News Notes: Fire Chief provides vaccine update

In his latest COVID update via the Reverse 911 system, Fire Chief and Emergency Services Coordinator Charles Doody reported that as of March 12, the town of Canton had successfully vaccinated all residents aged 75 and older who had requested a vaccine, in addition to Canton’s homebound residents, first responders, front-line health care workers and residents in elderly and low-income housing.

“It has been an inspiring effort by our Board of Health, Fire and Police departments, the Council on Aging, Orchard Cove Senior Living, and our many volunteers that stepped up to help vaccinate our residents,” he said. “Unfortunately, the Baker-Polito Administration has ceased providing first-dose vaccines to cities and towns and as of now, Canton will no longer be able to offer vaccine clinics to its residents. However, those residents who are awaiting a second dose at a Canton clinic will still be able to receive that dose.”

Doody said all other eligible residents are encouraged to visit mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine to register for an appointment. In addition, CVS and Wegmans are also offering vaccines. Residents who need assistance with making online appointments or require transportation to a nearby vaccination site are encouraged to call the COA at 781-828-1323 or the town’s COVID Hotline at 339-502-5715.

State rejects teacher vaccination plan

Canton educators will have to seek their vaccine appointments on their own after the Baker-Polito Administration last week rejected a proposal by the Mass. Teachers Association to authorize vaccine supply for local distribution. The proposal had sought to allow local fire departments to go into the schools and vaccinate the teachers prior to a full return to in-person learning. However, they were denied the request in lieu of sending teachers to retail pharmacies and mass vaccination sites. “The Canton Fire Department and the Board of Health stand ready to vaccinate Canton teachers if the state Department of Public Health ever approves more vaccine distribution to local communities,” said Fire Chief Charles Doody.

Town planner announces public info sessions

The town of Canton invites residents to participate in two upcoming virtual public information sessions scheduled for next Tuesday and Thursday, March 23 and 25. Both will take place via Zoom beginning at 7 p.m. The Tuesday session will focus on the town’s flood mitigation efforts as part of the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) grant program, which was designed to help prepare municipalities for the challenges associated with climate change. Attendees at the meeting will have the opportunity to share input on flooding. Pre-registration is required and can be done at tinyurl.com/57nxyzyh. Registrants will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win one of two $25 gift certificates to Copper City Espresso, a $50 gift certificate to Northern Spy Restaurant, or a rain barrel ($110 value).

The second meeting, scheduled for March 25, will focus on proposed improvements to Neponset Street and related grant opportunities. Town Planner Laura Smead has already secured a $150,000 grant, which could help fund improved access to the Paul Revere Heritage Site, a multi-use path, new curbing and sidewalks, and pavement resurfacing. See the town website for the Zoom link. For more information on either meeting, contact Laura Smead at lsmead@town.canton.ma.us or 781-575-6575 …

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Posted by Mike Berger on Mar 18 2021. Filed under News, Police & Fire. Both comments and pings are currently closed.