Dear Jack,

I hope you and your family are doing well during these tough times. I'm sending weekly Bulletins so that you have all the latest updates you need.

Vaccine Updates

Now that both Pfizer and Moderna have applied for emergency use authorization for their coronavirus vaccines, the Commonwealth is preparing to deliver vaccinations based on the recommendations of the federal Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Over 500,000 Virginians meet the criteria for Phase 1 of the vaccine. Virginia's first shipment of the vaccine will contain 70,000 doses, with more shipments expected to come soon after. We are expecting to receive 480,000 doses by the end of 2020. The vaccine will be administered to the public in the following phases:

PHASE 1: Health care workers and long-term care facility residents

PHASE 2: Critical infrastructure staff, high-risk adults, and people over the age of 65

PHASE 3: The general public

You can read more about the vaccine here.

This vaccine is the light at the end of the tunnel, but we cannot afford to stop being vigilant. Masks will still need to be worn for the foreseeable future, and we should continue to socially distance and wash our hands frequently.

COVID-19 Testing This Week

Coronavirus Numbers (12/06)

As always, please reach out to my office if you need any assistance. My Senate email address is [email protected] and my in-district phone number is (571) 367-9080. I hope you and your family are able to stay safe and healthy during these challenging times.

Sincerely,

Senator John J. Bell