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Home / Latest / Vaccine update from Gov. Baker, donation drives for fire victims, LPS Pre-Registration begins April 5th, + more | March 17, 2021

Vaccine update from Gov. Baker, donation drives for fire victims, LPS Pre-Registration begins April 5th, + more | March 17, 2021

 LYNN NEWS ROUND-UP
MARCH 17, 2021

See our COVID-19 related posts by clicking here.


Lynn municipal buildings will reopen to the public starting March 22nd.
Click here for more info.

The state of MA is slowly reopening throughout the month of March.
Click here for more info.

A vaccination site has opened at Lynn Tech for Lynners.
Find out more & watch a video tour by clicking here.

COVID Vaccine Clinics available for Lynn Educators starting March 19th
Click here for more info.


Baker-Polito Administration Announces Vaccine Timeline for All Residents, Provides Weekly Dose Updates & $27.4 Million in Federal Funding for Vaccine Equity Initiative

Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the timeline for all remaining residents to be eligible for a vaccine. The Administration also announced the weekly distribution of vaccine doses statewide for providers and a new $24.7 million investment in the Administration’s Vaccine Equity Initiative.

Vaccine Eligibility Timeline

Governor Baker today announced the dates that all remaining residents and certain worker groups will be eligible for a vaccine. The Commonwealth’s detailed timeline adheres to the original timeline for the three phases announced in December. All residents can preregister to book an appointment at a mass vaccination site at mass.gov/COVIDVaccine.  Appointments will be offered based on eligibility and available appointments nearby. It is expected that more sites will come online as part of the preregistration process in April.

Timeline for remaining groups:

The full timeline is available at mass.gov/COVIDVaccinePhases.  The Administration has received assurances from the federal government that an increased vaccine supply will be available to states soon.  Depending on supply, it could take weeks for people to be notified that an appointment is available at a mass vaccination site.

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Dose Update

The Administration provided the weekly update for doses allocated from the federal government.

This week, the state is receiving a modest increase in supply of first doses, approximately 170,000. This includes an unexpected 8,000 doses of J&J vaccine.

In total, the Commonwealth will receive 316,000 first and second doses as part of the state allocation. These figures do not include doses provided through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program or to Federally Qualified Health Centers.

This week, first doses and second dose state allocations (total doses), were distributed among providers as follows:

  • Mass vaccination locations: 101,890
  • Health systems and health care providers (excluding CHCs): 99,230
  • Community Health Centers: 27,450
  • Regional Collaboratives and Local Boards of Health: 59,580
    • Regional Collaboratives: 40,370
    • Local Boards of Health: 19,210
  • Retail pharmacies (non-CVS)
    • State allocation: 8,490
  • Mobile Clinics supporting long-term care facilities, congregate care, affordable/low-income senior housing and homebound individuals: 19,180

Weekly allocations are subject to change based on federal availability, demand from providers, and obligations to meet second doses. Providers have 10 days to use their doses and must meet specific performance thresholds.

Federal Doses:

In addition to the state allocation, the federal government distributes vaccines to CVS Health sites as part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Partnership as well as to certain Massachusetts federally qualified community health centers. These quantities fluctuate on a weekly basis and are not counted as part of the state’s weekly allocation.

This week, 106,440 first and second doses have been allocated to the retail pharmacy program and 9,500 doses have been allocated to the federally qualified health centers.

Individuals looking to book appointments across any of these providers should visit mass.gov/COVIDvaccine to learn more.

Vaccine Equity Initiative

Image courtesy of Pixabay

The Administration also announced the release of $27.4 million in federal funds to increase trust, vaccine acceptance and administration rates as part of the Administration’s Vaccine Equity Initiative and to meet the needs of priority populations. Recognizing equity as a critical component of the state’s vaccine distribution plan, the Department of Public Health (DPH) is working closely with 20 hardest hit communities in Massachusetts as they identify their specific community needs, further building on existing support.

These federal funds from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) build upon current and past efforts supporting vaccination in these communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and includes partnerships with municipalities, local boards of health, community- and faith-based organizations, community health centers and others to reduce barriers to vaccination. These funds also will provide direct vaccine administration to populations that are not effectively reached through existing vaccine supply channels.

