These articles talk about the effect of the pandemic on the coal industry in Braintree.  Coal workers in Braintree were heavily effected compared to other segments of the local population.  Many coal workers were not able to work and therefore coal production and distribution was effected.  There were two main ramifications. 

Employment in the coal industry was reduced and therefore many people lost their jobs.

There was less coal available for Braintree residents to use so Braintree residents were requested to use less coal and conserve it as much as possible.  The decreased supply created an increase in the cost of coal.