Local News Greater Gardner MA Covid

Covid Around Greater Gardner MA and Massachusetts

• Respiratory Rise (1/3/2024)

  

  Rise in Respiratory Cases Across Massachusetts Forces ER restrictions

  There’s a rise in respiratory illness cases across the State of Massachusetts. Included is Covid, RSV, and the Flu. For example, the percentage of emergency department visits related to acute respiratory diseases was just over 8 percent in early July 2023 and up to about 17 percent just before Christmas. In Worcester County it was just under 15 percent. Very young patients seem to be the most susceptible with a rate of over 500 visits to the ER per 100,00 for those 5 and under, with the next highest category being those 80 and over with just under 400 visits per 100,000 people. Here is the Massachusetts Respiratory Illness Dashboard, CLICK HERE

  Locally, Heywood Hospital has placed restrictions on visitation in the Emergency Room due to the increase posting, “restricted to parents of pediatric patients (one parent at a time) and caregivers for adult populations (one caregiver) as well as those on comfort measures only. Facemasks are strongly recommended.”

  For those needing Covid Test kits for future use, you can obtain them free. Here is the link to Covid.gov

  

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• The Conductor (9/28/2023)

  

  Gardner Mayor Nicholson has been called one of America’s most effective Small City Mayors, even being invited to the White House to speak about Gardner’s success. We asked him about everything in detail.

  We came away from the interview realizing that it was hard to document all that has been accomplished in Gardner in 3 years and that Mayor Nicholson still has the energy and desire to do even more in the next couple of years.

  Complete Interview page with text of all questions and answers, CLICK HERE.

  The Conductor – The Serious Business of Government in Gardner Massachusetts – An Interview with Mayor Michael Nicholson

  We had the honor of speaking with Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson with an in-depth interview concerning his time in office so far. It showcases the serious business of government and it reveals exactly what has been achieved and what it takes to lead a small City like Gardner. And, it reveals Mayor Nicholson’s vision of Gardner’s positive future trajectory. Listen to the interview on any device, CLICK PLAY.

  We asked the Mayor about: 3 perfect Federal Audits — New Businesses —- Going after Junky Buildings — Public Safety Improvements —- Impactful People Policies — Enviro Champ — Respecting Taxpayers — Improving Education — Being tested as a leader — Delegating while remaining in the know — Getting Gardner noticed — Blight to Promise — Increase in Amenities — Company Success — Housing Needs — Setting transparency standard — Parks and Recreation — As the Conductor — Projects in the Works —- 2 dozen areas where there’s MORE of a good thing — A dozen areas where’s there LESS of a bad thing — Live Music — Continuing Momentum — Future Business — Continuing Efforts on behalf of Gardner Citizens. Complete Interview page with text of all questions and answers, CLICK HERE.

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• Covid 5-11-23 (4/19/2023)

  

  The National Covid Emergency was declared on March 13, 2020. It had been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization 2 days before. For the Massachusetts Covid Dashboard CLICK HERE.

  Covid-19 Public Health Emergency to End May 11, 2023 in Greater Gardner MA and Massachusetts

  The State Health Emergency end date will coincide with the Federal Government. For more details from the State, click here. Governor Healey stated, “We know that we have the tools to manage this virus – vaccines, masking, testing, getting treatments and staying home when sick – and we’ve reached the point where we can update our guidance to reflect where we are now. I’d also like to acknowledge the leadership of Governor Baker and his administration, who saved countless lives by putting these important measures in place in a time of immense crisis.” 

  There have been over 22,500 deaths from Covid in Massachusetts since the start of the pandemic. One year ago at this time there had been 19,000 deaths, so while there are still cases, the number of deaths has been declining. As of April 11, 2023, there were less than 300 patients hospitalized with Covid in Massachusetts hospitals and about 10% of those were in ICU’s.

  

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• Lessons – Gardner (2/1/2023)

  

  

  Listen on any device. Click Play.

  Lessons About Gardner History – An Interview with Gardner MA Mayor Michael Nicholson

  In a revealing interview, we interview Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson to learn more Lessons About Gardner History, how we can learn from the past to have more successes in the present and contribute to a better future. The entire interview is available to read in its entirety, CLICK HERE, or listen on any device. Click Play.

