Dear Neighbor,
I take the health and safety of each individual and family I represent seriously, and as such, I am fighting in Congress to make sure our heroes fighting on the front lines have the resources they need to mount a comprehensive response to COVID-19. To learn more about the latest on COVID-19, please visit mass.gov/COVID19 for live updates.
My team and I are working around the clock to help coordinate our response to COVID-19 at the local, state, and federal levels, and to get information to you as quickly as possible. I will regularly update this page with both federal and Massachusetts-specific resources so you can stay informed and up-to-date.
The health and safety of you and your loved ones is my top priority. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call my Lowell office at 978-459-0101. You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for frequent updates.
Sincerely,
Lori Trahan
Member of Congress
VACCINE INFORMATION
Massachusetts has an active inter-agency working group working to ensure an equitable and speedy distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to Massachusetts communities.
For the latest vaccine updates in the Commonwealth, including the vaccine prioritization plan, frequently asked questions, and information from the CDC, click HERE.
For information on boosters, click HERE.
To find out where you can receive your first COVID-19 vaccination or booster, visit vaxfinder.mass.gov.
IF YOU ARE SICK, EXPOSED, OR HAVE CONTRACTED COVID-19
If you have a fever, cough or other symptoms, you may have COVID-19. Most people experience mild illness and are able to recover at home. If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, get tested and contact your healthcare provider.
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Keep track of your symptoms.
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If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), get emergency medical care immediately.
Should you find yourself or a loved one in the position of contracting COVID-19, the CDC has issued information about What to Do If You Were Exposed to COVID-19 and What to Do If You Are Sick.
PREVENTION
The CDC is encouraging all Americans to take the following everyday preventive actions, much like you would during a standard severe flu season. Please click HERE for the CDC’s latest recommendations and information.
It is critical to remember that adherence to these simple practices could save lives.
TESTING AND HOTLINES
To find a COVID-19 testing location, visit https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing
For information about the coronavirus, symptoms, and healthcare referrals:
Massachusetts Department of Public Health:
COVID-19 Hotline: 2-1-1
Department of Public Health’s On-call Epidemiologists: (617) 983-6800
Partners Healthcare Coronavirus Hotline:
Supporting Clinicians, Patients and the Public
Phone Number: (617) 724-7000
Open 8:00 am - 8:00 pm, 7 days a week
FOOD RESOURCES
To find food resources in your community, call the FoodSource Hotline.
Phone Number: 1 (800) 645-8333
TTY: 1 (800) 377-1292
Hotline Hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 am - 7:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
SMALL BUSINESSES
The Small Business Administration (SBA) has implemented a number of COVID-19 relief options for small business owners. To view all ongoing and past programs, click HERE.
VETERANS’ RESOURCES
Veterans can use the VA's “Keep Me Informed” tool to learn more about the specifics of the VA vaccine plan here, and sign up for email updates from the VA here. If you are already receiving care through a local VA clinic, you will be contacted with updates regarding vaccines and boosters.
If you are not enrolled in VA Health Care but are interested in receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the VA’s Eligibility page to determine eligibility for VA Health Care and start the enrollment process.
Check your VA clinic website for more details:
In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many veterans have been asking questions about what the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and its medical facilities are doing to protect and care for veterans during the outbreak.
We encourage veterans and their families to consult VA’s Website for the most current information. Guidance from local VA medical facilities about their current operating status is available on each facility’s website, which can be found through VA’s Facility Locator Tool.
For mental health resources, click the image below!
SENIORS’ RESOURCES
Statewide Resources
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All Massachusetts residents are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, for more information, click HERE.
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A Nursing Home Family Resource Line has been established by the State of Massachusetts at 617-660-5399. The line establishes one central contact for family members of nursing home and rest home residents and will help answer questions about the care their loved one is receiving during the COVID-19 outbreak. Call any time 9 a.m.-5 p.m., 7 days a week.
Local Resources
STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES
The State of Massachusetts has established a coronavirus resource page that can be found here, as well as active updates monitoring cases in the state.
Check out this resource guide from State Representative Tami Gouviea.
Community Health Centers
Local health centers are advising sick people to call before going in to the center:
Essex County
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Lynn
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Salem, Peabody, and Gloucester
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Middlesex County
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City of Lowell: The City of Lowell has activated its Emergency Operation Center (EOC) – call 978-674-4052
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Lawrence General Hospital: Lawrence General Hospital now has two new COVID-19 (Coronavirus 2019) community screening resources where patients, families, and providers in the community can obtain an assessment of their COVID-19 risk, possible need for testing, and recommendations for next steps:
BY PHONE: The Lawrence General Hospital COVID-19 (Coronavirus 2019) Community Screening line is staffed by one of our nurses 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be reached by calling us at 978-946-8409. In an effort to reduce transmission, we ask that individuals call the screening line prior to seeking COVID-19 screening at the hospital; unless you are experiencing a medical emergency.
ONLINE: The community can also use Lawrence General’s new online screening tool, where you’ll be prompted to answer several questions and will be contacted by a nurse for follow-up guidance. Access at: https://bit.ly/38HqJsz.
Hospitals
Essex County
Additional State/Local Resources:
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The Greater Lowell Community Foundation has established a fund to help communities in Greater Lowell seeking to cover unexpected costs, like portable sinks, antibacterial supplies, lunch bags and supplies, and prepackaged food.
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United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley has established the "COVID-19 Family Support Fund," dedicating resources to working families affected by the COVID-19.
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Merrimack Valley Food Bank is operating at normal business hours, Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Community Teamwork Inc staff and resources are available via email and phone including:
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Youth Services - 978-905-7385 or CTIyouthservices@commteam.org
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Child/Family Services - 978-454-5100, ChildcareCovidCTI@commteam.org
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provide updates on the virus and safety information for the public and healthcare professionals.
The State Department provides a list of travel advisories for those who are planning to fly outside of the United States.
The World Health Organization (WHO) directs and coordinates international health within the United Nation system.
