Testing sites are expanding in Massachusetts (including free testing sites). Anyone who has symptoms or has been identified as a possible close contact should get tested. Those who have symptoms of any sort should get tested immediately; close contacts should wait five days from first exposure to get tested (otherwise a negative might not be meaningful). Information about testing and testing sites can be found at. This site is being updated frequently:
https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing
Symptoms. Knowledge about COVID-19 symptoms has expanded and each person responds differently to the virus and shows a different mix of symptoms. The only symptom unique to COVID seems to be loss of taste and smell. Here is a current list (one or more symptoms that are new or more intense than usual is the criteria for thinking about getting tested). Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus and may include:
Fever, chills or shaking chills
Fatigue, sore throat, headache, body aches/myalgia
Loss of sense of taste or smell (this can happen immediately or develop after other symptoms have appeared)
Cough, shortness of breath, lowered oxygen saturation
Gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite), rash, and inflammatory conditions such as “COVID toes”
In elderly, chronically ill, or debilitated individuals such as residents of a long-term care facility, symptoms of COVID-19 may be subtle such as alterations in mental status or in blood glucose control
Quarantine and Isolation guidance: recently updated information:
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-isolation-and-quarantine-information
Holiday Travel and Visits: are being discouraged. Massachusetts has now returned to Phase III, Stage 1 guidance. When visiting with people outside the immediate family/bubble: wear masks at all times except when eating or drinking, stay six feet apart, ventilate indoor spaces (open windows), limit time spent in other homes/locations.
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-statewide-rollback-to-phase-three-step-one-additionalCOVID-19 Order #58 – Order Returning All Municipalities to Phase III, Step 1 COVID-19 Safety Rules:https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-order-58/download
COVID-19 Order #57 – Further Revised Order Regulating Gatherings in the Commonwealth: https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-order-57/download
Business Sector Reopening Guidance for Phase 3, Steps 1 & 2 Chart (available in multiple languages): https://www.mass.gov/lists/business-sector-reopening-guidance-for-phase-3-steps-1-2
Vaccinations are coming. Vaccination information is currently being updated almost daily and can be found at:https://www.mass.gov/covidvaccine