staff, which included: Overview of Massachusetts’ COVID-19 Response in Long-Term   …Continue Reading Highlights of the July 8th Public Health Council Meeting