COVID-19 Virus Guidelines & Vaccine Information

As of May 29, all remaining COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted by the state. Mask requirements remain in place in certain spaces, including transportation and health care settings. A public health advisory was issued May 29  that advises all unvaccinated residents to continue to wear masks in indoor settings and when they cannot socially distance. 

Please reference http://www.mass.gov/maskrules for more information on mask requirements.  The Town of South Hadley continues to monitor COVID-19 cases and its impact on the town.


COVID-19 cases in South Hadley

CONFIRMED indicates South Hadley residents who have tested positive 

CONTACT are South Hadley residents who have come in direct contact or may live with a person or persons who have tested positive, but who have not yet been tested, are likely shedding the virus and could spread the virus.

PROBABLE are South Hadley residents who are likely to have the virus for various reasons and either are waiting test results or have been quarantined or isolated, but may be asymptomatic and could possibly shed the virus.

SUSPECTED are South Hadley residents who have signs or otherwise suspected of having and/or may shed the virus.

Vaccine pre-registration is closing as vaccine availability increases. Use the following link to find a vaccination center closest to you: https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/ 

The commonwealth is now offering employers options to conveniently vaccinate their employees. Group appointments can be made at MA vaccination locations. Employers can also schedule a mobile on-site vaccination clinic (if they have at least 35 employees confirmed). The following link https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-employer-vaccination-program can be utilized to make such appointments. 

The Homebound vaccination program has been expanded to now include those who are unable to get to a vaccination site. Those who are interested in such services can call (833) 983-0485 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. to register for an in-home vaccination. 



Choosing safer activities

COVID-19 Testing

There are many sites available that provide COVID-19 testing. Click here for a listing from the state.

413Cares COVID Resource Guide

413cares is tracking key resources such as childcare, crisis management, financial support, legal services and more on their site, here. 

Senator Comerford's Constituent Guide to COVID-19

Click here for a work-in-progress compilation of local vaccine-related information from Senator Comerford's Office,

State guidelines and information

Guidelines issued by the Governor's Office are routinely updated as more COVID information becomes available. For the latest information from the state, click here and check back often.

MEMA COVID-19 Updates

  • The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency releases a situation report from its COVID-19 Command Center Monday - Friday. Click here to read a collection of these updates. The reports include daily actions on the state level, public health data and resources.

VaxMillions 

  • Registration for the #MassVaxMillions Lottery Giveaway is live! Don't forget: You must be fully vaccinated to enter. Visit vaxfinder.mass.gov today to make your appointment and make sure you're eligible to win. Learn more: bit.ly/3dmGMBh
  • This summer, 5 people 12-17 years old will win a college scholarship through the #MassVaxMillions Giveaway. You must be fully vaccinated against COVID and registered to win beginning July 1. Learn more at https://www.mass.gov/massachusetts-vaxmillions-giveaway
  • As of July 1st, you can register to win $1 million or a college scholarship in the #MassVaxMillions Giveaway. You must be fully vaccinated to be eligible.
  • If you aren't vaccinated, you can't win! Make a #COVID19MA vaccine appointment today: http://vaxfinder.mass.gov

Funeral Assistance Benefit Program offers funding for COVID-related deaths 

The FEMA COVID-19 Funeral Assistance program allows for funeral assistance for any COVID-19 related death after January 20, 2020. The program will assist with expenses up to $9,000 per funeral, up to a maximum of $35,000 if applicants are applying for assistance related to more than one death.

Here are some key points about the program:

  • FEMA’s call center can be reached Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time, toll free at 1-844-684-6333, and through TTY at 1-800-462-7585. The call center can take calls in multiple languages.
  • There is currently no deadline to apply for this benefit.
  • To be eligible for FEMA's funeral assistance benefit, you must meet these conditions:
  • The death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia.
  • The death certificate must indicate the death was attributed to COVID-19.
  • The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after January 20, 2020.
  • There is no requirement for the deceased person to have been a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national, or qualified alien.
  • The program is open to all who qualify, regardless of their income.

For more information about the program, links to FEMA guidance, fact sheets in multiple languages, and information about obtaining or amending a death certificate in Massachusetts, click here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-funeral-assistance. 

As with other disaster assistance programs for individuals, FEMA is not able to duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, government agencies, or other sources. This is a program will be completely managed at the Federal level by FEMA, however the required documentation of a death certificate may involve government and other key stakeholders as the state and local level.