Field hospital suspends admissions; Baker describes haircut
By STEVE LeBLANC and MARK PRATT Associated Press
BOSTON (AP) — In another sign of progress in the battle against the spread of the coronavirus in Massachsuetts, a field hospital set up inside the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center is suspending the admission of new patients.
The field hospital, dubbed “Boston Hope,” was one of a handful of temporary emergency facilities created around the state to help hospitals cope with an expected influx of COVID-19 patients.
The facility served more than 700 COVID-19 patients and will continue to treat those still in the facility, Gov. Charlie Baker said Tuesday. The 1,000 beds will remain in place over the summer to be available if the state experiences another surge in cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
The emergency hospital was pulled together by state and city officials, Mass General Brigham, Boston Healthcare for the Homeless, and others.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh called the facility “an integral part of the city’s response to the coronavirus.”
The state’s hospitals were stressed but never overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients, according to Baker.
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GOVERNOR-HAIRCUT
Baker said he got a haircut Tuesday morning — the day after barbers and hair salons were allowed to reopen as the state gradually eases coronavirus limitations that had be in place for about two months.
It wasn’t a typical visit, the Republican governor told reporters.
“I showed up at 7 a.m. They took my temperature,” Baker said. “The place where I got my hair cut had Plexiglas between the chairs. I had to wet my hair before I got there.”
Baker said he wore a mask the entire time and the man who cut his hair also wore a mask and a gown.
“I was out in 20 minutes.” Baker said.
There are about 41,000 licensed barbers and hair stylists in Massachusetts.
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MUSEUM-LIMITED OPENING
A Massachusetts museum that closed to the public in March in response to the coronavirus pandemic is planning to reopen on a limited basis next month.
The EcoTarium, a science and nature museum in Worcester, is reopening June 4 only to visitors who purchase tickets in advance, the museum announced Monday on its website. No tickets will be sold to walk-up visitors.
Only the paths and trails, ponds and wildlife habitats will be open at first.
Buildings, except for the bathrooms, will remain closed.
All guests will be required to wear face masks while on the premises, unless it is medically impossible.
The museum will hold an opening for members only on May 30 and 31.
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DRIVE-IN SELLOUT
A Massachusetts drive-in movie theater opened to sellout crowds on the first weekend drive-ins were allowed to reopen under Baker’s economic restart plan.
The Mendon Twin Drive-in opened with a double feature at midnight on Sunday.
Owner Dave Andelman told WBZ-TV he spent weeks making sure he could make it safe for his staff and customers. He offered an app for customers to order snacks, spaced vehicles 12 feet (3.6 meters) apart and required guests to wear face coverings outside of their vehicles.
