RECORD: 196 reported new 24-hour cases of COVID-19 in City of Lynn. Last record was 1919 on December 3rd. Testing information for Lynn can be found by clicking here.

State of MA unveils distribution plan for COVID-19 vaccine

One day after Governor Charlie Baker ordered all of MA to go to Step 3, Phase 1 for reopening he has announced the COVID-19 vaccine distribution timeline for the state. The plan was submitted to and approved by federal officials. According to state officials, the COVID-19 vaccine will be distrusted only after the FDA determines it is safe. Gov. Baker promises that it will be free for all to take, with no out of pocket costs or co-pays from insurance companies.

On December 4th the Baker-Polito Administration submitted the Commonwealth’s initial vaccine order to the CDC. 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. The first allotment of 300,000 COVID vaccines will be for the first dose of a two dose regimen, as the vaccines require shots a couple of weeks apart.

All doses are expected to be in by the end of the month, but some arrive as early as December 15th. 21 hospitals and the Dept. of Public Health’s Immunization Lab are expected to receive these doses. They will then be distrbuted to 74 hospitals in the state, where front line medical workers will be the first to receive the doses.

The first phase of distributions will focus on health care workers, emergency services workers, and others in high-risk professions. The second phase of distribution will focus on workers that interact with members of the general. Adults over 65 and those with a comorbidity are considered high-risk and can be included in phase 2 as well.

The timeline looks as follows:

• Phase 1: December – February
  • Healthcare workwers, long-term care facilities, police, fire, EMS, & more
• Phase 2: Febraury – April
  • High-risk individuals, teachers, grocery stores employees, transit workers, public works, & more
• Phase 3: April – June
  • General public

The above information was taken from the State of MA website.

Recap of measures for Step 1 of phase 3 to be enacted this Sunday

Yesterday Governor Charlie Baker announced that the entire state will roll back to Phase 3, Step 1 to combat the second surge of COVID-19 in Massachusetts. The measures include:

• Capacity for outdoor theaters and performance venues is reduced to 25 percent and no more than 50 people.
• Outdoor gatherings limited to 50 people. If above 25 people the host must notify their local board of health.
• 40% capacity for indoor businesses for the following businesses: arcades/indoor and outdoor recreational businesses, driving and flight schools, gyms/health clubs, libraries, museums, retail, offices, places of worship, common areas of lodging businesses, golf and movie theaters.
• Indoor theaters and performance venues, plus a few smaller indoor recreation businesses, will close.
• Restaurants must now have no more than 6 people per table, & a 90-minute limit.
• Diners must wear masks at all times, except when eating and drinking.
• All musical performances are prohibited at restaurants.
• Social clubs are subject to the restaurant rules above.
• Food court seating will be closed.
• Masks required at all times in gyms & fitness centers.
• Everyone must wear a mask while in offices when not alone in their own workspace. Employers are encouraged to close or limit the use of break rooms and offer teleworking when possible.

Read the full update from Governor Baker’s office by clicking here.