BAKER-POLITO ADMINISTRATION SUBMITS INITIAL VACCINE ORDER TO THE US CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

Today’s submission is the first of 300,000 doses expected in Massachusetts by the end of December 

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration submitted the Commonwealth’s initial vaccine order to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The federal government allocated Massachusetts 59,475 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for this first shipment that is part of 300,000 doses that the CDC is expected to send to Massachusetts by the end of December. The first allotment of 300,000 COVID vaccines will be for the first dose of a two dose regimen.

Anticipating that the federal government will soon issue emergency use authorizations for additional vaccines, the Administration has been working with the COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group to prepare for a safe, equitable and efficient distribution that is based on guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Commonwealth has actively been working on preparedness and planning for a COVID-19 vaccine since early August. Over the past decade, the Commonwealth has invested in the state-of-the-art Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS), which serves as the state’s vaccine registry, ordering system, and inventory system. DPH has enhanced MIIS to prepare to administer the COVID-19 vaccine.

Next week, the Administration will roll out further information on vaccination prioritization.

Strong Winter Storm

MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY SITUATIONAL AWARENESS STATEMENT #1 

DATE: 12/4/2020 

SUBJECT: Strong Winter Storm Situation Strong winter storm will bring heavy rain changing to a period of heavy snow across the interior along with strong wind gusts along the coast. This will result in power outages across Massachusetts. Depending on the track of the storm, heaviest snowfall may shift east or west. 

Impacts: Significant snow accumulation possible over the interior with scattered power outages where heavy snow accumulates. Areas of urban and poor drainage street flooding possible across southeast Massachusetts. Strong winds along the coast; gales and very rough seas and coastal waters. Low visibility will create travel impacts. 

Weather Forecast: Rain showers will develop across the state this afternoon. Rain will continue tonight and increase in coverage and intensity. This rain will mix and change to snow tonight across the higher elevations.

 

Our Toy Drive was a blast today. A big thank you to Teresa's Italian Eatery in Middleton for hosting and sponsoring our efforts. On air guests today included Nik Yebba, Teresa's owner, Town Manager Andy Sheehan, Fire Chief Tom Martinuk, Melissa Gasper, Director of Flint Public Library, State Representative Ted Speliotis and Judy Gallerie from our location non-profit Neighbors In Need. 

Before, during, and after the North Shore 104.9 broadcast folks dropped off gifts cards, books, and toys and we are all very appreciative.

 

I want to congratulate Newbury Council on Aging Director Maggie Malley and Program Coordinator Gail Kehoe - each has announced their respective retirements. 

Mary Ann Nay and Richard Curran from my Senate staff presented them with official Senate Citations in recognition of their accomplishments and service. Pictured are Maggie Malley, Selectman JR Colby, Chairman of the Board Of Selectmen, and Gail Kehoe Retiring Program Coordinator.

 

Our Toy Drive visited the Recovery Centers of America at Danvers and we were joined by Laura Ames, Recovery Centers' Chief Executive Officer and members of their staff. Danvers Police Sargent Steve Baldassare came on air with us too to share greetings from the Danvers Police Department. 

Join us today from noon to 2 on North Shore 104.9 as we broadcast live from Teresa's Italian Eatery in Middleton. Donations will go directly to Neighbors In Need. Invited guests today include Nik Yebba, owner of Teresa's, Melissa Gasper, Director of Flint Public Library, North Shore Chamber State Representative Ted Speliotis, Bob Bradford, President of the North Shore Chamber of Commerce, Inc., and Middleton Fire Chief Tom Martinuk of the Middleton Fire Department. 

 I invite you to tune in to 104.9 FM to hear the Toy Drive live, from noon to 2 PM, each workday until Friday the 11th. Help us help children in need.

 

Governor Charlie Baker Bolsters the Toy Drive

Governor Charlie Baker joined North Shore 104.9's Erika Hemingway and me for our North Shore Toy Drive visit today at the Institution for Savings. Not only did the Governor donate $250 in gift cards, but the bank also offered a challenge to match today's donations! I invite you to tune in to 104.9 FM to hear the Toy Drive live, from noon to 2 PM, each workday until Friday the 11th. Help us help children in need. 

Thanks to the Institution for Savings for hosting us and for their generosity.

 

Governor Charlie Baker's Briefing

Today at noon, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito will join Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders to provide an update on Coronavirus. A live stream will be available at https://www.facebook.com/SenatorBruceTarr.