COVID-19

COVID-19 Response

COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave

The state has updated the COVID-19 Emergency Paid Sick Leave�program,�which�remains in effect through April 1, 2022. This program requires employers to provide�up to 1 week of paid sick leave�to employees who need leave for a covered COVID-19 related reason. That could be to�quarantine, recover, get vaccinated, or help a sick family member. This time is�in addition to�existing benefits.

For a more detailed interview of this benefit click here.

For a PDF summary click here.

COVID 19 Vaccine

COVID Vaccine Updates

On October 29, the FDA approved the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine for emergency use in children ages 5-11.�On October 22,�the Baker Administration announced how eligible Massachusetts residents can access Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 booster shots.

To schedule your vaccine click here!

New Online Tool for Commuters

the ABC TMA team wanted to reach out to share two collaboratively developed tools that we�re excited about and hope can be helpful to commuters in your service areas. Mully, Christine, Assembly Connect, MASCO, Seaport TMA, and others have collaborated with the MBTA to develop a tool that helps commuters calculate the number of trips needed to break even on the cost of a monthly pass.

For more information check out the link here

For information about the vaccination rate by municipality along each of the commuter rail line take a look at this map

Third Covid-19 Vaccine

Third Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Now Allowed for Certain Immunocompromised Individuals

On August 13, 2021 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided new recommendations for the mRNA (Pfizer and Moderna) COVID-19 vaccines for moderately to severely immunocompromised people. The CDC now recommends a third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for these individuals.

The Chest and Immunization Center at the Lowell General Saints Campus will begin administering third doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine to moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals beginning Monday, August 23, 2021. Vaccinations for community members are available by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling our Central Scheduling Department at 978-937-6023.

Please note: The Chest and Immunization Center will primarily offer the Pfizer vaccine. If a community member received the Moderna vaccine for their first and second doses, they should visit vaxfinder.mass.gov to find a location that offers that option near them.

What is the difference between an additional dose and a booster dose?

Additional dose after a primary series: An additional dose of vaccine is administered when the immune response following a primary vaccine series is likely to be insufficient, as in the case of immunocompromised patients. The third dose should be the same vaccine as the first two. Those who got Pfizer for their first two doses should get Pfizer for their third and the same with Moderna. At present, there are no recommendations for an additional dose of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccine.

Booster dose: Initial immune response to a primary vaccine series is thought to be sufficient; however, an additional dose of vaccine is administered when the initial immune response to a primary series is likely to have waned over time.

Greater Lowell Community Foundation

Greater Lowell Community Foundation July Updates

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation has released their annual report called, “Meeting the Moment of 2020”, which you can view here.

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation’s July updates are as follows:

GLCF Elects Three New Board Members

GLCF Announces LHS Scholarship Established by Aaron’s Presents Founder in Honor of Gabriel Cuevas. Donations to the scholarship fund can be made here.

GLCF Site Visits:

Stone Soup Kitchen Ministries

Littleton Community Garden

GLCF Fiscal Sponser News:

We are America: Student Stories

Lowell Chamber Orchestra has made it to the finals of The American Prize

GLCF Emergency Funding and Grants:

For the latest info on the GLCF COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, view the Fund webpage here. Donate by clicking the link here.

Nashua River Watershed Association Water Quality Monitoring Grant

BARDA Mask Innovation Challenge

Win $500,000 to Design a Better Mask

The Biomedical Advanced Research & Development Authority (BARDA) has launched a Mask Innovation Challenge focused on improving the comfort, utility, and protective factor of available masks that are used by the general population.

BARDA�is offering up to $500,000 for new & improved mask designs that are low-cost & mass-producible. Apply now — the challenge application closes on April 21st�at 5:00 PM ET!�

For more information and to apply visit: https://www.challenge.gov/challenge/mask-innovation-challenge/