COVID-19 RESOURCES
By Mary Strout
NEW: COVID-19 Survey: Right now, even people who have not become sick with COVID-19 are managing stress, uncertainty, and isolation during this challenging time. People of color and other communities who have been historically underserved are being hurt the most. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is committed to better serving these communities by learning about their experiences directly through this COVID-19 Community Impact Survey, and using answers to create new solutions.
This survey is intended for anyone 14 and older who lives in Massachusetts. MA-DPH specifically seeks to hear from communities who have suffered the most through this public health emergency.
The survey is offered online at www.mass.gov/COVIDsurvey by computer, phone or tablet. It will take around 10 to 15 minutes to complete. You can choose to complete the survey in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Haitian Creole, and Vietnamese. All survey responses will be anonymous. For additional information please visit the Mass.gov COVID-19 website.
For information on testing, visit the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website. To find a testing site near you, visit MDPH’s interactive COVID-19 Test Site Locator map. The closest sites to Northern Berkshire are in Pittsfield, but a North Adams site is scheduled to open this month. Many sites require pre-screening, a referral and/or an appointment; be sure to verify what you’ll need ahead of going to the testing site.
Outdoor gatherings are now limited to 50 people in a single space. For any gathering of more than 10 people from more than a single household, all individuals over the age of 2 are required to wear a face covering, unless they have a medical condition or disability that prevents them from doing so. According to the order, both the indoor and outdoor gathering limits apply to private homes and backyards. For more information, visit Mass.gov.
The Baker-Polito administration has instituted a mandatory 14-day quarantine for all individuals entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, effective August 1.
Certain exemptions apply, including travelers from lower-risk states or a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72 hours prior to arrival in Massachusetts. Failure to comply may result in a $500 fine per day. More details about this travel order are available on Mass.gov.
Governor Baker announced The Baker-Polito Administration’s comprehensive plan to safely reopen the Massachusetts economy, get people back to work, and ease social restrictions while minimizing the health impacts of COVID-19. Visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/reopening-massachusetts or get key take-aways here.
Share This