ព័ត៌មានជាភាសាខ្មែរ [INFORMATION IN KHMER]
INFORMACIÓN EN ESPAÑOL [INFORMATION IN SPANISH]
INFORMAÇÃO EM PORTUGUÊS [INFORMATION IN PORTUGUESE]

Coronavirus or COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that is generally spread from person-to-person when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to the flu or other respiratory illnesses. 

As of January 25, there have been 12,971 confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Lowell residents. The City of Lowell was notified of its first positive case on March 10, 2020. After a period of diminished transmission through the summer months, Lowell is experiencing a surge in new cases of COVID-19, with new cases rising sharply since Labor Day. Lowell is currently considered "red" or "higher risk" under the state's COVID-19 risk assessment system.

Data and information about the status of the virus in Massachusetts is published daily by the Department of Public Health, and can be viewed online here. 

Led by the Health Department and Emergency Management team, the City of Lowell has undertaken vigorous response and preparedness efforts since the onset of the coronavirus crisis. These efforts have taken place in coordination with state agencies and local health partners, including Lowell General Hospital, Trinity EMS and the Lowell Community Health Center and have resulted in positive developments that have enhanced the community’s health infrastructure, including expanded testing and hospital bed capacity.

SYMPTOMS
Coronavirus symptoms may appear within two to fourteen days of exposure to the virus, and include: fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, sore throat, headache, muscle pain, chills, repeated shaking with chills, and loss of taste or smell. The severity of these symptoms ranges among patients. Click here for more information regarding symptoms from the CDC.

MONITORING AND CONTACT TRACING
The City’s Health Department is notified of each confirmed case of COVID-19 in Lowell. Public health nurses contact each patient to ensure that they are aware of isolation requirements, to ensure that they have the resources and support needed to get through isolation, and to determine others that they have been in contact with. Through a process known as contact tracing, the Department’s staff works to connect with each contact to advise them of protocols given their exposure to the virus.  Contact tracing is a critical public health function in containing the spread of coronavirus. It is important that residents who are contacted by a public health nurse cooperate fully. Please look out for incoming calls from a 978-674 exchange, or that appear as "City of Lowell" on your caller ID, as these may be contact tracing calls. 

In certain cases, contact tracing may also be conducted by the state through Partners In Health. These calls will come from numbers with 833 or 857 prefixes and should display "MA COVID Team" on Caller IDs.

VACCINATION
Currently, COVID-19 vaccines produced by two pharmaceutical manufacturers, Pfizer and Moderna, have been granted Emergency Use Authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Both vaccines were determined to be safe and effective from large clinical trials. For more information about the safety of existing vaccines from the CDC, click here.

Massachusetts has developed a three-phase timeline for vaccine distribution. Phase one of distribution began in December 2020 with the vaccination of healthcare workers. It is intended that phase one will continue into February, 2020. For information on when you will be eligible to be vaccinated, click here.

The majority of Massachusetts residents will be eligible to be vaccinated during phase 3, which is tentatively scheduled to begin in April 2021. One available, information about public vaccine clinics will be available on the CDC's interactive website: vaccinefinder.org. Information regarding local vaccine clinics will be posted on the City's website. 

CITY HALL OPERATIONS
Effective December 11, 2020, City Hall and all other City facilities will be closed to the public until further notice due to a significant increase in new cases of COVID-19. Limited public hours will no longer be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. 

All City departments will remain fully operational and available to assist members of the public remotely during regular business hours by phone and through online platforms. Individuals seeking assistance are advised to contact the appropriate department by phone, or to call the City’s main line at 978-674-4000 for general assistance. 

Bill payments and requests for vital records can be done online at: lowellma.gov/paybills

Payments by check or money order can also be deposited in person via the City’s secure dropbox located at the JFK Plaza entrance of City Hall.

For questions related to City operations, call: 978-674-4400.

STATEWIDE MITIGATION ORDERS/ACTIONS
Governor Baker declared a state of emergency in Massachusetts on March 10, 2020, enhancing the administration’s ability to respond to the coronavirus crisis. 

On November 2, 2020, Governor Baker has announced a series of new targeted measures intended to curb COVID-19 transmission announced by Governor Baker yesterday (11/2). Each of the four measures, implemented through a series of orders and advisories, will be effective Friday, November 6, 2020 at 12:01 AM.

GATHERING ORDER
The Governor signed an updated order further limiting the allowable size of gatherings at private residences. Under the order, indoor gathering are limited to 10 people and outdoor gatherings are limited to 25 people. Violation of this order may result in a civil fine of up to $500. Full text of the updated order is available here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-order-54/download

STAY AT HOME ADVISORY
The Department of Public Health has issued at Stay at Home Advisory, under which Massachusetts residents are advised to stay at home between the hours of 10pm and 5am. Certain essential activities, such as traveling to working, are allowed under the advisory. Full text of the advisory is available here: https://www.mass.gov/news/stay-at-home-advisory

FACE COVERING ORDER
Governor Baker signed an updated face covering order which eliminates exceptions provided in the initial order. Under the revised order, face coverings are required in all public settings, even in those where it may be possible to maintain a 6 foot distance from others. Exempts are still available to residents who are able to furnish proof of a medical condition that prevents them from wearing a face covering. Full text of the updated order is available here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-order-55/download

EARLY CLOSURE FOR BUSINESSES
Governor Baker issued a new order requiring the closure of certain businesses at 9:30 PM, including: restaurants (dine-in service only, takeout and delivery service not included), liquor stores, adult-use marijuana retail locations, gyms, museums indoor and outdoor events and entertainment venues. This order is intended to align with the Stay At Home Advisory. Full text of the order is available here: https://www.mass.gov/doc/covid-19-order-53/download

REOPENING
On May 18, the Administration announced the commencement of the state’s four-phase reopening plan which has allowed certain businesses and operations to resume under heightened safety guidelines. Lowell is currently in Phase Three, Step One of the reopening process. Given Lowell's designation as a "high risk" community, the City has not able to advance to step two, which allows for expanded capacity at performance venues, museums, and certain other facilities. 

For more information on the administration’s phased re-opening plan, including sector-specific guidance, click here.

TRAVEL LIMITATIONS
Effective August 1, all travelers to Massachusetts, including Massachusetts residents returning to the state and out-of-state travelers are required to quarantine for 14 days unless they are coming from a COVID-19 lower risk state or they produce a negative COVID-19 test administered within 72 hours of their arrival. Individuals that were tested prior to arriving in the state but have not received their test results must quarantine until they receive a negative test result. This order applies to college students returning to a Massachusetts campus. Individuals that fail to comply with this order may face fines up to $500. Click here for more information on this policy. 

PROTECT YOURSELF AND HELP STOP THE SPREAD
The most effective way to stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic is to limit your risk for exposure, meaning remaining at home whenever possible and limiting contact with individuals outside of  your household. Other recommendations from the CDC and other health authorities include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• When soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
• Wear a mask/face covering when leaving your house.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Avoid People who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.

MORE INFORMATION
Residents with any questions or concerns related to coronavirus are encouraged to contact the City of Lowell’s Health Department at 978-674-4010 or contact the 2-1-1 line set up by the state. Massachusetts residents are encouraged to sign up for updates from the state by texting COVIDMA to 888-777.