Vaccine Clinic At Saint Mary's Church Rowley

A very successful vaccination clinic at Saint Mary's Church, a collaboration between Conley’s Drug Store and Ipswich and Rowley municipal agencies and departments. 

With Charlie Costello Chairman of the Rowley Board of Health, Alex Doyle Conley's Drug Store of Ipswich, Frank Marchegiani Health Director Rowley, MA, Deborah Katchen, Health Agent Rowley, MA. and Richard Curran, Denise Gilman Activities Director Rowley COA, Eleanor Davis Director Rowley COA, the Senator, and Denise Gilman Activities Director Rowley Council on Aging, Captain David Sedgwick Rowley Police Department, Chief Scott Dumas of the Rowley Police Department. 

 

District Communities Awarded Municipal Cybersecurity Awareness Grants

#Gloucester, #Manchester-by-the-Sea, #Middleton, #Newbury, #NorthAndover, #NorthReading, and #Wilmington will receive critical training to better detect and avoid cyber threats. The grant program funds were authorized by the Legislature in 2020 and are managed by the Baker Administration's Executive Office of Technology Services and Security. 

These cybersecurity awareness grants will help municipalities and their employees protect their information technology and data from cyber threats. The online training materials provided to municipal and public school employees include a variety of cybersecurity attack simulations that reflect malicious luring techniques commonly used by cybercriminals to gain access to IT systems and data: 

* Email phishing attacks 

* ‘Smishing’ SMS attacks 

* USB drop attacks 

* Link-based, attachment-based, and data-entry attacks

 

Plans for Continued Reopening in Massachusetts

The Baker Administration is readying the state for a return towards reopening the economy. Step 2 of Phase III effective March 1 for all cities and towns. Effective March 22, gathering limits for event venues and in public settings will increase to 100 indoors and 150 outdoors. Outdoor gatherings at private residences and backyards will remain at a maximum of 25, with indoor house gatherings remaining at 10.

 

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $4.7 Million for Vaccine Equity in Hardest-Hit Communities; Regional Vaccination Collaboratives

The Baker-Polito Administration today announced a new $4.7 million initiative to promote COVID-19 vaccine equity in the 20 communities most disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. The Administration also announced 11 high-efficiency regional vaccination collaboratives involving local health officials and other regional partners. 

Vaccination Appointments: Tomorrow, around 50,000 new appointments will be added at mass vaccination locations across the Commonwealth. This includes the mass vaccination locations at Fenway Park, Gillette Stadium, Springfield, Danvers, Dartmouth and Natick. Retail pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens will also administer over 20,000 doses next week as well.

Residents can go to www.mass.gov/COVIDvaccine tomorrow morning to find and schedule their appointments. Appointment availability is very limited due to the constrained supply of vaccine doses that the Commonwealth is receiving from the federal government.

$4.7 Million for Vaccine Equity: The Administration today announced a $4.7 million effort to support its vaccine equity initiative announced last week, which focuses on reducing barriers to vaccination in the 20 hardest-hit communities in the Commonwealth. The Administration will work with Archipelago Strategies Group (ASG) and Health Care for All (HCFA) to best leverage these funds.

The initiative will support and coordinate with local leaders and community- and faith-based organizations to strengthen existing efforts in these cities and towns. These efforts will specifically focus on communities of color, homebound seniors, disabled individuals and other hard-to-reach populations. ASG and HCFA will provide hyperlocal, population-specific communication resources as well as hiring local residents and working with local organizations with cultural and linguistic competencies to reach disparately impacted populations in each priority municipality. ASG specializes in grassroots mobilization, partnering with local leaders, community organizations, and media partners to develop community-based solutions. As a subcontractor, HCFA will provide high-touch support for priority communities, including direct service support, community organizing, education, and outreach.

This work will complement the Commonwealth’s $2.5 million public awareness campaign, “Trust the Facts, Get the Vax,” adapting the campaign’s messaging for specific communities. The initiative will focus on the 20 municipalities with the greatest COVID-19 case burden, taking into account social determinants of health and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on people of color. These communities are Boston, Brockton, Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Fitchburg, Framingham, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, Methuen, New Bedford, Randolph, Revere, Springfield and Worcester. This work will be coordinated with targeted opportunities for increased vaccine access through existing and new locations, including pop up sites and mobile clinics.

