Coronavirus / COVID19 Information

Town of Monson COVID-19 Public Statement

We Have the Tools to Fight Omicron

Vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission, and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. Scientists are currently investigating Omicron, including how protected fully vaccinated people will be against infection, hospitalization, and death. CDC recommends that everyone 5 years and older protect themselves from COVID-19 by getting fully vaccinated. CDC recommends that everyone ages 18 years and older should get a booster shot at least two months after their initial J&J/Janssen vaccine or six months after completing their primary COVID-19 vaccination series of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna.

Masks offer protection against all variants. CDC continues to recommend wearing a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission, regardless of vaccination status. CDC provides advice about masks for people who want to learn more about what type of mask is right for them depending on their circumstances.

Tests can tell you if you are currently infected with COVID-19. Two types of tests are used to test for current infection: nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) and antigen tests. NAAT and antigen tests can only tell you if you have a current infection. Individuals can use the COVID-19 Viral Testing Tool to help determine what kind of test to seek. Additional tests would be needed to determine if your infection was caused by Omicron.

Self-tests can be used at home or anywhere, are easy to use, and produce rapid results. If your self-test has a positive result, stay home or isolate for 10 days, wear a mask if you have contact with others, and call your healthcare provider. If you have any questions about your self-test result, call your healthcare provider.

Until we know more about the risk of Omicron, it is important to use all tools available to protect yourself and others.

www.cdc.gov

COVID RESOURCES:

CDC website that has science briefs for new and emerging research regarding COVID-19:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/science-and-research.html

Frequently asked questions, click here

Newest Quarantine and Isolation Guidance, click here

When can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?  Published 12/23/2020
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/when-can-i-get-the-covid-19-vaccine

Coronavirus Resources:
https://www.markey.senate.gov/coronavirus-resources

Dashboard of Public Health Indicators:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting

Mental Health & Social Service Resources.Taking care of your emotional health and well-being during this time is important:
Taking care of your emotional health and well-being during this time is important. A large part of anxiety comes from a sense of what we think we should be able to control, but can’t. Right now, many of us are worried about COVID-19, known as the “Coronavirus”. In times like these, our mental health can suffer during working remotely and practicing Social Distancing.

Below are a list of helpful resources and tips including short Webinars for staying emotionally healthy and well. Taking care of yourself and encouraging others to practice self-care sustains the ability to care for those in need.

• Maintaining Emotional Health & Well-Being During the COVID-19 Outbreak, click here
• Housing - Citizen’s Planning and Housing Association (CHAPA), click here
• Unemployment - MA Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, click here
• Contact Samaritans 24/7. Call or text our 24/7 helpline any time at 1-877-870-4673.
• Contact Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741
• Visit the new Massachusetts Network of Care website to locate behavioral health resources in your area.
• Contact SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline. The Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
• Contact the Massachusetts Emergency Services Program/Mobile Crisis Intervention (ESP/MCI) - 1-877-382-1609 (read more about this program)

Prevention

• Wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm soapy water.
• Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes
• Clean things frequently touched with approved disinfectants
• Cover your sneezes and coughs with a tissue or the inside of your elbow
• Avoid large gatherings
• Give yourself and others more physical space- social distancing- 6 feet of personal space from others
• Do not share food or utensils

For the most current and up to date information on COVID-19 please see the Massachusetts Department of Public Health website www.mass.gov/2019coronavirus