Afternoon News Brief

New York State will receive 170 thousand doses of the COVID 19 vaccine starting this weekend.  They will be distributed to each region based on the population of nursing home residents, staff members and hospital workers. Those individuals will receive the vaccine first, according to the state’s vaccine distribution plan.  Governor Cuomo said there are 90 regional distribution centers across the state that can accommodate the cold temperatures needed to store the vaccine.  The vaccine will be approved for use by the FDA on Thursday.  Even with all the blustering about not wanting the Vaccine to be distributed through private agencies, New York State will abide by the federal agreement with CVS and Walgreen pharmacies being allowed to administer the Vaccine.

A bill before the New York State assembly may make the COVID vaccine mandatory for all New Yorkers if the magic number of herd immunity is not met by people taking it voluntarily.  The bill was introduced by Manhattan Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal on the 4^th.  The herd immunity number is debated but most experts believe it to be between 70 and 85 percent of the population.

The annual WBTA and Ken Barret Chevrolet toy drive to benefit the Salvation Army is kicking off for the 37^th time starting this Friday.  New unwrapped toys may be brought to Ken Barret from 11 to 4  and WBTA will be broadcasting the event live.  With COVID 19 shutting down so much the Salvation Army has been hit particularly hard, giving is estimated to be down almost 50 percent to the organization that gives away food, clothes and helps people with housing and heating.  All toys donated go to children in the Genesee county area.  There are 180 families registered with more than 400 children needing toys.  The fire department will be on hand to do no contact drop offs as well, just drive up and open your trunk and a member of the fire department will collect the toys.  If you cannot participate on the 11th, please visit salvation army’s Angel Tree Registry with Walmart.com. Toys will be directly shipped to our offices.

Now through December 21^st the Adam Miller Bike and Toy shop is partnering with the Just Kings organization to provide toys to children in needy families.  New and gently used toys can be dropped off at Adam Millers or you can buy a 30 dollar gift card for 20.20 to be given to a family in need.