Regional Collaboratives: In addition, the Administration today also designated 11 new regional collaboratives that will support efforts to streamline vaccination efforts. These collaboratives will leverage local health officials, regional hospitals and others to deliver high-throughput, efficient vaccination sites for all eligible residents across the Commonwealth beginning March 1. Collaboratives must meet several criteria:

Have capacity to vaccinate a minimum of 750 individuals per day, 5 days per week (subject to vaccine availability);

Meet an administration rate threshold of 85% and report doses within 24 hours;

Be open to all residents of the Commonwealth (collaborations may focus outreach efforts towards those who live or work in the area, but must be open to all Massachusetts residents)

Provide public links for vaccine appointments on www.mass.gov/COVIDVaccine.

New and existing collaboratives announced today:

Barnstable County

Berkshire County Boards of Health Association

Franklin County Regional Collaborative

Harrington Hospital, in Collaboration with LBOH

Heywood Hospital, in Collaboration with LBOH

Lawrence General Hospital, in Collaboration with LBOH

Marshfield-Plymouth

Northampton & Amherst

Randolph – Collaboration between Avon, Holbrook, and Randolph

Rutland

Worcester, Worcester State University, Commonwealth Medicine and St. Vincent Hospital

Information about booking appointments through these collaboratives will be available on www.mass.gov/COVIDvaccine in the coming days.

MassDOT Advisory Update: Wilmington

Temporary Right Lane Closures on Interstate 93 Southbound for Bridge Repairs Closures will take place from 8 p.m. on Friday, February 26, through 4 a.m. on Monday, March 1 

Right lane on Route 125 westbound and the on-ramp from Route 125 to Interstate 93 southbound still remain closed Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes 

WILMINGTON– The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing that it will be implementing temporary weekend closures of the two right travel lanes on Interstate 93 southbound near exit 41 (Route 125) in Wilmington. The lanes will be closed from 8:00 p.m. on Friday, February 26, until 4:00 a.m. on Monday, March 1. The closures are necessary to allow work crews to continue repairs to a damaged beam on the bridge carrying Route 125 over Interstate 93. Additional work to complete the repairs will be scheduled for a later date.

On February 10, 2021, an over-height trash hauler truck struck and damaged the northern fascia beam on the Route 125 Bridge over Interstate 93. Since that time, the right lane on Route 125 westbound on the bridge and the on-ramp from Route 125 to Interstate 93 southbound have been closed. These closures will remain in place until the repairs can be fully completed to the damaged beam.

Drivers who are traveling through the area should reduce speed and use caution.

Appropriate signage, law enforcement details, and advanced message boards will be in place to guide drivers through the work area.

For more information on traffic conditions, travelers are encouraged to:

Dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions. Visit www.mass511.com, a website that provides real-time traffic and incident advisory information, and allows users to subscribe to text and email alerts for traffic conditions. 

Follow MassDOT on Twitter @MassDOT to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions. Download MassDOT’s GoTime mobile app and view real-time traffic conditions before setting out on the road.

In Support of Local and Regional COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics

I have observed the operations of municipal and regional vaccine sites that have served thousands of people- they work well and they have proven to be efficient and effective for those who need them. Yesterday, I joined with State Rep. Lenny Mirra​ for a press conference at the #WestNewbury clinic. 

Together, these municipalities are drawing on the strengths of first responders, boards of health, councils on aging, and others who have many hours of training and preparation for public health and safety emergencies such as this COVID-19 pandemic. Putting those strengths to work to vaccinate residents who are vulnerable, have limited mobility, and face other obstacles to obtaining vaccination at larger "super sites " in our Commonwealth. While those larger sites play an important role in accelerating the overall vaccination rate of our population, smaller localized efforts play an equally important role in reaching vulnerable, more isolated people who might otherwise be left behind.

 Local leaders call for local vaccination sites

 

 

COVID-19 VACCINE FINDER

Vaccine Website Update from EOHHS 

We have been informed that the state's Executive Office of Health and Human Service is working to resolve issues with the Vaccine Finder Website. "Due to extremely high traffic and volume, the VaxFinder tool and vaccine location websites are experiencing delays. We are working as quickly as possible to resolve these issues. Appointments will be made available soon and will be released throughout the morning."