These federal funds include:

  • $10.6 million to provide direct assistance with vaccine access, including appointment registration assistance, transportation to vaccination clinics, mobility assistance, medical interpretation, and other supports. These services will be delivered through contracted community-based organizations (CBOs), community health centers (CHCs), and behavioral health providers.
  • $5.1 million to invest in community health centers through the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers to expand vaccination capacity at community health centers, including Community Health Worker Ambassadors.
  • $4.7 million to support municipalities and local boards of health through direct funding of the 20 equity municipalities for coordination and support for vaccine clinics and acceptance.
  • $4 million to help tailor community outreach and education through direct funding of local community-based and faith-based organizations in the 20 equity municipalities.
  • $3 million for direct vaccine administration in community settings by funding qualified organizations to directly administer vaccination to groups not effectively reached by other mechanisms.

These activities will build on DPH-supported initiatives already in progress, such as outreach and collaboration with community and faith-based organizations, increased connections and investment in Community Health Centers, and grassroots neighborhood outreach by teams of trained staff and residents led by Archipelago Strategies Group (ASG), a minority-owned business, and Health Care For All (HCFA).

Other activities already underway include the DPH COVID-19 Vaccine Ambassador Program, which has assisted with dozens of local meetings to answer questions about vaccine, wide dissemination and amplification of the state’s “Trust the Facts. Get the Vax.” multilingual public awareness campaign, and the DPH Community Liaisons who are meeting weekly with representatives from the communities to identify and lift barriers to vaccine access and support community-based solutions.

The Administration’s Vaccine Equity Initiative focuses on 20 cities and towns with the greatest COVID-19 case burden, taking into account social determinants of health and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). 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.

Watch the Governor’s full press conference on YouTube:

 

The above press release is courtesy of Governor Charlie Baker’s office.


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Donation collections for victims of fires

The last week there have been multiple fires in Lynn. Below are some donation drives that we have been made aware of for those affected. If you are aware of collections being set up for those affected please email the info. to driley@lynntv.org & we will add them here.

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GoFundMe page by Amy Rae

Photo courtesy of GoFundMe page, click for full-resolution image

Yesterday afternoon my friend and her family of five lost almost everything they had in the apartment fire on Essex Street. This tragedy could not have come at a worse time, as it happened while she was at the funeral home making arrangements to bury her mom that just passed away three days prior.

While they are extremely grateful that everyone made it out ok and no one was injured we are hoping to raise money to help with some of the financial burden that they will now face. They will need to replace everything from furniture, clothes, linens, dishes, electronics, appliances, etc. For a family of five these costs add up very quickly not to mention the costs of temporary housing for the time being until the apartment is gutted and redone. They could be staying in a hotel or Air B&B for several months.

No donation is too small and if you can’t donate please share this and spread the word.

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GoFundMe page by Luxitania Acosta

My family of 7 was displaced by a fire that occurred at 11 am (Monday) in Lynn,MA. The cause of this fire is unknown but it did start on the 2nd floor level and quickly rose. Filling the staircase and apartment with smoke. Sadly, we will not be able to return to our home for a very long time. We have lost close to everything. Including food, clothes, shoes, blankets, sanitary products, our furniture including beds, couches, dinner table, chairs, TVs, computers, cameras. Essential things like our soap, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, face masks, coats, sweaters and shoes. Thankfully everyone got out safely before the spread of the fire, but we are now uncertain of what will happen in the days ahead.

We thank everyone that is willing to help.

Sincerely,
The Acosta Family

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Facebook post by Coco Alinsug