  Topics covered include the storms of January 2023, Paving in the Chair City, the City Charter, updating Gardner City Hall, Fire Department needs, giving uses to unused City Buildings, Music Education in Gardner Public Schools, About the Covid Pandemic, Staff Development in the City of Gardner, Construction and use of school buildings, Signage in the City, Sludge Landfill Expansion, Lighting in the Chair City, Blighted Properties, Satisfaction in the Gardner Police Department, MMA and Grants, Things which didn’t turn out as well as expected, advice on purchasing a home, Spending money or waiting for grants, funding of Athletics, Gardner Disaster Preparedness, the Budget Process, Perfect Audit, Promotion of the Chair City, Growing Business in Gardner, Serving the Public, Gardner Events, Effectiveness of City Ordinances, Serving Senior Citizens, Visitors’ Center and Tourism, Downtown Gardner Traffic Flow, Funding Priorities, Environmental Concerns, Supporting Industry, Criticism from the Public, Topics of Phone Calls, Challenging Financial Times, and the Effectiveness of Various Approaches. Downloadable eBook 62 pages, CLICK HERE

  We covered more than 3 dozen topics and Mayor Nicholson was good enough to answer every question and we very much appreciate it. Listen to the interview or read it right here.

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• Free Tests (1/20/2023)

  

  Every Greater Gardner MA Household can get 4 FREE Covid-19 Tests Shipped Free

  Yes, they are doing it again. At Covid.gov, CLICK HERE, you can at free-athome Covid-19 tests this winter. Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests. Click Here.

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• MA Covid (12/3/2022)

  

  While restrictions have been relaxed and society has somewhat moved on, Covid is still with us. Since April 14, 2022, there have been an additional 1,837 deaths from the disease in Massachusetts, for a current total of 20,896. CLICK IMAGE for larger view.

  Covid Deaths Drop 95% in Massachusetts from 2020 peak

  Putting Covid in perspective: On April 24, 2020, the 7 day average of confirmed deaths in Massachusetts was a high of 175.6. On November 27, 2022, this had dropped to 8.1, a percentage decrease of over 95% from the peak.

  Covid Still a Factor in Greater Gardner MA lives: Right now, the average 14-day incidence rate in the City of Gardner is 7.7 per 100,000 residents per day, which is about 2 incidents per day in Gardner. While there were just over 5000 new Massachusetts confirmed cases in the week covered by the report, there are 650 total patients in the hospital with Covid with 72 (11% of patients) in ICU units.

• What’s Next Interview with Michael Nicholson (11/21/2022)

  

  We have a dedicated page for the What’s Next Interview which shows all of the questions. CLICK HERE.

  Gardner MA Mayor Nicholson commits to running again and explains What’s Next in a fast-paced interview.

  On November 21, 2022 Gardner Magazine Publisher Werner Poegel interviewed the Chair City Mayor about What’s Next… The Mayor answered more than 40 questions. If you want to know what great things to look forward to in Gardner, give it a listen on any device. You’ll learn What’s Next… Click Play.

  We have a page dedicated to the interview and plan to transcribe it in its entirety. For now, you’ll see most of the questions and some of the answers. We’re releasing the interview prior to Thanksgiving because there is so much to be thankful for in the progress made due to the Mayor and his entire City Team, the support of the City Council, the proactive efforts of the Gardner School Committee, the cooperation of the State and Federal Government, and the valuable partnerships fostered with business leaders, industry, and developers willing to invest in Gardner. Gardner has so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, and the good news is, more Good News is coming. Don’t miss, What’s Next.

  Interview Specifics

  We asked the Mayor if he was committed to running again and continuing the transformative work and he said yes. We asked the Mayor about plans for the Schools, Athletics, Recreation, Buildings, Projects, Keeping Gardner Beautiful, Public Safety, Transparency and Finances, Employment, Technology, Health, Music and the Arts, the Public Schools Curriculum, Climate Change, City Charter, Faith, Bugs, Covid, Business, Industry, Technology, Infrastructure, the South Main Street Bridge, City Needs and Facilities, and the Mayor’s daily priorities. It was as a state official recently addressed the Mayor, “Very Impressive.”