Vaccine Eligibility Expands

Effective Thursday, February 18th, individuals age 65 or older, individuals with two or more specific medical conditions and residents and staff of public and private low income and affordable senior housing are eligible to receive this vaccine. 

This means a significant number of new residents will be eligible for appointments. 211 is available for eligible residents who cannot use the internet to make an appointment, including 65+. 

https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine

 

Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) Encouraging Customers to Renew Expired Inspection Stickers

Over 584,000 active MA vehicle registrations currently in need of annual emissions and safety inspections 

Law enforcement currently encouraged to use their discretion and help remind and not cite expired drivers whenever possible 1,800 local inspection stations conducting business in accordance with public health guidelines and safety protocols; station locater available at https://www.mavehiclecheck.com/apps/station-locator

The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is ramping up customer communication efforts to encourage anyone driving one of over 584,000 registered vehicles with an expired Massachusetts’ inspection sticker on their vehicle’s front windshield to make a plan to get their annual inspection and update their sticker as soon as possible. All vehicles registered in Massachusetts must pass a yearly vehicle emissions and safety inspection, also known as the Massachusetts Vehicle Check Program, which is essential to the safety of the Commonwealth’s environment and roadways. At the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, some extensions were granted to annual inspection stickers expiring between March and May of 2020, however those extensions have since expired and no further extensions are planned. There are 1,800 local inspection stations, many of whom are small businesses, across Massachusetts that are open for business and conducting inspections in accordance with state public health guidelines and safety protocols. Customers are encouraged to visit the Inspection Station Locator to find a location near them and plan their trip to update their sticker.

“Annual motor vehicle inspections are an integral part of helping ensure that vehicles traveling on roadways across the Commonwealth are deemed safe and not releasing dangerous emissions that can be harmful to individuals and the environment,” said Acting Secretary of Transportation and CEO Jamey Tesler. “We are thankful for all of the work and collaborative efforts that are currently underway with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Massachusetts State Police, local law enforcement, and key businesses partners and stakeholders to remind customers with expired inspection stickers to have their vehicles inspected as soon as possible.”

“The RMV encourages any customer with an expired inspection sticker to make a plan to get their inspection and sticker updated,” said Acting Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie. “Resources are readily available to help customers locate a convenient inspection station and guide them through the inspection process, following all safety and social distancing protocols to keep customers and inspection station staff safe.”

The RMV is teaming up with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), Massachusetts State Police (MSP), local law enforcement, and other business partners to remind customers of this time-sensitive requirement. While driving any motor vehicle without a valid inspection sticker is a traffic violation that may result in a fine and impact individual insurance rates, the RMV is asking law enforcement to use their discretion at this time and help remind and not cite those with expired stickers it’s time to renew.

“The emissions and safety inspection ensures motor vehicles operating in Massachusetts are safe, properly maintained, and not emitting excess air pollutants in our communities, which will improve air quality for us all,” said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “MassDEP, along with our program partners, encourages Massachusetts residents to renew their stickers to ensure that their vehicle emission systems are inspected yearly.”

“The Massachusetts State Police and local law enforcement are aware of the difficulties of prompt vehicle inspection renewal caused by the pandemic and agree that a reminder may be an effective temporary alternative to a citation during this current period,” said Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Colonel Chris Mason.

“We encourage individuals to proactively check the current status of their motor vehicle inspection stickers, and not wait to schedule a safety inspection, if warranted,” said Chelsea Chief of Police and President of the Massachusetts Major City Chiefs of Police Association Brian Kyes.

“You’re safe with us,” said New England Service Station and Automotive Repair Association President Edgard Fayad. “The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic has been dynamic and intense for all of us in the past year. Our inspection stations have implemented thorough safety measures designed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 for both our staff and customers including clear signs to adhere to social distancing, increased cleanliness and hygiene practices, monitoring customer access to waiting areas, and masks required at all times. From the start of this pandemic, gas and service stations have been considered essential and we continue to be committed to helping the families and communities we serve stay safe.”

RMV records show that approximately 584,000 active vehicle registrations in Massachusetts currently have an expired inspection sticker. An email reminder will be sent to the 437,000 individuals with an address on file. Other communication efforts will include social media outreach, reminders to RMV business partners and law enforcement, and buck-slip reminders will be included in registration mailings to encourage customers to “Check Ya Stickah” and take appropriate steps as needed.

v For the latest RMV updates and information, follow the RMV on Twitter @MassRMV. For additional information on RMV service offerings during the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit www.mass.gov/rmv or https://www.mass.gov/info-details/rmv-covid-19-information.

