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EPGN:  LGBTQ health organizations in Philadelphia have begun to vaccinate staff for COVID-19 and are eager to expand their reach. The Mazzoni Center, whose staff serves 7,600 patients, has inoculated close to 100 employees after receiving their first batch of vaccines, and they anticipate receiving another large shipment by Tuesday of this week. 

“We are using a phased approach to prioritize order of vaccinations per city guidelines,” said Larry Benjamin, Director of Communications at Mazzoni Center. “Phase 1 eligible staff includes the staff and management of Prevention, Care Services and the Health Center because they have direct patient/client contact. Phase 2 eligible staff include staff who do not have direct patient/client interaction and/or who work remotely. Phase 3 will be for Mazzoni Center patients. We have already started vaccinating patients who are health care providers and will continue to do so.”

Statewide, the Wolf Administration recently expanded eligibility for the vaccine, including for people living with HIV. The Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, along with the AIDS Law Project of Pennsylvania, LGBT Center of Central Pennsylvania, Philadelphia FIGHT, The SERO Project, and the William Way LGBT Community Center sent the letter to Dr. Levine and the Wolf Administration in Harrisburg asking for those living with HIV to be included in the initial vaccinations. 

Volunteers needed: We need volunteers with large vehicles to drive and load the groceries from our partner in the Northeast and about 6 to 8 volunteers to unload and sort the groceries and drive groceries to disabled people. The amount of food varies each week.

Bags and other items needed: We need strong double paper grocery bags (or strong fabric bags) and smaller bags for sorting fruit as well as socks and notes that say “You Matter.”

Financial donations needed: You can donate funds to our main provider of groceries: www.caringforfriends.com

There is a great deal of uncertainty about the vaccination rollout, which leads to stress, and sometimes desperation, says NBC News health editor Madelyn Fernstrom. Scammers are taking advantage, offering “shortcuts” and preying on people’s fears.

5 Covid-19 vaccine scams to watch out for (nbcnews.com)

The City of Philadelphia has launched a registry site for the coronavirus vaccination. This is a critical resource that will assist with better planning and coordination efforts during this public health crisis. 

Please visit the site and make sure you register today! https://covid-vaccine-interest.phila.gov

Additional Covid-19 related information is also available for the region. We are all in this together! So, please continue to follow the recommendations of public health officials and help slow the spread.

The Rittenhouse home of Pennsylvania Banking and Securities Secretary Richard Vague, a prominent Philadelphia venture capital investor, was visited by federal agents Thursday morning over a cyberstalking case involving his 20-year-old stepson.

Richard Vague’s stepson arrested in cyberstalking FBI investigation - WHYY

The federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has reopened applications for eligible businesses. Businesses that did not receive a PPP loan last year (“First Draw” businesses) are eligible to apply if they have 0-500 employees. Businesses that received a PPP loan last year and are seeking another PPP loan (“Second Draw” businesses) are eligible to apply if they have 0-300 employees. Sole proprietors may be eligible to apply. Existing borrowers who did not receive loan forgiveness by December 27, 2020 are eligible to reapply for a First Draw PPP loan if they previously returned some or all of their First Draw PPP funds.

What Business Owners Need to Know about the Latest Round of PPP | Department of Commerce | City of Philadelphia

Beginning Sunday, January 24, 2021, look for changes to Regional Rail schedules on select lines:

Regional Rail Schedule Changes | SEPTA (iseptaphilly.com)

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner will hold a news conference Thursday to discuss last week’s U.S. Capitol attack in Washington, D.C., investigations into local alleged participants, and security preparations in the city ahead of the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20.  Krasner will be joined by Mayor Jim Kenney, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Driscoll, City Council Majority Leader Cherelle Parker, and Councilmember Curtis Jones.

WATCH LIVE: Philadelphia Officials To Provide Security Update Ahead Of Presidential Inauguration – CBS Philly (cbslocal.com)