Spring is here! And with it comes a new sense of hope after a difficult pandemic winter. Lower COVID-19 cases counts, warm weather, and more sunlight are a welcomed change in Western MA. Many mask mandates have ended, and we are figuring out a new normal that allows us to live safely with the COVID-19 virus, as we have with so many past viruses.
As doctors and scientists continue to learn more about COVID, updated guidance and information will continue to be provided. We don’t know exactly what comes next in this pandemic. Will we have another surge of cases like many places in Europe are currently experiencing? We do know that COVID is not over, but there are effective public health tools and practices that will help us continue to navigate and reduce the risks of the pandemic. Currently, the
CDC community level in all 4 counties of Western MA is
low. Therefore, it's recommended to stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccination, test if symptomatic, and wear a mask if you are symptomatic, test positive, or are exposed to someone with COVID-19.
As you shift to your new normal, continue to use these important tools to keep you and your loved ones safe.