Today, Governor Baker held a virtual ceremonial signing of an important new law- An Act Promoting Awareness of Sewage Pollution in Public Waters. I am proud to have worked on this bill because I believe that the discharge of pollution is a serious event made even more so when it is dumped directly into one of the public drinking water sources. The public should have access to information about sewage into waterways so that they can avoid exposure to contaminants which could pose serious health risks. 

The Merrimack River, one of New England’s largest sources of public drinking water, has much of the pollution that is discharged into it coming from out of state. This new law will help us to do more to promote the health and safety of the river and those who rely on it going forward. 

Experts tell us that each year, nearly 3 billion gallons of raw or partially treated sewage is discharged to the state's waterways. The new law requires the Department of Environmental Protection to provide information about discharge notifications on its website. Those who operate sewer systems will need to issue public advisories within two hours of a discharge and every eight hours until the discharge has ended. 

Several members in the Senate have been firmly dedicated to expanding public awareness of river discharges particularly, Senator Diana DiZoglio of Methuen, Senator Edward Kennedy, of Lowell, Senator Barry Finegold of Andover, and Jamie Eldridge of Acton, and I am glad that we have worked collaboratively to get this bill to Governor Baker’s pen. 

 

Senate Republicans Seek Transparency and Civic Engagement in Legislative Rules Proposals

Boston - Massachusetts Senate Republicans are seeking greater openness and transparency through a series of proposed changes to the rules governing the way the legislature operates, Senate members of both parties are working to make substantive reforms to the rules that govern their process of lawmaking. 

"The Senate has made great strides over the past several years in improving the transparency and accountability of the legislative process through strong bipartisan efforts," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr ( R - Gloucester ), who added that "Now we have a tremendous opportunity to continue those efforts for the benefit of members, the public, and the legislative process."

Filed as amendments to be considered by the Senate as it adopts rules governing the 2021- 2023 legislative session, the proposals include measures to give legislators and the public more time to read legislation prior to floor votes by:

* Requiring conference committee reports to be filed by 5 PM;

* Requiring at least 72 hours between the filing of a conference committee report and its consideration for approval by the House and Senate;

* Requiring at least 72 hours for amendments printed in the Senate Calendar to be read before being taken up by the Senate;

* Requiring 7 days for Senate members to read and analyze budget proposals and amendments; and

* Requiring at least 15 mins for members to read and analyze a redrafted or further amendment before they can be considered.

In addition to providing more time for members, the public, and the press to review legislative proposals the Senate Republicans are also proposing amendments to increase transparency, predictability, and the opportunity for civic engagement by:

* Preventing the Senate from meeting past midnight, except by unanimous consent of the members;

* Requiring a recorded vote for the Senate to continue in session past 10 PM;

* Codifying that all informal session be broadcast in a manner similar to those during the public health emergency; and

* Ensuring that legislative amendments must be made publicly available.

The Republican Caucus amendments have been filed as part of the process by which the legislature adopts rules as one of the first acts of a new legislative session. They are intended to build on a rules proposal released by the Senate's Temporary Rules Committee, which filed its report on Thursday, February 8.

The Republican caucus is not alone in seeking changes to the rules, as several Democrats have also filed amendments containing substantive changes to the rules that govern the process of lawmaking. Together, members of both parties have filed 51 amendments to Senate Bill 10, “Proposed Senate Rules for the 2021-2022 Legislative Session” and 16 amendments to Senate Bill 11, “Proposed Joint Rules for the 2021-2022 Legislative Session”.

Senator Ryan Fattman (R- Sutton ), a member of the committee, said "The public deserves adequate time and careful consideration of proposed laws by their elected officials. Anything short of that is unacceptable." Senator Fattman continued by saying, "Requiring more time to read and consider legislation only helps establish more understanding, transparency, and accountability in legislating. Providing that time and increasing accessibility of information also gives those outside the ranks of the legislature a greater opportunity for civic engagement."

