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Date: 1/12/2022
WEST SPRINGFIELD — As the post-holiday pandemic surge continues, Jeanne Galloway, director of public health in West Springfield, believes the region is about a month away from reaching the peak.
In just her one town, Galloway estimates 50 to 60 positive cases are emerging daily.
The current surge began after Thanksgiving, she said, and at press time in early January it was still gaining momentum, with no sign yet of a “post-New Year’s peak.”
“The peak for the current surge is between four to six weeks away,” she predicted.
She noted that the “most vulnerable” of people they’ve seen with positive cases are those in their 20s and children under 12.
Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is available to children between the ages of 5 and 12. Aside from that, anyone over the age of 12 is eligible for any of the three vaccines. Galloway said there are vaccines available at pharmacies in town, along with regional vaccine sites.
In the midst of the holiday surge, the town of West Springfield received a little over 5,300 of the two-pack, at-home testing kits. Galloway explained that Gov. Charlie Baker was responsible for this distribution, supplying 102 towns across the state, based on poverty levels.
Galloway said her department received assistance from the town with reaching out to those who had financial needs. As those individuals were the priority for this distribution, Galloway said prior to Dec. 23, when town offices shut down for the holidays, residents were able to pick up any available tests at the library. All kits were taken shortly after the offering.
Galloway does not anticipate receiving any more testing kits.
“The stores are getting them regularly, but they’re selling out frequently,” said Galloway.
Neighboring Agawam did not receive any at-home testing kits from the state. Health Agent Michael Theroux said this was because Agawam was not identified as a low-income community.
The West Springfield Board of Health is set to host a meeting on Jan. 19, where Galloway will discuss where the town stands on infection rates and testing needs. At press time, Galloway said she does not foresee the need for town government to impose “any major mandates,” such as masking or school or business closings.
With the new omicron variant, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued new guidance for isolation and quarantine. For those who are positive or have been identified as close contact, Galloway said, the CDC reduced the quarantine from 10 days to five days, but “requires people to wear masks around others” for the five days following isolation or quarantine.
The best way to stay safe from the omicron variant, Galloway said, is to get fully vaccinated and receive a booster shot. She added that those looking to get the vaccine should begin the process sooner rather than later.
Additionally, Galloway said the flu vaccine is available at most pharmacies. She encourages residents to receive both vaccines, if eligible.
For additional information on COVID-19 in West Springfield, visit www.townofwestspringfield.org/government/departments/health.