Phase 2, Stage 2 of Reopening starts this Monday, Juneteenth Proclamations, & more | June 19, 2020

• On Tuesday, State Senator Brendan Crighton filed SD.2975, An Act to Make Juneteenth Independence Day a State Holiday, along with State Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz, Senator Jo Comerford, Representative Maria Robinson, Representative Bud L. Williams Representative Mindy Domb, and Chynah Tyler.
  
• Earlier today, Mayor Thomas McGee issued a proclamation declaring June 19 to be “Juneteenth in the City of Lynn”. Please click here to view the full proclamation.
• Earlier today, Governor Charlie Baker issued a proclamation declaring June 19 to be “Juneteenth Independence Day” in Massachusetts. Please click here to view a PDF of the full proclamation.

As a reminder, today from 4-8 we are airing the North Shore Juneteenth Association’s virtual celebration. Watch on online by clicking here or on TV  (Comcast: Channel 3 / Verizon: Channel 38).

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MBTA Bus Customers Now Have a New Real-time Bus Crowding Information Tool

Real-time crowding information is available for Routes 1, 15, 16, 22, 23, 31, 32, 109, and 110 at mbta.com/schedules.

Real-time crowding information for additional bus routes will be made available throughout the summer.

The MBTA today announced the launch of a real-time crowding information pilot for nine bus routes at mbta.com/schedules, on e-ink digital signs, and within the Transit app, the MBTA’s endorsed smartphone app. The MBTA is the largest U.S. transit agency to make real-time crowding information available for local buses to customers.

“We’re excited to offer this new real-time feature as a pilot to our riders to help limit crowding as customers begin to return to the MBTA system,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “With riders requesting information about crowding, this new real-time information provides riders with the confidence and flexibility to make informed choices about their commutes.”

Beginning today, riders can find real-time crowding information for Routes 1, 15, 16, 22, 23, 31, 32, 109, and 110 at mbta.com/schedules, on digital signs, and within the Transit app. The MBTA selected this first set of nine bus routes to pilot real-time information as these are busy routes with notably high ridership during the pandemic. For each route, the MBTA’s Customer Technology team verified the accuracy of real-time crowding information through manual passenger counts.

Crowding levels are described as “Crowded,” “Some Crowding,” and “Not Crowded.” These standards are based on the temporarily lowered crowding threshold standards that accommodate social distancing measures with customers able to learn more about these thresholds at mbta.com/crowding. This information will also continue to be available to customers as the Commonwealth transitions through its opening phases with the MBTA’s Customer Technology team making adjustments as needed to best communicate this information. This information is displayed on the mbta.com schedule page by clicking or tapping the vehicle icons on the maps or line diagrams. An animated demonstration of how to use this new real-time crowding feature is online.

Crowding information for additional bus routes will be made available throughout the summer as data accuracy is further refined and verified. Later this summer, the MBTA will also publish crowding trends for bus and subway routes at mbta.com and on e-ink digital signs to help riders estimate crowding levels as they plan their trips.

For more information, please visit mbta.com/schedules or connect with the T on Twitter @MBTA, Facebook /TheMBTA, or Instagram @theMBTA.

From Mayor McGee’s office: The Lynn Public Health Department has confirmed that as of today, the number of active, confirmed positive COVID-19 cases is 847 with 6 new cases today. 2,664 Lynn residents have recovered and 96 have died. The total number of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in Lynn since March 21, 2020, including those who have died and recovered, is 3,607. Please visit the new City of Lynn COVID-19 Data Dashboard which is updated daily.

Tomorrow, the City of Lynn, in partnership with Lynn Community Health Center, North Shore Medical Center, and North Shore Physicians Group, is offering COVID-19 testing on Saturday, June 20th, from 9AM-12PM at Ingalls School.

200 tests will be completed on a first come, first serve basis. You do not need to be a Lynn Community Health Center or North Shore Physician Group patient to be screened. You will not be asked about your immigration status and you do not have to have health insurance.

We will continue to provide regular updates on COVID-19 through the City website (www.lynnma.gov), social media, and the Smart 911 emergency notification system (sign up at www.smart911.com).