SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) — Summer is coming to an end and with students returning to school and more indoor gatherings, health officials are now preparing for a possible surge in COVID-19 cases.
The City of Springfield and the city Department of Health and Human Services are distributing free COVID-19 home testing kits to Springfield residents starting this week.
“Please everyone take the time to come out and pick them up if someone is offering them to you for free. It could save a life,” said Sharon Francis of Springfield.
As the CDC warns of a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases and we move from summer into the colder months, the city is preparing for a surge in cases in the fall.
“We have now heard that the wave is back, so I would encourage everyone to think again about wearing their mask and continue to get tested if they feel any symptoms,” Francis added.
The city is distributing free COVID-19 testing kits every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon until supplies run out. All you need to do is show your ID, and we’ve found that many residents are grateful for this offer.
“During the pandemic, we were used to getting the tests from the government, and since the pandemic is officially over, we have to go to the pharmacy, and it’s a bit of a setback when you have to pay $10 per test, so I’m very grateful to (Springfield Health and Human Services). I know it’s coming from the higher ups, be it the federal or state government, and they’re making them available to all communities, so I’m glad Springfield picked that up right away,” said Springfield resident Kathleen Walsh.
Helen Caulton-Harris, Springfield’s Health and Human Services Commissioner, told Western Mass News that she and her team have been working nonstop to ensure these kits can reach city residents everywhere.
“The City of Springfield is providing testing kits in all neighborhoods in our city: the North End, South End, the Mason Square area and Indian Orchard. We really want our citizens to be safe, so we will be distributing testing kits throughout the city,” Caulton-Harris explained.
She urges everyone to take appropriate precautions in their daily lives.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is not over and therefore it is important to us to ensure the safety of the residents of the City of Springfield, the Commonwealth and the nation,” added Caulton-Harris.
These test kits are only available to Springfield residents at the following locations:
| SALES LOCATION | ADDRESS | DATE | TIME |
|---|---|---|---|
| Springfield Department of Health and Human Services Office | 311 State Road | Every Tuesday and Wednesday from August 27th | 10am to 12pm |
| Indian Orchard Community Center in Myrtle Street Park | 117 Main Street | Every Wednesday from August 28th | 10am to 12pm |
| South End Community Center | 99 Marble Street | Every Wednesday from August 28th | 10am to 12pm |
| Raymond A. Jordan Senior Center | 1476 Roosevelt Avenue | Every Wednesday from 28 August | 10am to 12pm |
| Citizens’ Council of the New North | 2455 Main Street | Every Wednesday from August 28th | 10am to 12pm |
At the federal level, every U.S. household will be able to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests starting in late September.
Copyright 2024. Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.
