Philly’s walk-up vaccine clinic is drawing huge crowds | Coronavirus Newsletter

TL;DR: The Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium is hosting Philadelphia’s first 24-hour, walk-up vaccination site now through Saturday afternoon for those who are in the city’s 1B vaccination category and live in certain zip codes. Right now, people are waiting for hours in bone-chilling cold for vaccine shots at the clinic. Some Philly parents worry children are suffering with buildings closed and say virtual learning is a strain on families, especially those of essential workers and those in vulnerable communities.

— Ellie Silverman (@esilverman11, health@inquirer.com)

😷 FEMA will open a mass coronavirus vaccination clinic at the Pennsylvania Convention Center as early as March 3.

❄️ COVID-19 vaccine appointments are being delayed by the winter storm, Pennsylvania and New Jersey officials say. See photos of the snow blanketing the Philadelphia region.

📚 Vaccinations for Philly teachers will start Monday at CHOP, Health Commissioner Thomas Farley said. ANd , the Philly school board has three new members to confront the controversy over reopening schools, classroom safety and much more.

🏥 Farley said Friday that nearly half of vaccine shots in Philly have gone to people who reside outside city.

🦠 A Philadelphia City Council committee advanced legislation Friday that would add oversight and transparency to the city’s vaccination process in the wake of the Philly Fighting COVID scandal.

🏀 The NCAA will allow a limited number of fans to attend all rounds of next month’s men’s basketball tournament in Indiana.

📰 What’s going on in your county or neighborhood? We organized recent coverage of the coronavirus pandemic by local counties and Philly neighborhoods mentioned in the stories to make it easier for you to find the info you care about.

📈 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 Black Doctors COVID-19 Consortium is hosting the city’s first 24-hour, walk-up vaccination site now through Saturday afternoon at Temple University’s Liacouras Center for those who qualify under the city’s 1B vaccination category, and who live in zip codes identified by the organization as “hardest hit.” Right now, people are waiting for hours in bone-chilling cold for vaccine shots at the walk-up clinic. Read more about the clinic and the requirements here. Wondering where else you can get a COVID-19 vaccine in the Philly area? Use our lookup tool.

Some Philly parents worry children are suffering with buildings closed and say virtual learning is a strain on families, especially those of essential workers and those in vulnerable communities. In the suburbs, one high school didn’t have enough teachers to reopen in person. While many teachers are willing to return, “there are enough people who are concerned that it creates a problem. A lot of districts can’t staff an in-person education because they just don’t have the number of teachers who are willing to do that.” Read more about the struggles for parents and families and for teachers and schools.

While waiting for your COVID-19 vaccine, you may be wondering: What do I need to bring to the appointment? Do I need to call my doctor first? Will I feel sick after? My colleague Grace Dickinson spoke with medical experts who say there is more to look forward to than fear. Read more here.

🍕 Three new Philadelphia pizzerias are making more than delicious pies

🏥 The ACA marketplace is open again for insurance sign-ups. Here’s what you need to know.

🎲 These are the best board game stores in the Philly area.

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