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• Covid Update 10-11-22 (10/11/2022)

  UPDATE 10-13-22: There will be a Covid-19 and Flu Vaccine Clinic Wednesday October 19, 2022 from 2pm to 6pm at the Polish American Citizens Club (PACC) 171 Kendall Pond Rd. W, Gardner MA. While Walk-ins are accepted, you can register by calling the Montachusett Public Health Network Covid-19 Response Team at (978) 602-2356. Please bring vaccine card and insurance card.

  

  Covid Still Around, But Manageable in Greater Gardner MA

  To put things in perspective, in the State of Massachusetts, there have been 20,341 confirmed Covid deaths so far. That’s like wiping a small City like Gardner right off the map. While the death rate has dropped, there are still over 2 deaths from Covid per day in the State. Average age of patients who die of Covid in MA is now 80. Right now in the State there are 72 patients in ICU’s with 22 patients intubated. On October 4, 2022, there were a total of 758 people in the State of MA hospitalized with Covid-19. So if you’re wondering why medical offices, clinics, and hospitals still want you to wear a mask, it’s because for them Covid has not yet gone away.

  

• Got Covid (7/10/2022)

  Covid and Paxlovid Experience Shared

  Got Covid Last Week and Recovering.   Taking Paxlovid to fight it as prescribed.  Experience: It tastes nasty (one of the noted side effects), but it appears to work.  Sharing in the hope it helps some people. Our extensive article explains what this medicine is and how it works – it’s fascinating and a bit concerning too.  CLICK HERE. Includes the latest MA Covid update too.

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• Covid Stats (5/30/2022)

  

  Covid Still Here, Most Deaths Elderly

  The average age of patients who died of Covid-19 during the past two weeks in Massachusetts was 81 years old.   The 7 day  positivity rate is just over 8 percent.   There have been just over 1.7 million cases of Covid confirmed.   Right now, there are just under 800 patients hospitalized with Covid in MA, with about 10 percent of patients in ICU units.

• Covid Trends (5/7/2022)

  

  Covid Cases Up, Covid Deaths Down

  In a sign that America is learning to better deal with the Covid virus, National death trends are down while overall cases rise. And 82.6% of people 5+ nationally have received at least 1 dose of a Covid vaccine. Currently in the state of MA, the overall positively rate is just under 7%, average age of death is 79, and the incidence rate in Gardner MA is 18.7 per 100,000 people for the past 2 weeks.

• Covid Incidence Rates (4/30/2022)

  The following is the Covid-19 Incidence Rate for the 4/10 to 4/22/22 period in Worcester County MA. CLICK IMAGE for larger view.

  

• Covid Complete (4/21/2022)

  

  

  For the latest Covid 19 data at any time from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, please visit the MA Covid Dashboard. For data for the entire United States, visit the CDC Covid Data Tracker

  Understanding the Covid Seesaw in Greater Gardner MA

  We’re calling it the Covid-19 Seesaw – the ever changing recommendations and rules regarding this pesky virus and the infection rate of Covid going up and down. In an effort to put it all into perspective, we have an 18 page pdf showing current data and information over time. There’s also a PowerPoint presentation with the same data. 18 page pdf report 4-20-22 —– PowerPoint presentation 4-20-22..

  If you need software to open Microsoft office files or simply want a FREE office suite, LibreOffice is a great non-profit source and it’s completely FREE. Website

  Tired of Covid? You’re not the only one. A recent poll by Monmouth University showed 70% of Americans agree with the following sentiment, “it’s time we accept that Covid is here to stay and we just need to get on with our lives.”

  According to the CDC, the Community Level of Covid-19 in Worcester County MA is currently low. View PDF. However, the 7 Day Case rate on 4-21-22 has the state of Massachusetts as a whole listed at the beginning of the high category. See map below: Now you know why we call this the Covid-19 Seesaw – Cases up, cases down, levels up, levels down etc.

  

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• Covid Seesaw (4/12/2022)

  

  Should you have Covid symptoms, your best source of advice is your family doctor who can advise of appropriate treatments and protocols.