Tarr, also a member of the Senate's Temporary Rules Committee, Fattman, and Senator Patrick O'Connor (R- Weymouth) emphasized that this rules initiative is intended to improve the lawmaking process not only for the members of the minority party but for all legislators as well as people concerned with how decisions are being made on their behalf.

v “It is critical for the strength of our democracy that we provide timely and accurate information regarding legislation that is being debated or acted upon,” said Senator O’Connor (R-Weymouth). “This should be done not just for the elected officials debating policy, but so that the public may have time to provide their opinion to those deciding policy. We have proven the importance of these steps with actions we have taken in the past, and hopefully we can do so again as we begin this legislative session.”

v The Senate is scheduled to debate the rules reports on Thursday, February 11th. A live stream of the session will be webcast www.facebook.com/SenatorBruceTarr at ! 11:45 AM.

 

MassDOT Advisory: Wilmington

Right Lanes Closed on I-93 Southbound and Route 125 Westbound In addition, the on-ramp from Route 125 westbound to I-93 southbound is closed following the bridge strike 

WILMINGTON– The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing that it has implemented temporary right lane and on-ramp closures following a trash hauler striking the bridge that carries Route 125 over Interstate 93 in Wilmington. The right travel lane on I-93 southbound remains closed at this time along with the right lane on Route 125 westbound to facilitate inspection, cleanup and emergency repair operations. Additionally, the on-ramp from Route 125 westbound to Interstate 93 southbound is closed. MassDOT bridge inspection is on scene along with one of MassDOT’s emergency repair contractors.

These closures are expected to remain in place for the duration of the inspection, cleanup and interim emergency repairs. Additional details will be provided as they become available.

Appropriate signage, law enforcement details, and advanced message boards will be in place to guide drivers through the work area.

Drivers who are traveling through the area should reduce speed and use caution.

For more information on traffic conditions travelers are encouraged to:

Dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions. Visit www.mass511.com

Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) is here for most Massachusetts employees.

If you work in Massachusetts, you’re likely eligible to take up to 26 weeks per year of paid, job-protected time off from work when you need it most. Get to know your benefits by joining the MA Department of Family and Medical Leave in a virtual Town Hall on Thursday, February 11th at 1pm and get answers to all your questions. This Town Hall will be focused on employees, with interpretation services offered in Spanish and Portuguese. There will be another Town Hall for employees on Thursday, February 18th at 1pm, with interpretation services offered in Haitian-Creole. 

To register, click on the date you wish to attend and follow the instructions on your screen. Thursday, February 11th at 1pm  

Thursday, February 18th at 1pm 

 

HERstory: Volume II

Photo Exhibition Replaces Photos of Past Senate Presidents with Women from Massachusetts’ History; Current Installment Celebrates Accomplishments of Women of Color.

 

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Two Mass Vaccination Sites, New Appointments & Authorization for Caregiver to Get Vaccinated with 75+ Resident at Mass Vax Sites

Natick & Dartmouth mass vaccination sites to open in late February 

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced two new mass vaccination sites will open in Natick and Dartmouth. On Thursday, 74,000 appointments will be posted online for mass vaccination sites and pharmacies at locations statewide. Approximately 30,000 additional appointments will be posted over the course of the week at pharmacies—totaling over 100,000 new appointments this week for mass vaccination sites and pharmacies.

The administration also announced that individuals who accompany someone age 75 or older to get a vaccine at a mass vaccination site may also schedule and receive their own vaccination on the same day.

Natick Mass Vaccination Site:

An additional mass vaccination site is scheduled to open on Monday, February 22, at the Natick Mall with LabCorp as the provider.

This site will begin administering 500 doses per day, then increasing over the course of several weeks to administering 3,000 doses daily. All eligible residents will be able to use this site.

Eligible residents can begin booking appointments for the Natick site on February 18th. For appointment booking, visit mass.gov/covidvaccine.

Dartmouth Mass Vaccination Site:

An additional mass vaccination site is scheduled to open on Wednesday, February 24, at Circuit City with Curative as the provider.

This site will begin administering 500 doses per day, then increasing over the course of several weeks to administering over 2,000 doses daily. All eligible residents will be able to use this site.

Eligible residents can begin booking appointments for the Dartmouth site on February 18th. For appointment booking, visit mass.gov/covidvaccine. New Appointments At Mass Vaccination Sites & Pharmacies:

The Administration continues to build the Commonwealth’s vaccination infrastructure, and will add 30 new retail pharmacy sites and 2 additional mass vaccination sites. There are currently more than 130 vaccination sites in Massachusetts.

