Update On Coronavirus From The Town Of Needham And Needham Public Health

Press release from the Town of Needham:

January 28, 2021

January 28, 2021 – The Town of Needham and Needham Public Health today provided the following update regarding COVID-19.

State DPH COVID-19 Numbers

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reports the number of positive cases and deaths daily on the state's COVID-19 dashboard.

Town-specific case numbers are published by the state every Thursday.

• 1209 Needham cases to date (1/28/2021). This is an increase of 87 cases since the 1/21/21 report. Needham is in the YELLOW category this week. Read the state’s Weekly Public Health Report here.
• 111 Coronavirus deaths in Needham to date (1/28/21).

Needham Vaccine Update

Needham Public Health receives its vaccine doses from the state. The state notified local departments of health that they will be capped at 100 vaccines per week through the month of February. If Needham Health receives its doses, it will open online registration for a clinic each Saturday evening at 5 pm. You can register for a clinic at that time here: https://www.maimmunizations.org/.

Given the limited doses, you are strongly encouraged to try to book an appointment at another location. You can find a list of locations on the state’s website: https://mass.gov/covidvaccinemap.

Additional appointments were added today at large State vaccination sites at Gillette Stadium, Fenway Park (opening on February 1) and the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston (opening February 1). New appointments will be added to these sites every week on Thursdays. Vaccine sites at CVS, Stop and Shop, Wegmans, Walgreens and other locations will be added on a regular basis often every day. The State is coordinating the sites and the registration process and has announced it will be providing more resources early next week to help senior citizens sign up.

To book an appointment, you must be eligible under Phase 1 or you must be 75 years+. You should expect to provide proof of your eligibility in order to receive the vaccine.

The Town understands it’s been a challenging process for many people, and we appreciate your patience. Please note: NEEDHAM PUBLIC HEALTH DOES NOT TAKE WALK-INS FOR VACCINES under any circumstances and does not make exceptions to the state’s eligibility rules.

How to Register for a Vaccine Appointment Online

Need help figuring out how to find or register for a vaccine appointment online. Staff from the Aging Services Division have created this handy step-by-step video guide to help walk you through the process.

Needham Mask Challenge

The Town of Needham and Needham Public Health, along with businesses and groups within the community, this week launched the #NeedhamMaskChallenge to encourage members of the community to wear their masks not only to protect themselves against the virus but to keep their loved ones safe as well. The #NeedhamMaskChallenge asks, “Who do you wear your mask for?” Residents are encouraged to snap a selfie with their mask, post it to their social media, share who they wear their mask for and add the hashtag #NeedhamMaskChallenge.

As part of the campaign, free masks from Rafi Nova are available at the Fire Station and will be available next week at grocery stores and other markets in Town. Pick one up and show us your photo!

This press release was produced by the Town of Needham. The views expressed here are the author’s own.