  Covid in Context, Cases Up, Hospitalizations Relatively Low in MA

  The Massachusetts Department of Public Health reports that 243 people are in the hospital right now in Massachusetts with Covid 19 and the 7 day positivity percent average is 3 percent.  For the Massachusetts Covid Dashboard giving you the latest data at any time, CLICK HERE.

  

• Covid 4-1-22 (4/4/2022)

  

  Massachusetts Covid Positivity under 2% as of 4-1-22

  Trends bode well for the Greater Gardner area as shown by the map at left. The City of Gardner is identified by the red G.

  CLICK MAP for larger view.

• Covid Story (3/19/2022)

  

  Publisher’s Covid Story Gardner MA

  I’m sharing my story  to encourage folks to test quickly after symptoms and to get immediate proactive treatment if appropriate to hopefully save lives. Complete Article, CLICK HERE.

• Covid Rate (3/18/2022)

  

  Gardner MA Covid Rate just under State Average

  The Covid 19 Incidence Rate in Gardner for the past 2 weeks is 9.3/100,000, or about 2 cases for a City of just over 21 thousand people. (State average is 9.7)  Some communities in the region have rates as low as zero, while others in Massachusetts have higher rates such as Boston at 12.9, Amherst at 37.6, and Cambridge at 53.3. 

• Covid Cases Down (3/9/2022)

  

  Gardner MA Covid Cases are down

  Gardner MA Covid Cases are down more than 90% from one month ago. UPDATE 3/12/22:   The current incidence rate per 100,000 is 10.8, (just a few days ago is was reported as 17.3) as reported by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.  Rate was 119.3 just over a month ago. Click Image at left for larger view.  For the current MA Covid Dashboard, CLICK HERE.

• Heywood 2-25-22 (2/27/2022)

  

  Watch the Heywood update on YouTube. CLICK HERE.

  Heywood Hospital of Gardner MA changes some Covid Policy

  According to statements made in a video update by Heywood CEO Win Brown, each patient not under precautions can have one healthy visitor. Visitors must still go through screening, wear masks, and use gel in and out. The CEO says he’s a little nervous with the dropping of mask mandates locally and school vacation and encourages residents to still wear masks inside when going to different places. Brown stated that as of 2-25-22, there were 10 Covid positive patients at Heywood.

  In good news for Heywood employees, Win Brown explained that while some employees have not received raises since the hospital raised its minimum starting wage to $18/hour, they will soon. starting with some employees getting increases in February and continuing until all commensurate increases have occurred.

  

  

  Surgical Wing Construction

  Win Brown also announced that parking will be soon limited due to the start of construction of the new surgical wing. He says permission has already been obtained for staff to park on Green Street and the hospital is inquiring whether the use of Mathews Street will be possible. The new Surgical Wing is expected to be completed sometime next year and add to Heywood’s capabilities.

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• FREE TESTS GIVEN (2/25/2022)

  

  Over 3000 FREE Covid Test Kits distributed February 24, 2022 at PACC in Gardner MA

  According to Mayor Nicholson, “We gave away about 35 cases (each case has 90 kits) there’ll still be some available for free at the Health Department in City Hall”

• Board of Health News 2-23-22 (2/24/2022)

  

  Watch the entire meeting. CLICK HERE.

  Gardner MA Board of Health Lifts Mandate and Advisory

  With Gardner’s Covid positivity rate of 26% in January having dropped to 8.9% and continuing to fall, the Gardner MA Board of Health has immediately lifted its mask mandate for municipal buildings and senior housing.  The community mask advisory was also immediately lifted.

  

  Property changed hands in 2020 according to the Worcester Registry of Deeds. But, a previous owner is somehow collecting rents from tenants and somehow interfering with current owner’s desire to make repairs to property for benefit of renters. — It’s all headed for COURT!

  Update on Graham Street Violations and Owner Dispute

  According to the Gardner MA Board of Health, the currently listed owner and landlord attempted access to the property to address a tenant’s heat problem. However, Gardner Police were summoned to the property by a man who was a previous owner and is somehow collecting rents illegally according to the current owner. To avoid confrontation, owner left and repairs were not made. Board of Health states tenants are using space heaters to stay warm. In an attempt at remedying the problem, The Board of Health has filed in Housing Court. Gardner MA City Solicitor Flick will represent the City on Friday, March 11th. No reason was given why previous owner on property illegally was not arrested and why current owner was not assisted by Gardner PD in helping tenants, as suggested by Board of Health at January meeting.

