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4 Free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 test kits are available from the U.S. Government

Four free at home COVID-19 test kits are available per household from the U.S. government.

Click on Free COVID Test Kits  for more information on how to get these mailed directly to your home.

If you need a COVID-⁠19 test now, please see other testing resources for testing locations in your area.

For a complete list of COVID-19 updates go to  COVID-19 postings in Town News & Announcements.

 

 

COVID-⁠19 updated policy from the Goshen Board of Health & Select Board

The Town of Goshen Board of Health and Select Board have agreed to the below updated COVID-19 policy.

  • Masks are no longer required to be worn in Town facilities
  • Anyone who wishes to wear a mask should be supported for that choice
  • Masks should be available for anyone who chooses to wear one
  • Reasonable COVID precautions should be followed such as individuals taking the initiative to self test and quarantine as necessary to protect the safety of others.  Go to the COVID-19 Information page for additional links
  • COVID tests are available by contacting the Board of Health at healthboard@goshen-ma.us with the subject line of COVID TEST KIT REQUEST.  Be sure to include your name, address, contact information (phone, text, email) and the number of test kits requested.  Also include any time constraints or special circumstances and any other relevant information.
  • Our public health nurse is also available for consultation by contacting the Foothills Health District at foothills@burgy.org
  • We reserve the right to modify this policy in the event of a surge in COVID cases

If you need a COVID-⁠19 test now, please see other testing resources for testing locations in your area.

For a complete list of COVID-19 updates go to  COVID-19 postings in Town News & Announcements.

To go to the COVID-19 Information page for additional information.  You can also find this page as a sub menu on the Board of Health page.

 

Massachusetts provides a FREE telehealth service for COVID-19 treatment

The state of Massachusetts provides a FREE telehealth service for COVID-19 treatment which can be accessed by a telephone or  website.  The telehealth service can tell you if the COVID-19 pill is right for you, and the pills can be sent to your pharmacy or to your home for free.

Go to this flyer for details:  Massachusetts Provides A FREE Telehealth Service For COVID 19 Treatment 

If you need a COVID-⁠19 test now, please see other testing resources for testing locations in your area.

For a complete list of COVID-19 updates go to  COVID-19 postings in Town News & Announcements.

To go to the COVID-19 Alerts information page click here COVID-19 Alerts information page.

 

Free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 test kits are available from the Goshen Board of Health

The Town of Goshen Board of Health has a limited supply of at-home COVID test kits available for residents.   If you are unable to access or afford test kits from other sources, please contact us and we will arrange to provide you test kits.

To request tests, please send an email to:  Healthboard@goshen-ma.us with the Subject line of COVID TEST KIT REQUEST.

Be sure to include your name, address, contact information (phone, text, email) and the number of test kits requested.  Also include any time constraints or special circumstances and any other relevant information.

If you need a COVID-⁠19 test now, please see other testing resources for testing locations in your area.

For a complete list of COVID-19 updates go to  COVID-19 postings in Town News & Announcements.

To go to the COVID-19 Alerts information page click here COVID-19 Alerts information page.

 

Northampton Health Department Vaccine Clinic Offers COVID-19 Booster Vaccine with No Appointment Required

Northampton Health Department Vaccine Clinic Offers Booster Vaccine with No Appointment Required.

NORTHAMPTON – The Northampton Health Department will offer walk-in COVID vaccine booster doses starting Thursday, February 3, 2022 at the Elks Lodge vaccine clinic site at 17 Spring Street, Florence.  These doses are open to all members of the public ages 12 and older. The clinic offers Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines although the CDC, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the Northampton Health Department strongly recommend Pfizer or Moderna instead of Johnson and Johnson.

