There’s been lots of news lately regarding COVID-19 guidelines and vaccine accessibility here in Virginia, so I’d like to take a minute to share some updates with you.
Update’s from the Governor
Earlier today, the Governor announced that all COVID-19 restrictions, except the mask mandate, will be lifted on June 15th as long as our public health metrics continue to improve.
This wouldn’t be possible without the nearly 50% of Virginians who have gotten their first dose of the vaccine. If you haven’t yet, please schedule a vaccine appointment today by going to vaccinate.virginia.gov.
New CDC Guidelines on Masks
Last week, the CDC provided new and updated guidelines for activities fully vaccinated individuals can partake in without wearing masks. The most notable update is that fully vaccinated people can engage in outdoor activities without a mask so long as their environment isn’t crowded. You can find more details about the new guidelines here or in the infographic below.
How to Find a Vaccine
It’s now easier than ever to find a vaccine appointment! The easiest way to locate a vaccine appointment near you is to go to vaccinefinder.org. Once you’re on the website, you can type in your zip code and see all available vaccine appointments that are nearby. It also provides you with the phone numbers and websites of locations with available appointments. You can also find an appointment by looking at the Vaccinate Virginia website or calling 877-829-4682.
Second Dose Availability
Last week, the federal government directed all pharmacies participating in the federal retail pharmacy vaccination program to offer second dose appointments to people regardless of residency or where they got their first dose. Even if you have already gotten one dose it is essential that you get your second dose. Only once our population is fully vaccinated will we be able to finally return to normal. If you received your first dose but do not have an appointment to receive a second one, you can make one at your local pharmacy in the coming days.
Newport News Vaccination Clinic & the HRT Vaccination Clinic Partnership
Last week, a new vaccination clinic opened at 13785 Warwick Boulevard in Newport News. The clinic will is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM Monday through Saturday. The clinic is now taking walk-in appointments and is vaccinating over 1,000 people a day. You can also make an appointment at the clinic by going to http://vaccinate.virginia.gov/ or calling 1-877-829-4682.
To help residents get to and from vaccine appointments, the City of Newport News has announced a partnership with Hampton Roads transit to provide free bus passes to anyone who needs to get to a vaccine appointment in the Hampton Roads area. It is incredibly easy to sign up, head on over to the City of Newport News website to get started.
Vaccine Information Panel
Last week, the City of Newport News hosted a panel with community leaders to address common questions and concerns about getting vaccinated. Didn’t get a chance to tune in? No worries! You can watch a recording of the panel here.
Please Get Vaccinated!
I want to wrap up this newsletter by personally asking you to get vaccinated if you have not done so already. As the Governor made clear earlier today, vaccinations are key to our return to normal. The faster we all get vaccinated, the safer we’ll be and the sooner COVID-19 related restrictions can be lifted.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out if I can ever be of assistance.
Stay safe and take care,
Michael P. Mullin