New COVID-19 Requirements
Face Covering or Mask Required in Public Spaces
Governor Baker has issued an  Order  effective Wednesday, May 6 requiring face masks or cloth face coverings in public places where social distancing is not possible. This applies to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Driving   alone  in a car is not included. Exceptions include children under the age of 2 and those unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition.

Read full DPH Guidance .

Social distancing and staying at home are the best ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. But if you must go out, be sure to cover your face. Here's how.
For more information, visit mass.gov/COVID-19 .
Data Update
COVID-19 in the Commonwealth
Massachusetts ranks third in the country for the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases [i] and third for highest number of COVID-19 deaths as of this posting. [ii] MDPH now maintains a COVID-19 Data Dashboard, which provides additional insights about COVID-19 in the Commonwealth. The following data was pulled from their dashboard May 3, 2020. [iii]

Overall, Western Massachusetts has fewer confirmed cases than much of the eastern part of the state. Of the four counties in Western MA, Hampden County has the highest rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases. The statewide average age of COVID-19 cases is 53 years, and the average age of cases reported as hospitalized is 69 years.
Hampden County has the highest rate of deaths among confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state. On a statewide level, 59% of COVID-19 deaths (2,368 out of 4,004) were reported in long-term care facilities in Massachusetts. The statewide average age of deaths in confirmed COVID-19 cases 82 years.

Interpreting COIVID-19 data is complex. For example, the rate of confirmed COVID-19 cases is dependent upon who is tested and not necessarily reflective of the distribution of COVID-19 in the general population. Testing has been limited thus far. Because many people who have the disease are asymptomatic and have not been tested, prevalence of people testing positive is unlikely to reflect the prevalence in communities. As testing and contact tracing increase, we will have a better understanding of impacts on communities and populations, and more targeted actions can take place to mitigate spread and support those who are disproportionately impacted.

Visit our COVID-19 data webpage for more information.
COVID-19 Community Resource Updates
COVID-19 Testing Available
A number of providers, including Baystate Health, are now offering COVID-19 testing for western Massachusetts residents with COVID-19 symptoms.

To get tested, a referral from your provider or an urgent care provider must be received to schedule a testing appointment.

Current testing locations in Western MA include:

Chicopee
  • MedExpress Urgent Care, 1505 Memorial Drive
Greenfield
  • Baystate Franklin Medical Center, 164 High Street
Northampton
  • Cooley Dickinson Hospital, 30 Locust Street
Pittsfield
  • Berkshire Medical Center, 725 North Street
Springfield
  • AFC Urgent Care, 415 Cooley Street
  • Baystate Carew Street Testing Center, 298 Carew Street
  • Baystate High Street Testing Center, 140 High Street
  • Brightwood Health Center, 380 Plainfield Street
  • Mason Square Health Center, 11 Wilbraham Road
Ware
  • Baystate Mary Lane Outpatient Center, 85 South Street
Westfield
  • Baystate Westfield Testing Center 57 Union Street
West Springfield
  • AFC Urgent Care, 18 Union Street
Update Your Organization's Resources on 413Cares
Blink a light outside your home, or a light that can be seen by others outside for 1 minute. The campaign will run until Governor Baker reverses our state of emergency (as the days grow longer we'll be in touch to push back the time.) Thank you for spreading the light and hope. 
Slow the Spread of COVID-19
Healthcare Systems Unite to Fight to COVID-19
CEO’s from Baystate Health, Berkshire Health Systems, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, and Mercy Medical Center created a video to share the top 5 ways to keep yourself, your family, and community safe from COVID-19 and other emergency care needs.
Prevention is Key!
Please continue to do your part to slow the spread of COVID-19 :
  • Know the symptoms- Symptoms may include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell. If you feel sick, call your medical provider. If you do not have a primary care provider, you can contact an urgent care facility or your local health department. 
  • Practice good hygiene- wash your hands, cover your mouth and nose with bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze, avoid touching your face; clean surfaces that are frequently touched
  • Physically distance yourself from others- stay home and avoid social gatherings
  • Wear a face covering in public- Governor Baker issued an Order, effective May 6, 2020, requiring face masks or cloth face coverings be worn in indoor and outdoor public places where social distancing is not possible.
  • Be kind- kindness is also contagious. There are many ways to show kindness during these times- be a good neighbor, be generous, express gratitude for frontline workers, join #BlinkYourLight campaign.
  • Dispel myths- Be sure to forward messages with correct information to friends and family. Check the source of your information to ensure it is credible. We cannot allow misinformation to go viral. 
Take Action!
Advocate and Donate

  • Although Giving Tuesday has passed, there are tremendous needs in our community.  Please consider a donation to support COVID-19 resources.