Health Director Merridith O’Leary says, “Booster doses are a very important next step in this pandemic, particularly with the still-circulating Omicron variant.  Although case numbers this week are improving, I still strongly encourage all members of the community to be up to date on their vaccination which includes booster doses.”

logo NHD

The upcoming walk-in availability will be as follows for the next two weeks:

  • Thursday, February 3, 2022 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Friday, February 4, 2022 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Monday, February 7, 2022 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. AND 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Thursday, February 10, 2022 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Friday, February 11, 2022 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Monday, February 14, 2022 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. AND 3 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Appointments are still also available for those who prefer to pre-register at home. To pre-register for an appointment go to the City of Northampton’s COVID vaccine clinic webpage at:  https://www.northamptonma.gov/2219/Vaccine-Clinics

Pediatric doses of vaccine for children ages 5-11 years are still available by appointment at several locations at:  https://www.northamptonma.gov/2219/Vaccine-Clinics

Regional mobile vaccination clinics are also being offered in surrounding communities by appointment. Those appointments can also be found at: https://www.northamptonma.gov/2219/Vaccine-Clinics

Contact:  Merridith O’Leary, City of Northampton Public Health Director, (413) 587-1214

Free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 test kits are available now from the U.S. Government

Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order #4 free at-⁠home COVID-⁠19 tests.  The tests are completely free.  Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.

Click to ORDER FREE AT HOME TEST KITS now.

If you need a COVID-⁠19 test now, please see other testing resources for free testing locations in your area.

For a complete list of COVID-19 updates go to  COVID-19 postings in Town News & Announcements.

To go to the COVID-19 Alerts information page click here COVID-19 Alerts information page.

 

CDC Updated COVID-19 Recommended Isolation and Quarantine Period for General Population

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Media Statement

For Immediate Release: Monday, December 27, 2021

Given what we currently know about COVID-19 and the Omicron variant, the CDC is shortening the recommended time for isolation from 10 days for people with COVID-19 to 5 days, if asymptomatic, followed by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others.  The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after.  Therefore, people who test positive should isolate for 5 days and, if asymptomatic at that time, they may leave isolation if they can continue to mask for 5 days to minimize the risk of infecting others.

Additionally, the CDC is updating the recommended quarantine period for those exposed to COVID-19. For people who are unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second mRNA dose (or more than 2 months after the J&J vaccine) and not yet boosted, CDC now recommends quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days.  Alternatively, if a 5-day quarantine is not feasible, it is imperative that an exposed person wear a well-fitting mask at all times when around others for 10 days after exposure. Individuals who have received their booster shot do not need to quarantine following an exposure, but should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure.  For all those exposed, best practice would also include a test for SARS-CoV-2 at day 5 after exposure. If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19.

Isolation relates to behavior after a confirmed infection. Isolation for 5 days followed by wearing a well-fitting mask will minimize the risk of spreading the virus to others.  Quarantine refers to the time following exposure to the virus or close contact with someone known to have COVID-19.  Both updates come as the Omicron variant continues to spread throughout the U.S. and reflects the current science on when and for how long a person is maximally infectious.

Data from South Africa and the United Kingdom demonstrate that vaccine effectiveness against infection for two doses of an mRNA vaccine is approximately 35%.  A COVID-19 vaccine booster dose restores vaccine effectiveness against infection to 75%.  COVID-19 vaccination decreases the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. CDC strongly encourages COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 5 and older and boosters for everyone 16 and older. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and reduce the impact of COVID-19 on our communities.

The following is attributable to CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky:

“The Omicron variant is spreading quickly and has the potential to impact all facets of our society. CDC’s updated recommendations for isolation and quarantine balance what we know about the spread of the virus and the protection provided by vaccination and booster doses. These updates ensure people can safely continue their daily lives. Prevention is our best option: get vaccinated, get boosted, wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial and high community transmission, and take a test before you gather.”

If You Test Positive for COVID-19 (Isolate)

Everyone, regardless of vaccination status.

  • Stay home for 5 days.
  • If you have no symptoms or your symptoms are resolving after 5 days, you can leave your house.
  • Continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.

If you have a fever, continue to stay home until your fever resolves.

If You Were Exposed to Someone with COVID-19 (Quarantine)

If you:

Have been boosted
OR
Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last 6 months
OR
Completed the primary series of J&J vaccine within the last 2 months

  • Wear a mask around others for 10 days.
  • Test on day 5, if possible.

If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home.

