Plan Now For COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution: Experts | Patch PM

Today is Thursday, Aug. 27. Here are some of the top stories we are covering.

Bars, concert venues and sport arenas won't fully open to the public in Massachusetts until there is a vaccine, or a treatment, for COVID-19. But if one were to be approved in the fall, or winter, who would be immunized first? And who would administer it?

The fourth and final stage of reopening may seem a long way off given that vaccines are still in various stages of development, but experts agree that planning for the eventuality of a vaccine should begin now.

"It would be a tragedy if a vaccine were produced, available and effective and we couldn't get it to people fast enough," said Lauren Stienstra, program director for homeland security and emergency management at the National Governors Association.

The NGA published a policy memo this month suggesting that a "whole of government" response will be needed to successfully distribute a vaccine to the public. Gov. Charlie Baker sits as a member of the NGA's executive committee.

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Other top stories

Landlords Fail To Overturn MA Eviction Ban In Court

An eviction ban in Massachusetts meant to protect renters from housing instability during the coronavirus pandemic will stand following a Suffolk County judge's ruling in a lawsuit on Wednesday.

Two landlords from Worcester and Randolph sued to stop the eviction moratorium law, saying that it violates their constitutional rights, Commonwealth Magazine reported. A separate lawsuit over the ban has been filed against the state Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development in federal court, but that case has yet to be resolved.

Gov. Charlie Baker signed the eviction moratorium on April 20, and it will be in place until at least the middle of October. Under the law, a landlord can't evict a tenant for "non-essential" reasons like not paying rent. Landlords can still evict tenants who violate criminal laws or break a lease in an egregious way.

Attorney: Death Of Fort Hood Soldier From Brockton 'A Form Of Murder'

The body of Sgt. Elder Fernandes, who was reported missing from Fort Hood in Texas last week, has been found, his attorney said Wednesday.

Natalie Khawam, who is representing the Fernandes family, was told about the discovery late Tuesday night. She said the body was found hanging in a tree near railroad tracks.

"They don't know what happened, whether it was suicide or whether murder, but I'm going to tell you what they did to him, the blood on their hands, it's a form of murder," Khawam said at a press conference in Florida Wednesday afternoon.

Also

Police Seek Public's Help In Natick Hit-And-Run Investigation

A driver that hit two people along Washington Avenue on Aug. 18 may have had contact with other drivers, authorities say.

Fallen Heroes Memorial In Mansfield Honors Thousands Killed In War On Terror

"Freedom isn't free. They were all comrades in arms."

Swampscott Students Protesting Remote Start Of School Year

The students will also use the demonstration to protest the Northeastern Conference's decision to delay fall sports.

Second Newton Marijuana Shop Edges Closer To Opening

Cypress Tree, at the former Green Tea restaurant at the corner of Elliott Street and Route 9, is wrapping up construction this November.

State House News Service and CBS Boston contributed to this roundup