Public Health
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
For information on travel, see the CDC-issued Travel Health Notices, as well as DPH’s travel information related to COVID-19.
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
Opioid Epidemic
Rep. Meschino has supported legislation in the past to strengthen community-based prevention of substance abuse disorders. In the state budget, she seeks to provide substantial funding for opioid addiction treatment and prevention. These measures will provide resources at the community level, where Rep. Meschino believes such services are to be the most effective. “This epidemic has affected so many individuals and families. Communities and organizations close to home may be best situated to interrupt the tide of addiction,” she says.
Other Priorities