If you:

Completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine over 6 months ago and are not boosted
OR
Completed the primary series of J&J over 2 months ago and are not boosted
OR
Are unvaccinated

  • Stay home for 5 days. After that continue to wear a mask around others for 5 additional days.
  • If you can’t quarantine you must wear a mask for 10 days.
  • Test on day 5 if possible.

If you develop symptoms get a test and stay home

For a complete list of COVID-19 updates go to  COVID-19 postings in Town News & Announcements.

To go to the COVID-19 Alerts information page click here COVID-19 Alerts information page.

 

UPDATED Massachusetts COVID-19 Testing information & locations

Go to this link for all the Massachusetts COVID-19 Testing information & locations and information on the topics below.

Find a COVID-19 Test Near You
How to use a  COVID-19 self test
What are the different types of COVID-19 testing?
What do I do if my test is positive?
Who should get tested?
Why is COVID-19 testing important?

Click here to see More about COVID-19 testing on the topics below.

Should I be tested?
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
How do I know if I am a close contact of someone with COVID-19?
Where can I get a test?
Is there a cost?
What do I do if my test is positive?
What are the different types of COVID-19 testing?
Is testing available in nursing homes?
Additional resources
Contact

The information on this page is updated as Massachusetts information changes.  Check back regularly to see updated information.

For a complete list of COVID-19 updates go to  COVID-19 postings in Town News & Announcements.

To go to the COVID-19 Alerts information page click here COVID-19 Alerts information page.

 

COVID-19 Massachusetts Booster Vaccine Information & Resources

COVID-19 Booster shots are now available.

Individuals can check their COVID-19 booster eligibility by manufacturer and criteria.  As more information becomes available on booster vaccines for individuals who have received either the Moderna or Johnson and Johnson vaccine, Massachusetts will provide updated information at the above listed website.

The COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and getting vaccinated remains the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones.  The Baker-Polito Administration has been working with pharmacies, local boards of health, and other health care providers, to ensure eligible residents will be able to access the Pfizer booster vaccines at hundreds of locations across the Commonwealth.  If you have questions about whether getting the booster is right for you, we encourage you to contact your healthcare provider.

To view information on COVID-19 booster recommendations from the CDC, please click here.

Massachusetts residents will be able to receive COVID-19 booster doses from more than 460 locations, including over 450 retail pharmacies, with some appointments available now for booking. Additional appointments are expected to come online in the coming days.  Additionally, the Administration is finalizing plans with other health care providers, including some Regional Collaboratives and local boards of health and mobile providers for Massachusetts residents to receive their Pfizer COVID-19 booster.  These sites are expected to open in October.

If you are eligible, these steps will guide you to find a location for getting a COVID-19 booster:

  1. Go to the Massachusetts COVID-19 Vaxfinder for a full list of hundreds of locations to receive a booster.  You can narrow the results to search for locations that are offering boosters, with some appointments available now.  Additional appointments are will come online in the coming days.  Many locations are booking appointments weeks in advance.
  2. For individuals who are unable to use Vaxfinder, or have difficulty accessing the internet, call the COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line (Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9AM-2PM) at 211 and follow the prompts for assistance.  The COVID-19 Vaccine Resource Line is available in English and Spanish and has translators available in approximately 100 additional languages.

To protect the health and safety of all long-term care residents from COVID-19, all Massachusetts long term care facilities, including the two Soldiers’ Homes have been prioritized for Pfizer booster shots.  The Department of Public Health has been working with long-term care facilities and their pharmacy partners to ensure residents and staff receive COVID-19 booster doses onsite.

Vaccines are widely available across the Commonwealth. Getting vaccinated remains the most important thing individuals can do to protect themselves, their families, and their community. Fully vaccinated residents should receive a COVID-19 booster shot when they are eligible and as vaccines are authorized by the CDC.

The COVID-19 booster is safe, effective, and free.  Individuals do not need an ID or health insurance to access a booster and do not need to show a vaccine card when getting a booster.  Additional information on the COVID-booster, including FAQs, can be found at Massachusetts COVID-19 vaccination FAQs

The information on this page is updated as Massachusetts information changes.  Check back regularly to see updated information.

