It has been an exciting week for FCPH. We are administering COVID-19 vaccine to individuals whose jobs put them at high risk of exposure to COVID-19 as identified in the state’s COVID-19 vaccination plan. Our first clinic was this past Monday and we were thrilled to have eleven Fire Chiefs show their confidence in the safety of the COVID-19 vaccination by being vaccinated and urging everyone to do the same as soon as they are eligible. We continued to work this week to vaccinate EMS and first responder groups. As FCPH receives additional shipments of vaccine, we will follow those identified priority categories in group 1A and move eligible individuals through our clinics in as timely of a manner as we can.
While numbers of new daily cases seem to be decreasing recently, we are not making any assumptions at this point. The holidays themselves could be impacting the number of new cases due to fewer tests being done. We simply don’t know yet. Regardless, we all need to remain vigilant because we know it will take time to get enough vaccine for everyone. That means wearing a mask, washing our hands, watching our distance, avoiding crowds, staying home as much as possible and keeping holiday gatherings to those within our household. More information and resources continue to be shared at covid-19.myfcph.org.
As we head into the new year, we have new hope. It will take time for the pandemic to end but at least we can now see light at the end of the tunnel. Until then we want to thank every resident, organization and community in Franklin County for their unwavering commitment to keep our community safe. We wish you healthy and happy new year!
Joe Mazzola, MPA
Franklin County Health Commissioner