The next 72 hours

What is changing in the next 72 hours?

• Connecticut (Democratic trifecta): Gov. Ned Lamont (D) announced individuals age 75 and older can begin scheduling vaccination appointments starting Jan. 18, marking the beginning of Phase 1b. Lamont said other groups included in Phase 1b will be allowed to make appointments once the supply increases and more individuals in the 75+ age group receive vaccines. Frontline essential workers, residents and staff in congregate settings, individuals between the ages of 65 and 74, and individuals with underlying health conditions are the other groups included in Phase 1b. Previously, the state focused on vaccinating healthcare workers and nursing home residents in Phase 1a.

• Maryland (divided government): On Thursday, Jan. 14, Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced the state would move to Phase 1B of its vaccine distribution plan beginning Monday, Jan. 18. In Phase 1B, all residents over the age of 75 are eligible for the vaccine. Additionally, people in assisted living facilities, teachers, daycare providers, and people in correctional facilities also become eligible. 

• Missouri (Republican trifecta): Gov. Mike Parson (R) announced Phase 1b – Tier 2 of the state’s vaccine distribution plan will start on Jan. 18. It includes individuals age 65 or older and any adult with a high-risk condition (like COPD, cancer, type 2 diabetes, or severe obesity). Phase 1b – Tier 1 started Jan. 14, making the vaccine available to first responders and public health professionals. 

Since our last edition

What rules and restrictions are changing in each state? For a continually updated article, click here.

• Alaska (divided government): Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R) extended the state’s coronavirus emergency order until Feb. 14.

• Kentucky (divided government): Gov. Andy Beshear (D) announced a state partnership with Kroger to open regional drive-through vaccination sites starting the week of Feb. 1. The Kroger vaccination sites will provide vaccines to individuals in phases 1a, 1b, and 1c of the state’s vaccination plan. Beshear said he will announce details on participating locations and how to sign up on Jan. 28.

• New Hampshire (Republican trifecta): On Thursday, Jan. 14, Gov. Chris Sununu (R) announced that the next phase of the state’s vaccine distribution plan will begin Jan. 26. People 65 and older will become eligible to receive the vaccine, as well as medically vulnerable people, the caregivers of medically vulnerable children, and people in correctional facilities.
   
• New Jersey (Democratic trifecta): On Jan. 14, individuals age 65 and older and people between the ages of 16 and 64 with high-risk medical conditions (including people who smoke and individuals with type 2 diabetes, COPD, and cancer) became eligible to receive the vaccine. Previously, eligible recipients included healthcare workers, nursing home residents and staff, and first responders. Before Gov. Phil Murphy (D) expanded eligibility, individuals 75 and older and essential frontline workers were scheduled to be next in line.
  
• Utah (Republican trifecta): On Thursday, Jan. 14, Gov. Spencer Cox (R) announced that Utah would continue to reserve vaccines for people age 70 and older, likely into late February. Cox said people age 65 and older would become eligible once the state had acquired a greater supply of the vaccine. 

• Virginia (Democratic trifecta): On Thursday, Jan. 14, the Virginia Department of Education released new guidance encouraging schools to prioritize in-person learning, especially for younger students and those with disabilities.