Some houses of worship reopening; nursing homes get aid

BOSTON (AP) — Religious leaders are taking steps to protect their congregations as services resume in Massachusetts and Vermont. An iconic Connecticut pizza shop is adding outdoor dining as part of a plan to aid businesses impacted by the coronavirus.

Details on those and other coronavirus-related developments across New England:

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MASSACHUSETTS

Some houses of worship in Massachusetts are welcoming people back for services this weekend after getting permission to reopen their doors.

Rev. Steve Warner told The Boston Herald they're taking extra precaution as they allow parishioners back into the Brockton Assembly of God. People must wear masks and certain pews are roped off to allow for social distancing.

“We’re not going to be irresponsible and try to pack a pew here,” Warner told the newspaper. “We’ve vetted it carefully.”

Houses of worship were allowed to resume in-person services as part of the first phase of the state's gradual reopening. State guidelines say they must limit occupancy to 40 percent of the building’s maximum capacity.

As of Saturday, there were more than 91,660 coronavirus cases reported in Massachusetts after the state added 773 new cases. There were 76 new deaths reported, bringing the state's death toll to 6,304.

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NEW HAMPSHIRE

Members of New Hampshire’s Congressional delegation say the state’s nursing homes are getting critical financial help but they will continue to push for more.

Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan and Reps. Annie Kuster and Chris Pappas said nursing homes will get nearly $20 million in the federal coronavirus relief package.

All four Democrats said Congress should be even more aggressive in extending aid to nursing homes. Shaheen is cosponsoring legislation that provides $20 billion nationwide...