For a complete list of COVID-19 updates go to  COVID-19 postings in Town News & Announcements.

To go to the COVID-19 Alerts information page click here COVID-19 Alerts information page.

Massachusetts COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Go to this link for all the Massachusetts COVID-19 Vaccine Information.

The above page contains information on the following topics:

When you can get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Overview of COVID-19 Vaccination Phases
COVID-19 vaccine locations for individuals currently eligible to be vaccinated
MA COVID-19 Vaccination Report
COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions
About the MA COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group
Vaccine information from CDC

The information on this page is updated as Massachusetts information changes.  Check back regularly to see updated information.

For a complete list of COVID-19 updates go to  COVID-19 postings in Town News & Announcements.

To go to the COVID-19 Alerts information page click here COVID-19 Alerts information page.

 

Hampshire County Local Boards of Health COVID-19 Vaccination Information

The Hampshire County Local Boards of Health are aware that it has been extremely difficult for eligible individuals to access appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations.  Go to our letter, Hampshire County Local Boards of Health COVID-19 Vaccination Information, to see specific information on vaccination sites in Northampton and Amherst.  These sites will be receiving an initial allocation of 1,000 doses per week and lists telephone numbers for those who are unable to register via computer.  Please note, it will still be difficult to secure an appointment until additional doses are allocated by the Federal Government.

For a complete list of COVID-19 updates go to  COVID-19 postings in Town News & Announcements.

To go to the COVID-19 Alerts information page click here COVID-19 Alerts information page.

 

Massachusetts COVID-19 Current re-opening guidelines roll back to Phase 3, Step1 as of 2020-12-13

Go to this link for all the Re-opening Massachusetts – Current Guidelines.

The information on this page is updated as Massachusetts requirements change.  Check back regularly to see about updated restrictions.

For a complete list of COVID-19 updates go to  COVID-19 postings in Town News & Announcements.

To go to the COVID-19 Alerts information page click here COVID-19 Alerts information page.

Wi-Fi availability at Town Offices extended through June 30, 2021

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Westfield Gas & Electric have partnered with some hilltowns to temporarily offer a high speed internet connection at a central location in each participating town.  This connection will offer speeds of up to 200 MBPS for up to 15 concurrent connections.  In Goshen, that Wi-Fi  connection has been installed at the Town Office building.  This connection will be available through June 30, 2021, depending on the duration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.  The necessity for extending this access will be determined by the state towards the end of 2020.

When utilizing parking lot Wi-Fi, you must practice all current Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines for SAFE SOCIAL DISTANCING (MassDPH Social Distancing Guidelines).

Goshen Town Office & Town Hall – Connect to either:

WhipCityFiber_Wifi  OR  WhipCityFiber_Wifi-5G

Park in the lot in front of the Town Office and along the side of the Town Hall.

In addition to public Wi-Fi availability in the parking lot next to the Goshen Town Hall & Town Office, the following schools in our area have provided Wi-Fi capabilities to the exterior of buildings.  This availability will continue until it is required internally at the schools.  Individual schools will be removed from this list when availability ends.

Anne T. Dunphy School in Williamsburg – Connect to:  BURGY-Guest

Park along the curb in the front of the building.

Hampshire Regional High School in Westhampton – Connect to: HRSD-Guest

Park along any side of the building, except for the back parking lot area.

New Hingham Regional Elementary School in Chesterfield – Connect to: NHRES-Guest

Park along the sidewalk in FRONT of the school between the cafeteria door and the Pre-School entrance.

R.H. Conwell School in Worthington – Connect to: RHCCEC-Guest

Park along the curb in the front of the building.

Westhampton Elementary School – Connect to: WES-Guest

Park along the sidewalk directly in front of the school in between the main entrance and the corner of the building closest to the parking lot.

William E. Norris School in Southampton – Connect to: NORRIS-Guest

Park along the curb in the front of the building between the main office and the pre-school entry, or park in the spaces along Gunn Rd. Ext., or park directly behind the school closest to the art/music hallway entry at the far end of the parking lot.