Good morning friends, yesterday, I received a long and emotional message from one of my Facebook friends asking for help because she has no place to stay and that her apartment complex caught fire. She and the family lost everything!
I was referring to Miguelina aka Nani Castro, and while I was reading her story on my messenger, I soon realized that the fire she was telling me is the one that happened here in Lynn 2 days ago. I immediately asked her to call me and the moment we were connected on the phone, it was an emotional conversation and with tears both flowing from hers and mine. I felt her pain and it breaks my heart to hear her big problem.
Miguelina is new to Lynn and in fact, I have only one mutual friend with her here on Facebook and that is the reason why she contacted me because I was her only connection in this city. Miguelina and her family need a place to stay, her mom is on dialysis, they have nothing saved from that house, they are staying at a relative or friend’s house also here in Lynn just to protect themselves from the cold.
I immediately called my friend Sunil Gulab who has some apartment properties here in Lynn, luckily there was an available unit, so he called Miguelina and they talked, unfortunately, the place is smaller for their need, so the search continues.
With her consent and approval for me to share our conversation and her story, here’s what she needs. She needs all the help possible from finding them a new place to stay, clothes, furniture, kitchen supplies, everything that a house/apartment needs, she has nothing, so anything you could spare will be greatly appreciated.
Miguelina’s phone number is 978-401-6657, or message her directly on Facebook or email at miguelinacastro.mc@gmail.com, you can also message me so I will make sure I get you connected with her.

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Facebook post by Jason McCuish

☘️ Ok my friends. There’s some pretty AMAZING kids who need your help. They just lost their house in a fire ????. As their teacher and advisor, and someone who admires how humble they are, they can use our help.

DID I MENTION THEY ARE AMAZING? They are two impressive kids involved in everything at school: straight A’s, sports, clubs, and SkillsUSA. I am trying to help raise enough money to support at least a first month’s rent for their family (isn’t the pandemic enough)?Yes, they live in Lynn, and yes, it’s a lot of money to rent an apartment (first, last, and security). Can you help? NO, IT’S NOT A RAFFLE. All money will go directly to the family. NO, IT’S NOT A GOFUNDME. I will take every dollar amount and get it directly to the family! CAN YOU HELP? This one is important because this family of 6 could really use your help.

If you’d like to support:
You can VenMo @ Jason-McCuish (feel free to put A & A as the reason).

If you’d like to snail mail, thank you:
A & A
Attn: SkillsUSA
80 Neptune Blvd.
Lynn, MA 01902

If you’d like to see five or ten dollars go to supporting future leaders and amazing kids going against the odds, these kids are SO worth it.

Thank you in advance.

May any donation bring the luck of the Irish to ya! ☘️ If you’d like to donate in some other way, just let me know.


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City of Lynn holding community forums & survey on public services, housing, & more

The community needs survey for Lynn’s consolidated plan is now LIVE!
Community forum information below. The Community Forums will provide an introduction to the City of Lynn’s Five Year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plans, and give you the opportunity to express your views on the community development, economic development, public services, and housing needs and priorities in the City over the next five years.
Make your voice heard and join us at one of the following Community Forums links:
  • Wednesday, March 24th at 11:00 AM
  • Thursday, March 25th at 6:00 PM
It is crucial that your voice is heard! Please join us. The Community Needs Survey is available online in English, Spanish, and Khmer. Please note that your responses will be anonymous and will be combined with other survey responses.
CLICK HERE TO COMPLETE THE SURVEY: http://bit.ly/2NzLemF
The above info. is courtesy of Mayor McGee’s Facebook page.

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Lynn Public Schools Pre-Registration for Sep. 2021 begins Monday, April 5th

Beginning Monday, April 5th the Lynn Public Schools will begin pre-registration for the 2021-2022 school year. Registration Is By Appointment Only. Please call the Welcome Center at 781-592-8796 for an appointment to register your child or ask any questions you may have. Information on the Pre-K lottery can be found by clicking here. The wait list to place a child for out of district school requests will begin on Monday April 19, 2021.

Virtual Orientation Sessions will occur on the first and last Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm. Find the link on Lynn Public Schools Welcome Center page, when it becomes available, by clicking here.

Regular Office Hours:

  • Monday through Thursday: 7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
  • Friday: 7:45 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.
  • Extended Hours: Tuesdays until 7:45 p.m. April to September

Entrance Age Requirements

The Lynn School Committee voted on Tuesday, November 25, 1997, to change the school entrance age. Age requirements are:

  • Kindergarten Program (5-year-olds)  |  Born between Sept. 1, 2015 and Sept. 1, 2016
  • Grade One (6-year-olds)  |  Born between Sept. 1, 2014 and Sep. 1, 2015

Documents Required to Register

  1. Immunization Record  |  See requirements by clicking here.
  2. Proof of Age |  Original Birth Certificate
  3. Proof of address (less than 60 days)  |  Includes utility bills, rent lease, mortgage, etc. (One type required)
  4. Evidence of Legal Guardianship |  Includes birth certificate or probate court guardianship order
  5. Parent photo ID (up to date)
Click for full-resolution fliers, in English & Spanish

The above information is courtesy of the Lynn Public Schools.


