We know the pandemic has greatly impacted people personally and professionally. Find a wealth of local resources including food, financial support, legal services, resources for businesses, and much more on the 413Cares local online resource database.

Do you have questions about the vaccine? Text or call 1-617-514-2121 to speak to a medical professional about your questions and concerns.

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley announced Wednesday 2/9/22 the statewide mask requirement for K-12 schools will be lifted on February 28. Massachusetts has robust school testing programs, including a newly launched at-home testing program for students and educators. These testing options will remain in place. Also, masking continues to be required on all school buses, per federal order.

Massachusetts has one of the highest vaccination rates in the country; however, the rates vary from county to county. Western MA has some of the lowest vaccination rates in the state. According to the MA Department of Public Health, as of February 8th, only 71% of eligible individuals (12+) were fully vaccinated in both Hampden and Hampshire County, compared to several counties in eastern MA with rates greater than 80%.

According to the State House News Service, the Massachusetts Teachers Association criticizes this decision because "the strong statewide youth vaccination numbers gloss over large disparities between wealthier, whiter districts and districts with more low-income families or students of color."

Despite the expiration of this mandate, individual school districts may establish their own local mask requirement.

Here are some ways employers can help increase vaccination rates among employees, including hosting a free mobile clinic, helping employees locate a vaccine, offering paid sick leave for vaccination, and more.

If you test positive for COVID-19, have risk factors and any symptoms, you may want to pursue new therapeutic treatments which can keep you from getting severely ill. They're safe, effective, and free - no insurance needed. Talk with your medical provider.

Testing is another important tool for keeping you and your loved ones safe. Find more information about testing in Western MA on our Testing Resources page.

Las pruebas son otra herramienta importante para que usted y sus seres queridos estén seguros. Encuentre más información sobre las pruebas en el oeste de MA en nuestra página de Recursos para Pruebas.

Vaccines are still the best protection against getting severely ill with COVID-19.

Las vacunas siguen siendo la mejor protección contra una enfermedad grave con COVID-19.

Visit the Western MA COVID-19 Data Dashboard for the latest COVID-19 data for the region. We are back to our regular schedule of updating the dashboard every Friday afternoon!