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 March 4, there have been 14,564 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
Click here for information related to the status of COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Lowell.

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. The majority of Massachusetts residents will be eligible to be vaccinated during phase 3, which is tentatively scheduled to begin in April 2021. For information on when you will be eligible to be vaccinated, click here.

Due to high demand and constrained vaccine supply in Massachusetts, appointment for COVID-19 vaccinations are extremely limited. Eligible residents may have to wait several weeks for an appointment.  

CITY HALL OPERATIONS
Effective March 1, 2021, City Hall and all other City offices will be open public during regular business hours. Members of the public are encouraged to continue to conduct business with the City remotel when possible: by phone, online or by mail. 

Members of the public entering any City building must adhere to physical distancing guidelines, remaining six feet apart from City employee and other members of the public, and will be required to wear a face covering for duration of their visit. Individuals are asked to avoid entering City buildings if they are sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Plexiglas barriers have been installed in areas of City buildings that will be accessible to the public to provide a partition between visitors and staff.  

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. 

Statewide orders intended to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 change frequently. To view an update list of COVID-specific regulations and guidelines, click here.

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

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

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.