Tracing program ramps up; Report: MIT finds masks deficient

By STEVE LeBLANC and MARK PRATT Associated Press

BOSTON (AP) – A contact tracing initiative launched by Massachusetts to help slow the spread of the coronavirus has already reached out to about 5,000 individuals.

Gov. Charlie Baker said Thursday the state has hired about 1,000 contact tracers.

Many of the protective face masks distributed by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency were deficient.

The Boston Globe reported Thursday the state last week began notifying police departments, nursing homes, and other recipients that recent tests by Massachusetts Institute of Technology scientists revealed some masks provide little protection.

Meanwhile, a Massachusetts Walmart store has shut down after 23 employees tested positive for COVID-19.