Tomorrow morning (Thursday, Feb. 11), more than 53,000 appointments will be posted online for mass vaccination sites for Springfield, Danvers, Foxborough (Gillette Stadium) and Boston (Fenway Park). Eligible individuals should visit mass.gov/covidvaccine for details on how to book.

Over 50,000 pharmacy appointments will be posted online by the end of this week. 21,000 of these appointments are at new stores and will be live tomorrow. The 50,000 includes:

CVS Health: 8,064 appointments were posted this week, with an additional 21,000 appointments going live tomorrow, and another 3,000 appointments being posted daily on Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Walgreens: 7,620 appointments this week (over 1,000 released each day)

Topco (Wegmans, Big Y, Price Chopper): 3,100 appointments this week

Retail Business Services (Stop and Shop, Hannaford): 2,000 appointments this week

Caregiver Attestation for Mass Vaccination Sites:

Effective Thursday, February 11th, at mass vaccination sites, an individual who is accompanying a person age 75 or older to get the vaccine may schedule their own appointment to be vaccinated on the same day.

A caregiver must schedule their own appointment online for the same day and location as the 75 or older resident. Only one caregiver may accompany a 75 or older resident.

Mass vaccination locations will make every effort to take both individuals together to minimize wait time, even if the appointment times are not identical.

Directions to Schedule Two Appointments (for a 75+ resident & a caregiver):

Individuals can go to mass.gov/covidvaccine and schedule two separate appointments at either the same time or adjacent.

For the companion appointment, select the option ‘I am accompanying someone who is age 75+ to their vaccination appointment and my appointment is the same day.’

If individuals are unable to use or have difficultly accessing the internet, they may call 2-1-1 for assistance booking both appointments.

Only one caregiver is permitted to schedule an appointment with the 75+ resident. A caregiver may receive their first dose of the vaccine if the 75+ resident is receiving their second dose.

Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for Residents Over 75

The Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea is pleased to announce a COVID-19 VaccineClinic for its most vulnerable residents, age 75 and over. 

The clinic will take place on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at the Sacred Heart Parish Hall from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Pre-registration is required.

The clinic is made possible through a partnership with Conley’s Pharmacy of Ipswich, MA. Manchester residents can register online at https://hipaa.jotform.com/210341706490145. If unable to register online, please call the Manchester Council on Aging for assistance at 978-526-7500. The Manchester Council on Aging will also be providing transportation to the vaccination site upon request.

Participants should wear a t-shirt, so the upper arm is easily accessible. Please bring a photo ID, your red, white, and blue Medicare card, and other Insurance Cards. There is no cost for the vaccine, but the administration fee will be billed to insurance (patient copay is $0).

In order to prevent crowding and protect residents, please do not arrive more than 10 minutes before your scheduled appointment and remain in your vehicle until the appointment time. No early birds! There will be one way in and out of Parish Hall so please follow the direction of Town staff.

After receiving the Pfizer vaccine, residents will be monitored closely by Manchester paramedics. Fifteen minutes for those without an allergy history and thirty minutes for those with an allergy history. A follow up clinic, for second shot doses will be held 21 days later, on Saturday, March 6, 2021. If you have already received a first dose of the COVID vaccine at a different location, you must return to that same site to receive the second dose in accordance with current MA vaccine distribution guidelines.

This clinic is for Manchester-by-the-Sea residents age 75 and older with a scheduled appointment only. Contact the Manchester Board of Health with questions at 978-526-7385 or email Ellen Lufkin at lufkine@manchester.ma.us.

 

Today is the first full day of the #COVID19MA help phone line for ages 75 and older to get appointment support. Call 2-1-1 to reach the Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line & speak to a representative live on the phone. Also, check appointment availability at http://mass.gov/covidvaccine. 

 

I'm happy to support Wear Red Day to raise awareness that heart disease is the single greatest health threat for women. I wear red today to support the fight against heart disease & stroke. I urge all women to take charge of their heart health. 

