Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Health and Human Services (HHS) Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris announced this morning during the Mayor’s daily COVID-19 (Coronavirus) cabinet heads meeting that of the 131 Friends of the Homeless individuals tested at our medical triage testing facility in partnership with Baystate Health medical staff, none have tested positive for the coronavirus.
In addition, homeless testing done in partnership with Mercy/Trinity Health medical staff at the Springfield Rescue Mission Taylor Street site indicates that 36 out of 38 individuals have tested negative with the possibility/potential of two being positive.
Mayor Sarno states, “This is very welcomed and positive news, especially for such a vulnerable population and shows our tactical strategy is working. We cannot say enough about all the caring and dedicated efforts being put forth by our city, hospital and homeless providers.”
HHS Commissioner Caulton-Harris stated, “First and foremost I am appreciative of our partnership with Bay State Health; Trinity Health and local affiliate Mercy Medical Center who stepped up to support the City of Springfield in testing our Homeless population. I am extremely proud to be the Health Commissioner in a region who care about the health and well-being of our most vulnerable population. Based on the results from other Municipalities we had expected a higher rate of infection and that did not materialize in the City of Springfield. It is important to also thank CSO and Friends of the Homeless for their partnership.”
“Helen and I remain hopeful and ever vigilant that this positive trend continues in our testing initiative, as we all work together to starve and defeat this COVID-19 Coronavirus ASAP,” Mayor Sarno added.