COVID-19 RESOURCES

To receive alerts on the latest information about COVID-19 in Massachusetts, text COVIDMA to 888-777

Para recibir alertas sobre la información más reciente sobre COVID-19 en Massachusetts, envíe COVIDMAESP al 888-777

 

COVID-19 Data

Each week, the Western Massachusetts COVID-19 Data Dashboard is updated with the latest publicly-available COVID-19 data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.  You can find the Dashboard here.

 

COVID-19 Prevention Tips

We all have a job to do in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and keeping our community safe and healthy.  Here’s what you can do!

Get tested

Free COVID-19 testing is available at various sites throughout Springfield through the statewide Stop the Spread initiative.  Click here for a list of dates and locations.

 

Get vaccinated

 

Physically distance yourself from others

In an ideal world, we would all be staying home and avoiding social gatherings.  However, if you are unable to do so, here are a few tips!

  • Maintain at least six feet of distance from others
  • Do not shake hands or hug
  • Wear a face covering (see below)

Gatherings in private homes are limited to 10 people, and gatherings outside are limited to 25 people. Violations of this order are subject to a $500 fine for each person above the limit at a particular gathering.  Feel free to keep in touch with family and friends virtually, whether through phone calls, video chats, or other virtual media.

Also feel free to check out the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s tips for staying safe while running errands!

 

Wear a face covering in public

A face covering can be anything that covers your nose and mouth, including scarves and bandanas (although these coverings are not as effective at preventing the spread of COVID-19 as other cloth and surgical masks).  When you wear a cloth mask, it should:

  • Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
  • Be secured with ties or ear loops
  • Include multiple layers of fabric
  • Allow for breathing without restriction
  • Be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape

Cloth masks should not be placed on:

  • Children under the age of two
  • Anyone who has trouble breathing
  • Anyone who is unconscious or incapacitated
  • Anyone who is otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance

When putting on and taking off a mask, do not touch the front of it and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after touching it.  Make sure that you wash it regularly.

 

Practice good hygiene

Here are a few good habits to help prevent the spread!

  • Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly for at least 20 seconds.  If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
  • If you have to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (if available) or with your bent elbow.  If using a tissue, dispose of it immediately after use.  Do not cough or sneeze into your hands.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible.
  • Regularly clean surfaces that are frequently touched, such as tables and doorknobs

 

Know the symptoms, and stay home if you feel sick

COVID-19 symptoms vary widely, and some people are even asymptomatic (while still contagious).  Here are a few resources to help you check your symptoms:

 You can find some other tips for quarantining at home here!

 

For housing assistance:

NOTE: If you receive a notice of eviction or foreclosure, you are not required to leave immediately, and there are resources available to help you avoid eviction or foreclosure. If you are facing eviction but have a pending application for rental assistance the court must grant a continuance in your case until a determination is made with regard to your rental assistance application.

  • For information on the CDC Eviction Moratorium, and how to use it, click here. 
  • To reach Community Legal Aid for free advice on eviction and foreclosure, call (855) 252-5342
  • To reach WayFinders (the regional agency for housing assistance), call (413) 233-1600 or e-mail info@wayfinders.org
  • To reach Springfield No One Leaves, a community housing assistance non-profit, call (413) 342-1804 or email info@springfieldnooneleaves.org 
  • For rental or mortgage assistance, contact Springfield Partners for Community Action at (413) 263-6500
  • For other state resources, click here

 

For help paying utility bills:

Springfield Partners for Community Action is providing utility assistance of up to $500 for income eligible individuals and families. Contact SPFCA at (413) 263-6500 for more information.  

​For information from key utility providers, check the links below:

Eversource

Columbia Gas

Springfield Water and Sewer

 

For unemployment assistance:

​To apply for unemployment benefits, click here.

If you are self-employed, a gig worker, an independent contractor, or are otherwise ineligible for traditional unemployment insurance, apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance here.

If you need other assistance with unemployment, contact Community Legal Aid at (855) 252-5342 or click here.

 

For food assistance:

To access the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts’ Emergency Feeding Program Network, click here.

Springfield Public Schools are providing free grab-and-go meals to school-age children, for pick up at one of 18 locations.  Adults can pick up meals for any child (their own, those of a friend, relative, or neighbor, or any child who is unable to pick up meals themselves).  No names or IDs are required.  For more information, text “Springfield” to 82257 or click here.

To contact the Department of Elder Affairs’ free meal delivery service to individuals 55 years of age or older, call (413) 787-6785

Loaves and Fishes is offering free grab-and-go lunches (12pm) and dinners (5pm) at the following locations on the following days of the week:

  • South Congregational Church, 45 Maple St. (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays → Saturdays)
  • Christ Episcopal Church Cathedral, 35 Chestnut St. (Wednesdays)
  • Shiloh Adventist Church, 797 State St. (Sundays)
  • ​For up to $200 in grocery assistance for eligible individuals and families, contact Springfield Partners for Community Action at (413) 263-6500

The Massachusetts Military Support Foundation (MMSF), a distribution partner for the USDA’s Farmers to Families program, provides boxes of food weekly in support of both veteran communities and the general public.  Pickups are Saturdays from 10am-1pm at the Eastfield Mall (1655 Boston Road).  For more information, click here.

For owners of small businesses and non-profit organizations:

Are you a small business owner, or part of a non-profit organization, and your business/organization is facing economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, various resources may be available to support you at this time.  For information, visit here.  For additional resources from the City of Springfield, visit here.

 

For seniors in need of assistance:

If you are a senior resident in need of assistance, or if you know a senior in need of help, ​please contact the Department of Elder Affairs at (413) 787-6785.  Case workers can work with individuals and families to ensure they have access to resources during this time, including free meal deliveries and assistance with registering for COVID-19 vaccination appointments.  Be prepared to leave a message with your name and phone number so that a staff member can call back.

Greater Springfield Senior Services is also providing bilingual vaccination registration assistance to seniors at 413-781-8800.

The Hampden County Sheriff’s Department will also provide registration assistance Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 3 PM at (413) 278-5584. If the call goes to voicemail, clearly leave your name and a phone number to reach you and we will return the call