 

Baker-Polito Administration Launches Vaccine Public Awareness Campaign, New Call Center for Residents 75 and Older

“Trust the Facts, Get the Vax” Features Diverse Group of Doctors; Vaccine Scheduling Line Available Through 2-1-1 For 75+ Residents Who Cannot Use Website 

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced a new multilingual public awareness campaign, “Trust the Facts. Get the Vax.” The research-driven, $2.5 million campaign promotes the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine and urges residents to get vaccinated when it is their turn, as vaccines continue to be distributed across the Commonwealth. The ads feature a diverse group of medical professionals who highlight the importance of the vaccine and aim to build trust with communities of color and other populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

The Administration today also announced a new call center to help residents 75 and older who are unable to access the vaccine appointment website to schedule vaccine appointments.

Public Awareness Campaign: The new statewide campaign explains how the vaccine works and seeks to build trust around its safety and efficacy with communities of color and other populations. The campaign is grounded in extensive survey research that indicated that these messages are most effectively delivered by medical professionals. TV ads in English and Spanish feature a diverse group of doctors who represent a wide range of races, ethnicities and regions of Massachusetts. Additional animated ads will run on TV and digital platforms in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, Chinese (Traditional & Simplified), Russian, Arabic and Albanian.

The first TV ad will run locally on Sunday, February 7, 2021, during the Super Bowl Kick-Off show. Throughout the next several weeks, the multilingual public awareness effort will be visible on a variety of additional platforms in several languages, including English, Spanish and Portuguese radio, paid social media and search ads in all languages, streaming services, and print advertising in English and Spanish outlets. A companion video in American Sign Language (ASL) is also launching today. Click here to see all campaign materials.

To develop the campaign, the Commonwealth relied on insights from a 1,000 person survey of Massachusetts residents that identified motivators and barriers around the vaccine, as well as the most effective messages and trusted voices. The Administration also consulted a 19-member external advisory group including community organizations, leaders from communities of color, health care providers, and local health officials.

Additional elements of the campaign will launch throughout the vaccine distribution process. The campaign will continue to direct residents to www.mass.gov/COVIDvaccine, where residents can learn more about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and when and where they will be able to get vaccinated.

Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line: Today, the Administration also announced a new call center to help residents 75 and older more easily schedule an appointment if they do not have internet or are unable to use the website at www.mass.gov/COVIDVaccine. The COVID-19 Vaccine Scheduling Resource Line is a dedicated telephone line available to residents 75 and older. The call center will be staffed with over 500 representatives who can provide live phone support to assist residents with booking an appointment. The line will be open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Live call center workers will be available in English and Spanish, and 100 additional languages will be available through translators. Call center workers will have the same access to appointments that users will see on the public website.

The line can be accessed by dialing 2–1–1 and selecting the prompt for “Help Scheduling a Vaccine Appointment.” Residents may have to wait on the line given expected high call volume. Once connected with a representative, the caller will be asked to confirm he/she is 75 or older and either has no internet access or otherwise cannot use the website to book an appointment. Call-takers will then use the state’s COVID-19 vaccine site map to find nearby locations and determine whether appointments are available. If no appointments are available within a distance the caller can travel, then callers will be offered the chance to be placed on a call-back list for the mass vaccination sites. Residents will receive a call-back as appointments become available at these sites. Due to high demand and limited supply, callers may experience significant wait times. The Administration will monitor wait times and make necessary adjustments.

Vaccine info share with my office from Elder Services of Merrimack Valley and the North Shore:

Earlier this week, ESMV-NS began supporting the State’s efforts to vaccinate people 75+. If you hear from constituents who are having trouble registered online, they can call us at 1-800-892-0890. We do not have access to any additional slots, but we are available to help people who cannot navigate the website or don't have internet access. 

We are one of 25 Aging Service Access Points across the state serving in this role. 

We are also helping seniors without transportation who need to get to a vaccination appointments. There are a number of different transportation options we're coordinating. If an older adult constituents has a vaccine slot appointment but doesn't have a way to get there, please send them to us and we may be able to help. We are also actively working to help fight vaccine-related scams that have begun to pop up and are targeting older people. It is important to reiterate to all audiences that all Covid-19 vaccines are free. No legitimate vaccination entity will be asking for credit card numbers or SSNs. Seniors should not share personal information with anyone who claims to help them get a vaccine quicker. 

As you know, the processes for helping seniors find and receive vaccinations is continually changing. We are working with the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to help make the process more accessible for all residents of the Commonwealth. We are also coordinating with local Council on Aging partners and senior housing sites to try to overcome barriers to getting people vaccinated.

