BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Massachusetts has joined a multi-state coalition that aims to restore the economy and work to gradually lift stay-home-orders for the states amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The other states in the coalition include Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The goal is to find the best and safest way to reopen society and businesses.
A coordinating group for the effort will also include one health expert, one economic development expert, and the respective chief of staff from each of the states.
According to a statement from Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont, the "council will create this framework using every tool available to accomplish the goal of easing social isolation without triggering renewed spread – including testing, contact tracing, treatment and social distancing – and will rely on the best available scientific, statistical, social and economic information to manage and evaluate those tools."
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo thanked Massachusetts for joining the effort, tweeting "When we work together, we're stronger together."
In a statement, Gov. Baker said that his administration "looks forward to participating in discussions with neighboring states and experts regarding the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic."
Massachusetts also remains focused on efforts to expand testing, ensure hospital capacity and provide the necessary PPE to those on the front lines to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities," Baker said.
At a press conference before the announcement on Monday, Gov. Baker said that the state still has a ways to go before things can return to normal.
"There needs to be some recognition of what would be designed as sort of what I would call 'safe standards' for opening anything back up in a significant way," Baker said.
WBZ NewsRadio's James Rojas (@JamesRojasWBZ) reports
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(Photo: Gov. Charlie Baker/Twitter)