Published January 28, 2021

The following update on COVID-19 with the latest case figures and the town’s preparation for vaccination clinics was provided by the town Wednesday afternoon as the Transcript was going to press:

NORTH READING  – As of Wednesday, January 27, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) has notified the Town of North Reading of 850 cases of COVID-19 in North Reading, including 784 residents and 66 patients at or associated with Royal Meadow View nursing and rehabilitation center. Of these, 715 people have recovered, and the Health Department continues to monitor 119 cases.

Sixteen peoples, including 13 at or associated with Royal Meadow View nursing and rehabilitation center, two town residents, and one suspected case in a town resident, have died.

Since the beginning of the school year, North Reading Public Schools and/or the Health Department has assisted in responding to 26 staff and 87 student cases of COVID-19 in the Public Schools, as well as instances where staff/students have self-reported as close contacts of positive cases.

First vaccination clinic for first responders

The Health Department began operating COVID-19 vaccination clinics for Phase I eligible individuals on January 12. These clinics administered first dose vaccines to Phase I eligible individuals over a four-day period.

Future vaccination clinics are anticipated to be held at Hillview Function Facility but are dependent on the supply of COVID-19 vaccines available to the town from the (MDPH), according to Town Administrator Michael Gilleberto.

“The town has been informed by MDPH that its vaccination supply will be limited to 100 doses per week for Phase II vaccines through February, and allocation is not anticipated to begin until mid-February,” Gilleberto stated. “Residents who are eligible for vaccination are encouraged to visit https://www.maimmunizations.org/ for current vaccination options. Due to limited allocation of COVID-19 vaccines, current eligibility is limited to individuals age 75 and over. Because registration can only occur online, residents are asked to assist family members, friends, and neighbors who may have difficulty accessing the internet.”

Mystic Valley Elder Services is offering free transportation services to adults 60 years and older to nearby COVID-19 vaccine sites. Masks will be required on trips. Rides may be arranged by calling Mystic Valley Elder Services at 781-324-7705.

Individuals who wish to volunteer to assist with clinics may find information here: https://www.northreadingma.gov/health-department/news/volunteers-needed-medical-reserve-corp

The Health Department maintains local vaccination clinic information at https://www.northreadingma.gov/health-department/pages/covid-19-vaccine-localstate-prepmod-registration and vaccination eligibility information at https://www.northreadingma.gov/health-department/pages/covid-19-vaccine-when-do-i-qualifyupdates

Meadow View clinic Feb. 1

The town has been in contact with Royal Meadow View nursing and rehabilitation facility regarding the vaccination of patients and staff. Previously scheduled clinics have been postponed on two occasions by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-contracted vaccinator, and first dose vaccinations are now anticipated to be administered on Monday, February 1. The town has been working with the state and federal officials over the past week to attempt to obtain an earlier date, however no earlier date is available.

Residents are also reminded of the following:

A revised “Safer At Home” Advisory has been issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Public Health and may be viewed here: https://www.mass.gov/news/safer-at-home

A statewide facial covering order remains in effect and may be viewed here: https://www.mass.gov/news/mask-up-ma

Information regarding the statewide limitation on gatherings and other restrictions may be viewed here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-state-of-emergency#limits-on-gatherings- 

Previous COVID-19 updates may be found by clicking here: https://www.northreadingma.gov/home/news/town-north-reading-coronavirus-covid-–-19-information