  Board Doing Right Thing to Help Citizen

  Board did not identify property involved in another situation apparently involving the Gardner MA Building Department, Fire, EMS, and police. A property was condemned due to no electricity, no running water, ceilings falling in, and lots of mold. Individual received temporary housing and was signed up for Mass Health.

  The Honey Buns and Expired Food Scandal

  Board did not identify a local business it is calling before the Board of Health at its next meeting March 28, 2022 in person at Gardner MA City Hall. Business is accused of having expired food on the shelves despite numerous inspections uncovering the same, having leaks in the ceiling, illegally splitting up packages of Honey Buns, and maintaining a store temperature of 48 degrees. No explanation as to why the business was not immediately cited and closed down. Board of Health Administrative Coordinator Angela DiPrima stated to Gardner Magazine that the business would be identified in the agenda for the upcoming March meeting, generally released about a week before.

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• Mask Mandate Gone (2/18/2022)

  

  Read 2/28/22 letter from Gardner Superintendent of Schools Mark Pellegino. CLICK HERE.

  Not so Fast! Greater Gardner Mask Mandate only Partially Rescinded.

  While on February, 28, 2022, masks will no longer be required in Gardner Public Schools and other schools in area communities, all students and staff must still wear masks on school buses. There are other requirements and recommendations, and changing circumstances could bring the masks back.

• Math of Covid update (2/15/2022)

  

  

  (We credit the Boston Herald for a records request from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health which shed light on the issue.)

  The Real Risk of Dying From Covid in MA is Finally Out

  First, direct from the Covid Dashboard, there have been 22,188 deaths in MA as of February 13, 2022, Click on Chart at left for larger view.

  Cases by Vaccination Status

  Unvaxed Cases since December 2020: 928,178 – Hospitalizations: 19,766 – Deaths: 6,515 – .70%

  Fully Vaccinated breakthrough Cases since December 2020: 325,204 – Hospitalizations: 5,299 – Deaths: 1,319 – .41%

  Cases in Boosted Individuals: 69,398 – Hospitalizations: 586 – Deaths: 180 – .26%

  Printable pdf combining two recent Covid Articles, CLICK HERE.

  Bottom Line – Risk of Death

  So what does this all mean? it means that if you get vaxed, you cut your risk of death from Covid by 41%. If you get boosted, you cut your risk of death from Covid by 62%. Note: Underlying illness is a great risk as of all breakthrough deaths, 63% had underlying illness.

  

  

  How Do Masks Work?

  Masks are helpful in reducing viral transmission. But, it’s important to know the entire story.

  We have a very complicated 11 page PDF from the National Institutes of Health. CLICK HERE.

  Risk of Getting Covid – Do Vaccines Work?

  The differences are much greater when we unpack the overall risk of having to deal with what all agree can be a very unpleasant illness. More than half of unvaxed people get Covid. Only 1 in 16 vaxed people get the disease. And only 1 in 38 people who are boosted get the disease.

  The Details

  Unvaxed in MA: 1.7 million, Cases 928,178 since December 2020 54% get Covid —- Vaxed in MA: 5,200,000, Cases 325,204 since December 2020 6.3% get Covid —– Boosted in MA: 2,700,000, Cases 69,398. 2.6% get Covid

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• Gardner MA Covid (2/14/2022)

  

  Gardner MA Positive Covid Cases down 91 percent from the last report one month ago. View report from last month

  The State of Massachusetts also does Covid-19 Response Reporting. Information was just updated as of 5:30pm 2/14/22. Chart below. Here’s the link if you want to view more data. CLICK HERE.

  Gardner MA Covid School Cases Down, Wide Participation in Covid Testing

  The Gardner Public School Covid-19 Bi-Weekly DASHBOARD was updated just before 11am on February 14, 2022.  Total Current Positive Cases are 10, down from 114 reported one month ago, a decrease of over 91 percent.    A new statistic is being reported: 324 staff in home testing program and 638 students in home testing program.     The Massachusetts Mask Mandate for schools goes away February 28, 2022.   Gardner has not  yet announced whether the mask mandate will be lifted locally.