VA Bedford offers COVID vaccinations in Gloucester this weekend

VA Bedford Healthcare System, in partnership with the City of Gloucester and Cape Ann Veterans Services, is holding a Veteran COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Rose Baker Senior Center this weekend, Feb. 6-7, 2021. 

VA will administer the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to Veterans 60 and older who are currently enrolled in VA health care. VA schedulers are actively calling these patients to schedule appointments between 9:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. both days. Enrolled Veterans may also call the COVID-19 vaccination line at 781-687-4000 to make an appointment at #Gloucester or Bedford.

The Rose Baker Senior Center is located at 6 Manuel F. Lewis Street in Gloucester. Veterans will be automatically scheduled for Feb. 27 for their second vaccination dose at Gloucester.

Veterans who are not enrolled or do not currently receive care at VA can visit VA's Eligibility web page to learn more: https://www.va.gov/health-care/eligibility/.

Follow our COVID-19 vaccination page at https://www.bedford.va.gov/services/covid-19-vaccines.asp for updates. Like and follow us on social media at https://www.facebook.com/VABedfordHCS and https://twitter.com/VABedfordHCS.

The Town of North Reading Board of Health / Health Department has been authorized to administer 100 doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccination beginning the week of February 8, 2021. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has limited vaccination distribution to the Health Department’s clinic to 100 doses per week throughout the month of February. 

Beginning on Monday, February 8, 2021 at 9:00 AM and every Monday at 9:00 AM for the month of February 2021, the Phase II Priority Group of adults 75 and older will be able to go onto the North Reading Health Department website at https://www.northreadingma.gov/health-department/pages/covid-19-vaccine-localstate-prepmod-registration and access a link to register for an appointment for the COVID 19 vaccination. The first Phase II vaccination clinic is scheduled to be held on Wednesday February 10, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 1:15 PM and every Tuesday and Thursday thereafter in February from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Hillview Country Club, 149 North Street, North Reading, Massachusetts 01864.

North Reading Health Department COVID-19 vaccination appointments may be scheduled online only. All registration for COVID-19 vaccination clinics will be via PrepMod, a Massachusetts Department of Public Health vaccination clinic registration module. Please seek assistance from family, friends, or neighbors if you are having difficulty registering for an appointment. Residents in need of other assistance may call the Edith O’Leary Senior Center at 978-664-5600 for assistance registering online. Due to the amount of time required to register, residents calling the Senior Center are advised that wait times may be significant. More information regarding a statewide telephone number to make appointments will be made available once it is provided to the Health Department. Please do not call the North Reading Health Department as staff are unable to register individuals for vaccination.

Due to the limited supply of vaccines being made available to North Reading, the Health Department strongly encourages North Reading residents to register for an appointment at another clinic in Massachusetts if appointments at the Hillview clinic are unavailable. Registration for clinics statewide may be found at www.maimmunizations.org. Rides may be arranged by calling Mystic Valley Elder Services at 781-324-7705.

Winter Storm Update

The US National Weather Service Boston MA has officially upgraded the storm watch to a Winter Storm Warning. The rain/snow line will allow snowfall amounts of a foot or more for portions of eastern MA. A Coastal Flood Watch in effect as well. 

Today at 11:00 AM, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito will join Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Samantha Phillips and transportation officials to provide an update on the upcoming winter storm. A live stream will be available at www.facebook.com/SenatorBruceTarr.

 

Winter Storm And COVID-19 Vaccination Sites

Due to the storm, DOT anticipates imposing a ban on travel on Monday by tractor trailers on I-90 between the hours of 10:00 AM until 11:59 PM. Massachusetts State Police may also impose a speed restriction for motor vehicles of 40 m.p.h. on I-90 between specific interchanges if conditions warrant. 

COVID-19 Vaccination Sites: In the case of closures due to inclement weather, providers of COVID-19 vaccination sites will reach out to individuals with appointments directly to reschedule. If individuals cannot safely get to their appointments, they will be allowed to reschedule directly with the provider with whom they scheduled a vaccination. For further questions on winter weather impacts, individuals should reach out to provider sites directly. To find contact info for an individual site, please check the map at mass.gov/COVIDVaccineMap.​ 

MassDOT has approximately 3,900 pieces of state and vendor equipment available for snow and ice operations and this includes over 1,400 plow and spreader combos, 2,100 plows, and 460 front-end loaders.