COVID-19
COVID-19 Overview
COVID-19 is a new respiratory disease, caused by a novel coronavirus. Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Symptoms of this infection may appear 2-14 days after exposure and include:
- Fever, chills or shaking chills
- Signs of a lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, lowered oxygen saturation)
- Fatigue, sore throat, headache, body aches/myalgia, or new loss of sense of taste or smell
- Other less common symptoms can include gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), rash, and inflammatory conditions such as “COVID toes.”
- In elderly, chronically ill, or debilitated individuals such as residents of a long-term care facility, symptoms of COVID-19 may be subtle such as alterations in mental status or in blood glucose control
However, it’s possible for people with COVID-19 to spread the virus to others up to 48 hours before they have symptoms. Visit the CDC’s resource on symptoms for more information.
If you develop symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild, or have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, please contact your healthcare provider and a test site near you to schedule a test. You can also check your symptoms online.
You can also call 2-1-1 to learn more about:
- COVID-19 prevention, symptoms, and treatment
- Information about testing
- Guidance for people planning or returning from travel
For information on travel, see the CDC-issued Travel Health Notices, as well as DPH’s travel information related to COVID-19.
Tips For Prevention
The MA DPH, CDC, and other federal, state, and local agencies are leading a comprehensive response to COVID-19. Here are some things that each of us can and should do to keep ourselves and those around us safe and healthy:
- Wash your hands, often
- Avoid close contact with other people
- Stay home if you’re sick
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Clean and disinfect surfaces, often
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Information
Massachusetts is vaccinating residents of the state.
Following updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines are now available for individuals 6 months and older. Stay informed using the Administration’s website: https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine. Find more information from the CDC here.
Visit Find a COVID-19 Test to search for a testing site near you.
Stay Informed
Visit your town websites to learn the most recent information, local services, and guidance from our municipal officials.
State Resources
- www.mass.gov/covid19
- 2-1-1 Hotline
Federal Resources
Health Services Information
- Dial 2-1-1 to reach the State’s call center for information and answers to your COVID-19 questions. The service is free and multilingual.
- If you are experiencing symptoms or are concerned about exposure to COVID-19, please contact your healthcare provider, local board of health, or the Massachusetts State Epidemiology line at (617) 983-6800.
- Maintaining Emotional Health & Well-Being: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/maintaining-emotional-health-well-being-during-the-covid-19-outbreak
Other Priorities
