Two mass vaccination sites for Philly suburbs | Coronavirus Newsletter
Plus, why side effects mean your COVID-19 vaccine is working
The gist: The Philadelphia suburbs will be getting two mass vaccination sites after county officials complained about the state’s original plan for a single regional clinic. When the COVID-19 vaccines causes temporary side effects, that means it is working. But what if you don’t have a reaction? My colleague Tom Avril asked infectious-disease experts for answers. Read what they say here.
— Ellie Silverman (@esilverman11, health@inquirer.com)
What you need to know:
📸 Philly Asian Americans have experienced a year of hateful acts, and fear reopening will make things even worse. See photos here of a vigil against violence.
📚 More kids may be able to return to school buildings after the CDC dropped social distancing guidelines from six feet to three.
😷 Philadelphia is expanding eligibility for the coronavirus vaccine to include members of the clergy, people with intellectual disabilities, and anyone who takes immune-suppressing medications.
🏥 Former Pennsylvania Health Secretary Rachel Levine is being pressed for answers on Pennsylvania’s missing nursing home data as her confirmation for a post in the Biden administration advances.
📰 What’s going on near you? We organize recent coverage of the pandemic by local counties and Philly neighborhoods to make it easier for you to find info you care about. Now, you can also get those local headlines sent directly to your inbox by signing up here.
Local coronavirus cases
📈The coronavirus has swept across the Philadelphia region and cases continue to mount. The Inquirer and Spotlight PA are compiling geographic data on tests conducted, cases confirmed, and deaths caused by the virus. Track the spread here.
The Philadelphia suburbs will be getting two mass vaccination sites after county officials complained about the state’s original plan to open just one mass clinic for the entire region, my colleagues Erin McCarthy and Justine McDaniel report. The site locations have not yet been decided, but officials said Bucks and Montgomery Counties would choose one location and Chester and Delaware Counties would chose the other. Read more here.
When the COVID-19 vaccines causes temporary side effects, it means it is working. “Your immune system is paying attention, preparing you in case of infection with the coronavirus,” my colleague Tom Avril writes. But what if you don’t have a reaction? He asked infectious-disease experts for answers. Read what they say here.
Helpful resources
Am I eligible to get vaccinated? Know the requirements for Philly, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccine in the Philly area? Use our lookup tool.
Here's how to prepare for your vaccine appointment.
What you can do safely once you're fully vaccinated.
Symptoms of COVID-19, flu, common cold, and allergies can overlap. How to tell the difference.
You got this: Enjoy the weekend
We compiled the best things to do in Philly this weekend and next week. Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center in Fairmount Park reopens to in-person guests tomorrow. There are also dinos at the zoo, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah at Verzus, the reopening of Independence Seaport Museum, and more. Read our guide to fun events here.
😷 Thriving post-pandemic will take time, patience, and grace.
🍴 A Philadelphia professor turned his Tex-Mex barbecue passion into a popup at Cadence Restaurant.
💰 More COVID-19 rental assistance is coming to tenants in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Have a social distancing tip or question to share? Let us know at health@inquirer.com and your input might be featured in a future edition of this newsletter.
What we’re paying attention to
Paris and other areas face another lockdown as France fears a third wave of coronavirus infections, BBC News reports.
From the Atlantic: “COVID-19 has inflicted devastating losses. It has also delivered certain blessings.”
Vaccine studies are expanding to include children, pregnant women, and people over 65, the Washington Post reports.
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