 

Massachusetts COVID-19 Travel Order and Restrictions Currently in Effect

Thinking about travelling for the holidays or visiting family and friends?

Go to this link for current Massachusetts COVID-19 Travel Order and Restrictions Currently in Effect.

The information on this page is updated as Massachusetts requirements change.  Check back regularly to see about updated restrictions.

For a complete list of COVID-19 updates go to  COVID-19 postings in Town News & Announcements.

To go to the COVID-19 Alerts information page click here COVID-19 Alerts information page.

Massachusetts Announces New Measures To Curb Rising COVID-19 Cases & Hospitalizations

Beginning on Friday, November 6, 2020 new measures take effect in Massachusetts in order disrupt the increasing trend of the COVID-19 pandemic in the following areas:

Summary of the new measures

Stay at home advisory changes

Early Closure of Businesses & Certain Activities

Revised order requiring in public places

Revised order further regulating gatherings in Massachusetts

For a complete list of COVID-19 updates go to  COVID-19 postings in Town News & Announcements.

To go to the COVID-19 Alerts information page click here COVID-19 Alerts information page.

Hilltown Food Bucks & Hilltown Micro-Enterprise Relief Programs

These Hilltown CDC programs are available to residents of the Towns of Ashfield, Blandford, Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Huntington, Middlefield, Montgomery, Plainfield, Williamsburg and Worthington.

The Hilltown Food Bucks Program offers coupons or “bucks” for low to moderate income families to use while shopping at select locations.   Information, application and a contact for this program can be found at:  Hilltown Food Bucks Information & Application.

The Hilltown Micro-Enterprise Relief Program  offers grants to business owners with 5 or less employees that have been negatively affected by COVID-19.  Information, application and a contact for this program can be found at:  Hilltown Micro-Enterprise Relief Program Information & Application.

For a complete list of COVID-19 updates go to  COVID-19 postings in Town News & Announcements.

To go to the COVID-19 Alerts information page click here COVID-19 Alerts information page.

Summer Holiday & Beach Safety during COVID-19

COVID-19 & Beach SafetyCOVID-19 & Holiday Safety

Hilltown Pantry changes during COVID-19 public health emergency

Hilltown Pantry, a program of Northampton Survival Center, is open for food distribution every Wednesday from 1-3 p.m.

Residents of Goshen who are having difficulties accessing enough groceries for their household are welcome to use the pantry.

Free, prepacked bags of shelf-stable food items along with fresh produce, frozen meat, and dairy products are available for drive by pick up in the town hall parking lot.

Staff and volunteers wearing masks and gloves will load the food supplies into your car.   We ask that you stay in your car if possible and that you wear a mask when speaking with anyone.

If you wish to arrange for home delivery please contact Evelyn Culver at 413-268-3316.

Goshen residents may also, alternatively, choose to access food through the Northampton Survival Center’s temporary drive by pick up site at the Jackson Street School, 120 Jackson Street, Northampton from 12-3 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday or Friday every week.

For additional information click on this link to the Northampton Survival Center Home page.

For a complete list of COVID-19 updates go to  COVID-19 postings in Town News & Announcements.

To go to the COVID-19 Alerts information page click here COVID-19 Alerts information page.

 

Short-Term Rental restricitions implemented by Massachusetts

Hotel/Motel & Short Term Rental restrictions: As part of the updated essential business list, DPH issued new guidance today around hotels, motels, inns, beds and breakfasts and other short-term residential rentals. Based on this new guidance, hotels, motels, and short-term rentals may only be used for efforts related to fighting COVID-19, like front line health workers or individuals, or for Massachusetts residents who have been otherwise displaced from their residences.

Those found in violation of these restrictions may be fined $300 per day.

Click here for the full text of the restrictions issued by Massachusetts.

Pay particular attention to sections 2, 3a, 3b, & 4g.

For a complete list of COVID-19 updates go to  COVID-19 postings in Town News & Announcements.

To go to the COVID-19 Alerts information page click here COVID-19 Alerts information page.

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