As the fall is quickly approaching, we are still seeing the transmission of COVID-19 within our community. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s (MDPH) COVID-19 dashboard, in the last month, there were 321.5 cases of COVID-19 per 100,000 people in Essex County. From nearly 2,750 molecular tests, the percent positivity rate lies around 14.48% in just the last month alone. Please note that data from MDPH’s COVID-19 dashboard (https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-reporting) does not include any of the positive rapid/at-home COVID test results.
Fortunately, another valuable tool that helps us better understand how much COVID is in our community is wastewater testing. You can go to https://www.mass.gov/info-details/wastewater-surveillance-reporting and https://www.mwra.com/biobot/biobotdata.htm for more information about the wastewater levels in our area, region, and state. While wastewater trends from the MDPH suggest that cases have been stagnating the last few weeks and are down from the initial summer peak, we recognize that the past few years have shown a trend with COVID-19 rates increasing during the fall months. In order to prepare for this year’s respiratory season, we advise that all community members remain vigilant and take precautions from getting sick this fall.
Where can I get an updated COVID-19 vaccine this year?
Many local pharmacies will be offering the COVID-19 vaccine this fall. To find one closest to you, please visit https://www.vaccines.gov/en/.
Will I have to pay to get an updated COVID-19 vaccine this year?
Most insurances will cover the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost, but it is recommended to check with your insurance prior to getting vaccinated. The COVID-19 vaccine is free for all children and youth under the age of 19 through their primary care provider or through a community health center.
Am I eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine and when should I get it?
This year, Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax are all offering updated COVID-19 vaccines targeting the JN.1 or KP.2 variants, depending on the brand. Anyone over the age of 6 months of age is eligible. To protect against severe disease, it is recommended to get the vaccine at your earliest convenience.
Is there still isolation and quarantine guidance?
Residents can go to the state’s website, https://www.mass.gov/info-details/staying-home-to-prevent-the-spread-of-respiratory-viruses, for more information and guidance about how to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including COVID.
The MDPH recommends that if you have new symptoms of a respiratory illness you should stay home and away from others in your household.
· Get tested for COVID-19 and the flu. Talk with your healthcare provider about getting
treatment if you test positive.
· Stay away from others in your household. Wear a mask if you are around them.
· Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. If not available, use a hand
sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
· Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or inner elbow, not your
hands.
· Clean surfaces like countertops, handrails, and doorknobs often.
· Avoid crowded, indoor spaces. Wear a mask any time you are around other people.
When you start to feel better, you may begin to resume normal activities with precautions if you have not had a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications and your symptoms are improving.
You may still be able to spread the virus, even if you are feeling better. For at least the first 5 days after you resume normal activities, make sure to take these extra precautions:
· Avoid crowded indoor spaces. Wear a mask anytime you are indoors around other
people.
· Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available,
use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
· Avoid spending time with people who are at increased risk for severe disease.
Where can I get COVID-19 at-home test kits?
Starting on September 26th, each household can sign up to receive four free tests by mail from the U.S. government. You may sign up at COVIDTests.gov.
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