COVID-19 Virus & Vaccination Information
Mask Requirements
The South Hadley Board of Health recommends all eligible residents get vaccinated against COVID-19 accordingly.
In support of the state Department of Public Health, the Board of Health advises that a fully vaccinated person should wear a mask or face covering when indoors (and not in your own home) if:
- you have a weakened immune system,
- are at increased risk for severe disease because of your age or underlying medical condition,
- someone in your household has a weakened immune system, is at increased risk for severe disease or is unvaccinated.
For those who are not vaccinated, it is strongly recommended they continue to wear a face covering or mask.
For more information regarding mask requirements in the state of Massachusetts, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-mask-requirements.
Confirmed cases in South Hadley this week
Wastewater Surveillance Background Information
https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-wastewater-report-july-14-2022/download
See current and historical BioBot data sheets here.
Scroll below to see the latest BioBot numbers tracking COVID-19 in South Hadley wastewater:
Historical case counts since April 2020
Document link here.
Vaccination Rates
Raw Weekly COVID-19 Municipality Vaccination Data from https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-covid-19-vaccination-data-and-updates#weekly-covid-19-municipality-vaccination-data-
COVID-19 Vaccine Schedule
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/downloads/COVID-19-vacc-schedule-at-a-glance-508.pdf
https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0519-covid-booster-acip.html
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.
Updated COVID-19 Boosters
With cases still emerging, it is important that people actively protect themselves against COVID-19. Mitigation strategies include being up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, getting tested when exposed and/ or sick, and monitoring community levels. There are now updated boosters available for the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine series. The new boosters have been updated to provide increased protection against the COVID-19 infection, including Omnicron variants. Eligible parties must wait at least 2 months after their COVID-19 vaccination dose prior to getting the updated booster dose. In home vaccinations can be scheduled for those who have difficulty getting to a provider. Please visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-in-home-vaccination-program for additional information.
Updated COVID-19 Isolation and Quarantine Guidance
The CDC has released an updated guidance for people who have been exposed to COVID-19, following the emergence of tools and resources now available to reduce the severity of COVID-19. The quarantine and isolation recommendations are for the general public, early childhood, and K-12. Visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-isolation-and-exposure-guidance-for-the-general-public for details regarding the updated guidance.
Free Telehealth Visits for COVID-19 Treatment
The state of MA, is now offering free telehealth appointments to get COVID-19 treatment pills. For more information please visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/free-telehealth-for-covid-19-treatment-with-paxlovid
Under 5s Eligible for COVID-19 Vaccinations
Following approval from the CDC, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that children ranging from 6 months to 4 years old are now eligible for Moderna and Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines. Visit vaxfinder.mass.gov to find the full list of locations or call the child's provider directly to have the child vaccinated by their primary care provider. For additional information click here.
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.
COVID Funeral Assistance
To offset some of the burden brought upon by the COVID-19 pandemic, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses. COVID-19 related deaths incurred after January 20, 2020, may be eligible for up to $9,000 in funeral costs and reimbursement. To begin the application, interested parties must contact FEMA’s Helpline at 800-462-7585. For additional information about the COVID-19 funeral assistance program click here or visit www.fema.gov/funeral-assistance/faq.
413 Cares
This is a community portal that provides online access for residents of Western Massachusetts to available resources from housing, to healthcare, early education and more. Click here to visit: https://www.413cares.org/home-v2#1982649333