Coronavirus/COVID-19 Information
Recent information from Shutesbury Board of Health April 2022:
The current guidance on indoor mask use from CDC indicates that these people should be wearing masks indoors: the unvaccinated, the elderly and the immunocompromised.
Second boosters are now available in Massachusetts for those over 50 and those at particular risk: https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/ You can use this website to make an appointment for a first or second booster shot or to get the initial vaccination.
Almost all of the Stop the Spread Covid testing sites in western Massachusetts are now closed. There are still testing options available in our area: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/find-a-covid-19-test
Home self-tests are available at most pharmacies; these are reimbursable by health insurers. Also, each household can get up to two orders of free tests from the federal government: https://special.usps.com/testkits. If you already placed your first order, you can now make a second order.
You should also be aware that there are treatments available for Covid patients. If you become ill with the virus, especially if you are at risk of serious illness, ask your health care provider about these treatments. More info is available at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/treatments-for-covid-19
CDC guidance for people at risk for higher illness
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-higher-risk.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fspecific-groups%2Fhigh-risk-complications.html
Massachusetts State Health COVID-19 Information and Referral-24/7
Dial 2-1-1
State-run hotline with up-to-date information
https://www.mass.gov/news/state-health-officials-announce-launch-of-2-1-1-to-provide-covid-19-information-and-referrals
Massachusetts Department of Public Health COVID-19 Information
https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
John A. Hartford Foundation
Comprehensive list of resources for older adults, family caregivers, and healthcare providers.
https://www.johnahartford.org/dissemination-center/view/coronavirus-disease-covid-19-resources-for-older-adults-family-caregivers-and-health-care-providers
Resources to Get You Through
Village Neighbors
We are not providing rides right now but we can help with grocery and prescription pick-ups and friendly phone calls for members!
Western Massachusetts Community Mutual Aid Network
Volunteer network offering grocery and prescription pick-ups and other kinds of support for residents in Hampshire and Franklin Counties
Email for help: WMA.MutualAid@gmail.com
https://www.wmacma.com/
LifePath COVID-19 Community Resources and Information
LifePath, an Area Agency on Aging (AAA), is a private, non-profit that provides and coordinates a variety of services for elders, disabled persons, and caregivers in Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, and Berkshire counties as well as the North Quabbin region. Their website provides up-to-date information on a variety of community resources.
https://lifepathma.org/resources/covid-19-coronavirus/how-lifepath-can-help
Tips for Personal Safety During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Coronavirus Safety Tips, American Red Cross
https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2020/coronavirus-safety-and-readiness-tips-for-you.html
How to Protect Yourself From Coronavirus When Grocery Shopping
https://www.consumerreports.org/food-shopping/how-to-protect-yourself-from-coronavirus-when-grocery-shopping/
Everything you need to know about hand washing to protect against COVID-19
https://www.unicef.org/coronavirus/everything-you-need-know-about-washing-your-hands-protect-against-coronavirus-covid-19
Emotional Support Resources
Disaster Distress Helpline
24/7, free, national hotline providing crisis counseling for people experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This number is toll-free, multilingual, and confidential. 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66745.
Emergency Crisis Services
Free, confidential, 24/7 hotline services for any residents in Franklin and Hampshire counties, and the North Quabbin area.
Franklin County: 413-774-5411
North Quabbin: 978-249-3141
Hampshire Country: 413-586-555
Domestic violence 24/7 hotline
The New England Learning Center for Women in Transition (NELCWIT) is the sexual and domestic violence crisis center of Franklin County and the North Quabbin
24/7: 413-772-0806
Toll free: 888-249-0806
Coronavirus anxiety: coping with stress, fear, and uncertainty
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/coronavirus-anxiety.htm
CDC Stress and Coping Advice
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html
Managing Stress Associated with the COVID-19 Outbreak, National Center for PTSD
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/covid/COVID_managing_stress.asp
Pandemic Resources, American Psychological Association
https://www.apa.org/practice/programs/dmhi/research-information/pandemics
Free Mindfulness Resources to Find Calm During the COVID-19 Outbreak
https://www.mindful.org/free-mindfulness-resources-for-calm-during-covid-outbreak/
IamFine Free Daily Check-In Call Service
Automated daily check-in call. Free during the COVID-19 outbreak.
https://dailycall.iamfine.com/
Grandparenting in the time of COVID-19
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/grandparenting-in-the-time-of-covid-19-2020032119261