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Mayor Sarno and HHS Commissioner Caulton-Harris Announce COVID-19 Public Health and Safety Updates

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Health and Human Services (HHS) Commissioner Helen Caulton Harris shared COVID-19 updates today and announced the City of Springfield and Department of Health and Human Services will begin to distribute free COVID-19 at-home test kits for Springfield residents this week.

With the recent Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports indicating a nationwide spike in COVID-19 cases, and as we transition from summer to the new school year, the city is continuing to prepare to help keep our community as safe as possible.

The City of Springfield Department of Health and Human Services will begin distributing COVID-19 test kits at the HHS Department office beginning Tuesday, August 27, 2024. The office is located at 311 State Street in Springfield and the Department will distribute every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., until supplies are exhausted.

These test kits are available for Springfield residents only. Residents of other cities or towns should check with their city/town board of health to see if test kits are available to them.

HHS has also equipped community and senior centers in Springfield with COVID-19 test kits to distribute to Springfield residents. This includes the Raymond A. Jordan Senior Center, the South End Community Center, Indian Orchard Community Center at Myrtle Street Park, and the New North Citizens Council. These sites will distribute test kits to Springfield residents on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. beginning on Wednesday, August 28, 2024.

COVID-19 Test Kit Distribution Site

Address

Date

Time

Springfield Department of Health and Human Services Office

311 State St.,

Springfield, MA 01105

Every Tuesday and Wednesday beginning August 27, 2024

10:00am to 12:00pm

Indian Orchard Community Center at Myrtle Street Park

117 Main St., Springfield, MA 01151

Every Wednesday beginning August 28, 2024

10:00am to 12:00pm

South End Community Center

99 Marble St., Springfield, MA 01105

Every Wednesday beginning August 28, 2024

10:00am to 12:00pm

Raymond A. Jordan Senior Center

1476 Roosevelt Ave, Springfield, MA 01109

Every Wednesday beginning August 28, 2024

10:00am to 12:00pm

New North Citizens Council

2455 Main St., Springfield, MA 01107

Every Wednesday beginning August 28, 2024

10:00am to 12:00pm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HHS is also working closely with our Springfield Public Schools to familiarize all with the latest COVID-19 health guidelines from the (CDC).

Mayor Sarno states, “I commend and thank HHS Commissioner Caulton Harris and team for their ongoing work to prepare our city, schools, students, families, seniors and all residents for the potential spread of positive COVID cases. The city, through the Health Department team, was able to secure COVID-19 test kits that are free for our residents and will begin distribution to help stop the spread of the virus and enable us all to protect ourselves, our families, and community. Summer is coming to an end, and as we return to school and more indoor gatherings, this is an important time to remember the steps we can take to prevent spreading the virus. I would also like to remind all to please be respectful and remember that it is important not to ostracize anyone who feels more comfortable wearing a mask. We must all continue to work together as we have before.”

HHS Commissioner Caulton-Harris stated, “I want to applaud our city team, our many dedicated partners, our health care providers, our residents, and community who have worked so hard throughout the pandemic and now with the reality of living with the COVID-19 virus.  It is because of our joint efforts working together that we were able to get through the height of COVID together.”

Commissioner Caulton Harris continued, “We are not providing this update to cause alarm, but we are signaling a shift. The national trend shows a slight increase in positive cases and we are also closing out summer in New England and entering the fall season, which we know with cooler weather leads to more indoor gathering and closer contact between individuals. We have tools in place to stop the spread of the virus and this is an important time to remind our residents what they are and where to access them.”

As Springfield Public Schools prepare to welcome students back for the new school year, Superintendent Dr. Sonia Dinnall emphasized the importance of health and safety for all students, staff, and families. Dr. Dinnall stated, “We’re excited to begin the new school year and want to ensure that everyone stays healthy as we return to the classroom. Our schools are fully equipped with disinfecting agents, masks, and hand sanitizing stations throughout all buildings. We encourage Springfield families to take full advantage of the city’s distribution of free COVID-19 test kits and to consider vaccination where appropriate. Working together, we can keep our community as healthy as possible, and our students poised and ready to learn.”

The City of Springfield Department of Health and Human Services has continued to monitor and review COVID-19 cases and vaccination rates to determine the steps needed to prepare for the wellbeing of everyone based on public health and safety.

All are encouraged to take steps to maintain good health for themselves, their families, and our community.

  • Wash/ sanitize your hands often;
  • If you feel sick, stay home;
  • Routinely clean high-touch surfaces;
  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing;
  • Test anyone who has been in close contact with a COVID-positive individual;
  • If you test positive for COVID-19, take added precaution for at least the first 5 days of resuming normal activity, such as masking, taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors.
  • Vaccination and booster shots are highly recommended.
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Page last updated:  Tuesday, March 1, 2022 01:32 pm