COVID-19 Updates & Precautions January 21, 2022 update

Previous updates and additional information and resources can be found here:
https://coronavirus-hopkintonma.hub.arcgis.com/

Hopkinton continues to see an uptick in the number of positive cases. On Thursday, January 13, 2022, the MDPH reported the highest 14-day percent positivity for the Town of Hopkinton since the start of the pandemic (21.24%). As we are seeing the Omicron variant spreading more quickly and easily than past variants, we are also seeing less severe infections. However, given the quick spike in cases, it takes a lower percentage of hospitalizations before healthcare facilities may become overwhelmed. It also presents a significant disruptive risk to our businesses, schools, daycares and municipal departments, as we have already seen several businesses have to close or modify their operating hours due to illness. Please continue to do your part to prevent the spread. The best thing you can do is get vaccinated if you’re able to. And stay home if you are symptomatic or test positive for covid-19.

During this time, our local metric reporting data may lag, as we work to ensure accurate reporting. As such, you may see a longer delay in new metrics being updated on Hopkinton’s Community Impact Dashboard. We are also rethinking how we best illustrate the severity and impact within our local area.

The surge in Omicron cases and the MDPH’s support of home testing, created a lag in reporting. As a policy, the MDPH does not record home administered antigen tests. Subsequently, there remains both a lag in our local metric reporting and a significant undercount of our actual cases. As such, we recommend that residents refer to the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Interactive Dashboard for MDPH reported municipal data.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-response-reporting#covid-19-…-

COVID-19 SMART Health Card - NEW INFO
You can Request, view and print your vaccination records and your COVID-19 SMART Health Card from the official Massachusetts Immunization Information System (MIIS). More info here: https://www.myvaxrecords.mass.gov/ You may contact your primary care physician or local public health department with questions or corrections.

Free COVID-19 Home Test Kits - NEW INFO
The Federal Government is providing free tests to every household to expand greater access to testing. The initial program will allow four free tests to be requested per residential address. Starting January 19th, Americans will be able to order their tests online at COVIDTests.gov, and tests will typically ship within 7-12 days of ordering.
https://www.covidtests.gov/

More info on testing can be found here:
https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/find-a-covid-19-test

Resources for Face Coverings - NEW INFO
Evolving research indicates that the Omicron variant is spread through aerosolized droplets, enabling it to bypass the sinuses, infecting the pharynx. The use of N95 and KN95 face coverings have been demonstrated to reduce the exposure risk. ProjectN95 vettes the manufacturers of personal protective equipment and testing kits that it posts on its website. They are a trustworthy source of information for individuals shopping for PPE and test kits.
https://www.projectn95.org/

Resources for Behavioral Health from HYFS - NEW INFO
This resurgence in the pandemic has caused an increased need for mental health support and care. Taking a behavioral health screening could be a helpful tool in assessing how you are doing. Remember you are not alone. Please reach out to Hopkinton Youth and Family Services if help is needed.

Many resources are available. Visit Hopkinton's Youth and Family Services Covid-19 Resources Page by clicking here

Vaccine Information - REMINDER
CDC updated recommendations for when many people can receive a booster shot, shortening the interval from 6 months to 5 months for people who received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine; and recommending that moderately or severely immunocompromised 5 to 11 year-olds receive an additional primary dose of vaccine 28 days after their second shot.

CDC also updated recommendations to expand eligibility of booster doses to those 12 to 15 years old. CDC now recommends that adolescents aged 12 to 17 years old should receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 5 years and older for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). People ages 5-17 can get the Pfizer vaccine. People age 18+ can get any vaccine.

A primary series for anyone ages 5 and older who lives, works, or studies in Massachusetts is eligible for a vaccine. Health care providers can also vaccinate their patient panels regardless of place of residency.

Updated An additional (third) mRNA primary series dose for people ages 5 and older who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, at least 28 days after the completion of the second mRNA COVID-19 vaccine dose.

Updated a booster dose for ages 12 and older.
You’re eligible for a booster if:
Updated Pfizer: It’s been at least 5 months since the primary series.
The minimum interval for a booster dose, following a Pfizer primary series, has been shortened to 5 months
Moderna: It’s been at least 6 months since the primary series
Janssen/J&J: It’s been at least 2 months since the primary series.

View Entire Update in PDF Link below!