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Springfield Board of Health Issues Non-Mandatory Mask Advisory Recommendation for those with Underlying Health Conditions and Seniors

|   City News

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Health and Human Services (HHS) Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris and the Springfield Board of Health are recommending a Non-Mandatory Mask Advisory, especially for those with underlying health conditions and seniors, out of an abundance of caution and due to an increase in cases along with reports of the Omicron subvariant XBB1.5 in the Commonwealth and Hampden County. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the XBB1.5 variant accounts for about 52.6% of all cases in New England between December 18th and December 24th, 2022. This non-mandatory mask advisory is recommended through the month of January.

The City of Springfield has seen a steady uptick in COVID-19 cases over the past five weeks.  The Springfield Department of Health and Human Services and Board of Health want to remind residents to take the precautionary measures needed to maintain good public health. 

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno states, “Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris and I want to continue to encourage everyone to get their vaccine and booster shots.  Out of an abundance of caution for our seniors and those with underlying health conditions and due to the rise in this new COVID XBB1.5 variant, we want to recommend this Non-Mandatory Mask Advisory.  We are hopeful and confident that our numbers will remain steady and not spike but we want to be proactive and preventative instead of waiting to react.  I want to be clear; this is not a mask mandate; we are not there – yet.  It is our hope that we will continue to increase our vaccination and booster numbers and that those critical hospital numbers remain manageable.  Again, I ask for everyone to please be respectful and do not ostracize those who feel more comfortable wearing a mask.”  

HHS Commissioner Caulton-Harris stated, “As we continue to see a troubling trend of increasing cases, especially with this new XBB1.5 COVID variant, the City of Springfield Department of Health and Human Services and the Board of Health is issuing this non-mandatory mask advisory, especially for our seniors and those with underlying health issues.  I cannot stress enough, that this virus and all of its’ subvariants are here to stay, much like the Flu, and we must all remain vigilant.  This is not a sprint; this is a marathon and unless we get vaccinated, we are at risk.  The Department of Health and Human Services will continue to work with all of our community partners to make sure that this life saving vaccine is readily available for everyone.  There is still much work to do but together I have the full confidence that if we remain vigilant and take the appropriate actions that is needed, we will get through this stronger and healthier.  Again, I ask all of our residents, young and old, get your vaccine and booster shots.”

The City of Springfield Department of Health and Human Services offer vaccine and booster shots every Tuesdays at their office at 311 State Street from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm.  Those interested in scheduling an appointment can do so at the link below; walk-ins are also welcomed.

            https://home.color.com/vaccine/register/springfield

The Department of Health and Human Services will also be giving $75 gift cards, per person, for those getting their vaccine or booster shot at the Health Department on Tuesdays. 

The City of Springfield Department of Health and Human Services will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and is committed to keeping our residents and business community informed about the latest developments. For more information and to stay updated, please visit the City of Springfield’s website at www.springfield-ma.gov

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Page last updated:  Tuesday, March 1, 2022 01:32 pm