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Date: 1/11/2022
CHICOPEE – As cases continue to rise regionally, Mayor John Vieau issued a COVID-19 update during the Jan. 4 City Council meeting.
The mayor explained that cases continue to increase due to the omicron variant, with the city incurring around 50 positive tests a day and 330 active cases at the time of the meeting. With omicron posing a more transmissible threat, Vieau stressed that vaccinations remain the critical component to combat COVID-19. “The message is the same. Please get vaccinated,” said Vieau.
With testing needs growing, Vieau shared that the city exhausted their supply of 15,000 rapid at-home COVID-19 tests received from the state. “We’ve exhausted that supply very quickly, there’s been a huge demand for those rapid at-home tests. We were very thankful to get those out before the holidays and hopefully trying to keep our community safe,” said Vieau.
In conjunction with the at-home tests, the mayor highlighted the city’s PCR testing at the RiverMills Senior Center. The testing at the site now takes place Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. to accommodate increased demand, with patrons receiving their test results the day after testing, according to Vieau. He revealed that the site continues to be busy during operating hours, with 358 tests taking place on Jan. 3 and 307 occurring on Jan. 4.
“Testing has become a premium, it’s very hard to find the rapid tests. We are, just like other communities here in Western Mass., considering purchasing more rapid at-home tests,” said Vieau. The mayor shared that the testing site continues to run thanks to remaining funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.
With the current COVID-19 climate, Vieau discussed the city’s stance on a mask mandate. While the city implemented a mask mandate inside municipal buildings, the mayor revealed that a city-wide decision is not being implemented at this time.
“It’s your prerogative. If you’re a business owner and you feel the need to institute a mask mandate, I think that’s up to you. If you are a resident, please, whatever your comfort level is, wear a mask…Those decisions are up to you,” said Vieau. The mayor said he will continue to advise his health department on the ongoing situation.
New members
In the truncated first meeting of the year, the council issued warm welcomes to its two new members, Ward 3 Councilor Delmarina López and Ward 9 Councilor Mary-Elizabeth Pniak-Costello. Both councilors addressed their colleagues with gratitude and excitement for their new positions.
“Thank you to my Ward 3 constituents for electing me to represent. I am going to do my absolute best and learn from all of you,” said López, who also encouraged citizens to wear masks regardless of their vaccination status.
“Thanks to the board for being so welcoming to me. This is a brand-new experience, and I appreciate your patience and kindness,” said Pniak-Costello.
The Chicopee City Council will meet again on Jan. 18.