COVID-19 Updates

Posted March 10, 2022

COVID-19 Updates

UPDATED COVID-19 Guidelines: The CDC Community Levels are a new tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. Take precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 based on the COVID-19 Community Level in your area.

REDUCTION IN STOP THE SPREAD SITES.BOSTON – Due to a significant decline (80%) in demand at state sponsored Stop the Spread testing sites and the wide availability of rapid antigen tests, effective April 1, 2022, the Stop the Spread testing program will downsize to 11 sites, which will continue to offer PCR testing through May 15, 2022. PCR tests will remain free to any Massachusetts resident, with no insurance or ID necessary.

The 11 sites include: Everett, Framingham, Lawrence (2 locations), Lynn, New Bedford, Randolph, Revere, Springfield (2 locations), and Worcester

There are over 450 locations across the Commonwealth for residents to get tested for COVID-19, and residents can visit www.mass.gov/gettested to find a location near them.

The Administration recently announced the purchase of 26 million COVID-19 at-home Rapid Antigen tests. The tests will be distributed by March 31. Call your municipal town or city hall for availability.

Funds available for funeral expenses for COVID-19 related deaths. This benefit is in the form of reimbursements that can cover a wide range of funeral expenses, and is applicable for COVID-19 related deaths from January 2020 onwards (no limitation on timing/window to apply). Applications for the benefit begin by calling FEMA’s hotline.

NEW – Digital Vaccination Records: Check out MyVaxRecords.Mass.Gov.

FREE COVID TESTS: Each household is entitled to 4 testing kits. These rapid antigen at-home tests can be ordered online at COVID Home Tests | USPS.

The COVID-19 vaccine is free for everyone – and you don’t need to show an ID or proof of insurance to get it. Everyone in Massachusetts age 12 and up is eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. Register yourself or your child at maimmunizations.org. Please note, anyone under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by a parent or guardian to their appointment. Vaccines are available at the BHS testing site at 98 Church Street in North Adams, at mobile vaccine clinics, and at many local pharmacies. Download this list of vaccination locations and opportunities.

CDC COVID Data Tracker:Visit the CDC website for national-, state-, and county-level data on COVID-19.

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