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MBTA: Upcoming Fare Transformation Virtual Public Meetings

Three virtual public meetings are being held this month regarding the MBTA’s Fare Transformation program and upgrades to its sales network.

In the future, riders will be able to purchase MBTA fares and passes online, via their smartphones, and with contactless credit/debit cards. Though customers will no longer be able to use cash to pay onboard vehicles once the new fare collection system is implemented by 2023, the MBTA is currently introducing more places to load cash onto CharlieCards than were previously available. Aimed at serving cash-dependent riders, this expansion will result in a larger, more robust, and more diverse sales network of retailers, in-station fare vending machines, and new streetscape fare vending machines at bus stops, Commuter Rail, Green Line, and Mattapan Line stations across the network. The public is encouraged to view this interactive map of the proposed sales network or use the T’s sales location finder.

The Fare Transformation team now requests the help and input of the public on the recently completed Point of Sale Distribution and Equity Analysis, which identifies where new sales locations should be added. Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the following virtual public meetings to hear more about the methodology for determining proposed locations and to share feedback that helps the T make sure the network being created works for everyone:

Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at 6 PM    |    Register here.

Thursday, March 25, 2021, at 6 PM    |    Register here.

Tuesday, March 30, at 6 PM    |    Register here.

For help registering for these virtual public meetings, please call the MBTA Community Engagement team at 617-448-4374.

Any questions can be emailed to publicengagement@mbta.com. Members of the public are also encouraged to provide feedback to the Fare Transformation team online by visiting the Sales Network Public Input Survey. Local community-based organizations are also encouraged to email the MBTA’s Community Engagement team at publicengagement@mbta.com to schedule supplemental community meetings with the MBTA to learn more about Fare Transformation and the Point of Sale Distribution and Equity Analysis. The public can learn more about getting involved by visiting Fare Transformation information online.

Accommodations

These meetings are accessible to people with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency. Accessibility accommodations and language services will be provided free of charge, upon request, as available. Such services include documents in alternate formats, translated materials, assistive listening devices, and interpreters (including American Sign Language).

For accommodation or language assistance, please contact MassDOT’s Chief Diversity and Civil Rights Officer by phone at 857-368-8580, fax at 857-368-0602, TTD/TTY at 857-368-0603, or by email at MASSDOT.CivilRights@dot.state.ma.us.

For more information, visit mbta.com/fares/fare-transformation or connect with the T on Twitter @MBTA, Facebook /TheMBTA, or Instagram @theMBTA.

The above press release was submitted to us by the MBTA.


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From Mayor McGee’s office: The Lynn Public Health Department has confirmed that as of today, the number of active, confirmed positive COVID-19 cases is 309 with 38 new cases today. 15,478 Lynn residents have recovered and 199 have died. The total number of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in Lynn since March 21, 2020, including those who have died and recovered, is 15,986. Please visit the City of Lynn COVID-19 Data Dashboard which is updated daily.

COVID-19 vaccine appointments are available at Lynn Tech Fieldhouse for people who live or work in Lynn & Nahant or are Lynn Community Health Center Patients and meet state eligibility requirements (Massachusetts Phase 1 & Phase 2 Step 1 & 2: 65 year of age or older or with two or more chronic health conditions. Educators are eligible March 11. Residents age 75+ may be accompanied by one caregiver who can book an appointment themselves.) Please visit https://www.lchcnet.org/covid-19-vaccine-scheduling to make an appointment online. Residents without access to the Internet can call 2-1-1 to make an appointment 7 days a week.

Please visit http://www.ci.lynn.ma.us/covid19/resources.shtml#p7GPc1_2 for the most up to date COVID-19 testing information, as well as more detailed information on the State and City of Lynn’s Reopening Guidelines. We will continue to provide regular updates on COVID-19 through the City website (www.lynnma.gov), social media, and the Smart 911 emergency notification system (sign up at www.smart911.com).

 

If you have a news story that you would like to share, please contact us via email or call 781-780-9460.

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