COVID News, Updates, and Resources |
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Mask Mandates on Public Transportation
Last week, the CDC extended a federal mask mandate on all public transportation that was due to expire on 4/18/22, while the agency studies more information about the BA.2 variant that is raising COVID cases across the country. However, on Monday a federal judge in Florida voided the national mandate. The Justice Department announced Wednesday that it would appeal. While it plays out legally, the mask mandate is currently no longer in effect and the TSA will no longer enforce masks on planes, trains, and public transportation. This ruling has led some airlines, airports, and transit systems to lift their requirement that passengers or employees wear masks, while other airlines and transit systems are keeping those requirements in place.
The CDC still recommends that people wear high-quality masks (N95s or KN95s) on public transportation and while flying – especially older adults and people with underlying health conditions.
What does this mean in Western MA? Union Station and Quaboag Connector are following CDC guidance and keeping their mask mandates for now. Masks are now optional for Berkshire Regional Transit Authority, Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, and Peter Pan Bus Lines. The MBTA, Amtrak, Bradley International Airport, Boston Logan Airport, Uber, and Lyft have all removed mask mandates.
Before traveling, check the policies of your airline and local transit systems. The situation continues to change, and each may have different requirements going forward.
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COVID-19 or Allergies?
It’s allergy season. COVID-19 & seasonal allergies share some symptoms, but not others. Use this chart to compare the symptoms of COVID-19 & seasonal allergies so you can tell the difference. If you are unsure, get tested! |
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Test Positive? Know Your Treatment Options |
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¿Prueba positiva? Conozca sus opciones de tratamiento |
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Protect Yourself. Stay Up-To-Date on your Vaccination |
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Protéjase. Manténgase al día con sus vacunas |
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Upcoming Events in the Region |
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Film, Conversation, & Community- Multifaceted Exploration of Health Equity, 4/14/22-5/18/22: Join the Western Massachusetts Health Equity Network this spring for a multifaceted exploration of health equity, including live performance, site-specific cultural exploration, festive refreshments, MOSAIC film premiere, and stellar post-screening panels leading us in conversations on racism and community health in our region. There will be an event in Amherst, Holyoke, Springfield, Great Barrington, Florence, and Turners Falls. Each event will be unique, so feel free to join more than one! Learn more and register.
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The Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) and Berkshire Environmental Action Team invite you to the first Earth Day River Festival at Fred Garner Park, 4/23/22 at 11:00am: Come to Fred Garner Park on Pomeroy Avenue to enjoy a variety of environmental activities and participate in a park cleanup. Learn more.
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Springfield Earth Day Celebration, 4/23/22 at 12:00 pm-4:00 pm, 227 Mill Street in Springfield: Come celebrate Earth Day and see the work Springfield is doing to build a sustainable world. There will be food trucks, music, activities, vendors, and more. This event is organized by Wellspring Cooperative, Springfield Neighbor to Neighbor, Northeast Organic Farming Association, Springfield Climate Justice Coalition, Live Well Springfield, Gardening the Community, and PATCH. Learn more.
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Victim Rights Conference - Virtual Symposium, 4/27/22 at 8:30am: Join the Hampden County District Attorney's Office, Baystate Family Advocacy Center, and Baystate Continuing Interprofessional Education as they present the 32nd Annual Victims' Rights Conference: Rights, Access, Equity for All Victims. Learn more and register.
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The Future of COVID-19 in Western MA, 4/29/22 at 12:00 pm |
Join the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts for a webinar about the future of COVID-19 in Western MA on Friday, April 29, 2022, from 12:00 pm-1:00 pm. During this webinar, we will explore where things currently stand with COVID-19, including testing and treatment protocols; what is happening at the state level with cutbacks to COVID-19 services and testing; and how we can continue to inform community members.
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Screenagers: NEXT CHAPTER film showing, 5/3/22 - 5/17/22: The SPIFFY Coalition, along with some other coalitions in the region, are co-sponsoring a showing of the next Screenagers documentary. Filmmaker and physician Dr. Delaney Ruston takes the conversation around screens and teens to the next level with Screenagers NEXT CHAPTER: Uncovering Skills for Stress Resilience. Learn more and register.
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26th Annual Community Baby Shower, 5/14/22 at 10:00 am at Commerce High School (415 State Street, Springfield): Join the Springfield Department of Health and Human Services Maternal Child Health Commission, numerous local health agencies, and businesses for this free event with entertainment, refreshments, raffles, and educational information. Learn more.
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Office of Problem Gambling 2022 Virtual Stakeholder Listening Sessions, 5/25/22 & 6/2/22: The Office of Problem Gambling Services brings together a variety of community partners, community members, and advocacy groups to participate in annual Stakeholder Listening Sessions (SLSs). This year’s SLS will contribute to the development of the 2022 Office of Problem Gambling Service’s Strategic Plan. These sessions are held in the casino host communities of Everett and Springfield. Learn more and register.
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History of Tobacco, Slavery, and Health, 6/24/22 from 12:00-1:15 pm: Join us for a webinar hosted by Wanda Givens, featuring Michael Scott from the Center for Black Health and Equity and Doris Cullen from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Stay tuned for more information!
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