February 10, 2021 by Carol Britton Meyer
Although Hingham is currently in the COVID-19 medium-risk "yellow" zone after fluctuating between that category and the high-risk "red" zone over the past several weeks, Town Administrator Tom Mayo expressed the need for residents to "maintain discipline and to remain cautious."
In his weekly COVID-19 report during the selectmen's remote meeting last night, Mayo noted that despite remaining in the "yellow zone," there were 184 new cases in Hingham over the last 14 days (as of the Feb. 4 Massachusetts Department of Public Health report).
"Our fellow residents are contracting this disease -- it's still in the community," he said. "We're asking everyone to continue to avoid high risk activities, especially indoor social gatherings. In addition, all Massachusetts residents remain under orders from [Gov. Charlie Baker] to wear face masks at all times while in public."
Mayo also reported that the town's most recent request for vaccine doses was not fulfilled. "We will need to wait until we are provided with more doses before we can schedule additional clinics in Hingham," he said. "We are doing everything in our power to acquire additional doses and will continue to request the vaccine so we can resume our vaccination clinics for all eligible residents."
Hingham is not alone in not receiving the requested doses. Other South Shore communities, with the exception of Braintree, are in the same situation.
Mayo has reached out to Rep. John Meschino and Sen. Patrick O'Connor for assistance. "We will release details on future vaccination clinics as additional doses are received."
In the meantime, those who are able to access a COVID-19 vaccine through other means are urged to do so. "We encourage eligible residents to make an appointment at one of the vaccination sites around the region," Mayo said. Information on available clinics and eligibility requirements can be found at mass.gov by clicking the "COVID" link.
Those who are able to have the vaccine administered through another source and no longer need to be on the Town of Hingham list are asked to notify town officials as soon as possible by emailing CovidQuestions@hingham-ma.gov.
At this time, all Phase 1 priority groups as well as individuals age 75 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine in Massachusetts.
The town has taken several steps in recent weeks to prepare for vaccination clinics for residents as part of Phase 2 of the state’s distribution plan.
On Feb. 4 members of the Hingham Fire Department administered vaccine doses to 160 people during a clinic held at the South Shore Baptist Church for residents 75 years old and older and for other eligible Phase 1 individuals.
"We have been preparing for additional clinics for this portion of the population," Mayo said. "However, local vaccine distribution is dependent on receiving doses from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health."