  Note: The Gardner MA School Committee meets Monday, February 14, 2022 at 7pm in the City Council Chamber. We’ll bring you information from this meeting as soon as it becomes available. Here is the posted agenda: CLICK HERE

  Data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Interactive Covid Response

  

  

  The Covid Cases rates per 100,000 people have also fallen. For example, on the last report Gardner was at 200.2. In this recent report covering the past 2 weeks. the number has dropped to 119.3, a drop of more than 40%. With this trend, the overall current number of Covid cases in the Gardner MA population is likely much lower as the data reporting covers a rolling past two-week period.

  CLICK on the image at left for a large view showing Covid Case Counts/100,000 covering past 2 weeks for all towns of Worcester County.

• Mask Mandate (2/12/2022)

  

  Gardner Public Schools is currently not making any data available as to the number of staff and students afflicted with Covid. No word as to why.

  Gardner MA Schools go DARK on Covid Data, Mum on Masks

  Gardner Public Schools Covid Dashboard hasn’t been updated in a month. The current DASHBOARD was checked on January 28, 2022 and again on February 12, 2022 – still states updating and has missing data. No word on why. With the statewide Mask Mandate expiring February 28, 2002 we are waiting for word on whether Gardner Public Schools will be requiring masks in March or not. As of this date, the official website has no information.

• Covid February Update (2/9/2022)

  

  For the Massachusetts Covid Dashboard, CLICK HERE.

  Covid Reports are a Mixed Bag for the Greater Gardner MA Area

  The Covid Incidence Rate per 100,000 is still high for the past two weeks in the Greater Gardner MA area. However, cases in Massachusetts as a whole are plummeting to the lowest levels in months. See the sharp downward lines on the 4 graphs below. CLICK on the image at left or below for larger view.

  

• Free Sanitizer (2/4/2022)

  

  Gardner MA Ocean State Job Lot offers FREE Hand sanitizer and wipes for Educators

  Now through February 16: Teachers, School Management, and school support personnel as well as homeschoolers can come in to the store and pick up hand sanitizer, hand wipes, and disinfectant wipes for FREE while supplies last. Ocean State says, “The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially difficult on our educators and we want to recognize these incredible individuals and help keep them-and their students-healthy.” Proof of employment required and homeschooler documentation needed. No purchase necessary.

• FREE Kits Popular (1/31/2022)

  

  Residents Line Up in Gardner MA

  Cars from Gardner, Westminster, and Athol were lined up in both directions to access the FREE Covid test kit distribution day on January 31, 2022 which is taking place from 1pm to 7pm at the PACC in Gardner.

  

  

• Covid Dashboard (1/28/2022)

  

  Gardner MA Covid Dashboard Not Yet Updated

  As of 10pm on January 28, 2022, the Gardner Public School Covid 19 Bi-Weekly DASHBOARD shows “updating” instead of a number of cases. We’ll update this story if the information becomes available.

• Heywood Hospital (1/22/2022)

  

  Gardner MA Heywood Hospital CEO Win Brown – Covid Update

  Mr. Brown spoke of the current Covid challenges including a 7 day positivity rate of 36 percent and a high hospitalization of 43 Covid inpatients (down from a peak of 48 in the last week) Brown emphasized Central Mass hasn’t peaked yet and Heywood goes through 650 N95 masks and 1000 isolation gowns daily. Some figures since the start of the pandemic: 142,000 specimens tested, 8.6% overall positivity rate, and 300 covid-positive patients have been discharged.

  Win Brown noted all staff must be boosted by March 4th and that the blood supply was critically low, suggested the public donate at the Red Cross site in Worcester. To watch this short update, CLICK HERE..

• Test Reimbursement (1/19/2022)

  

  UPDATE: Free Covid-19 Test Kits and Reimbursement for Greater Gardner MA

  The Federal Government has a website in effect NOW from which Americans can order free COVID-19 tests. This began on January 19th. For the site CLICK HERE. These kits are absolutely free (limited to 4 tests per address) and don’t require any payment upfront.

  In addition, private insurers must cover the cost of up to eight at-home Covid-19 tests per month. (This started   January 15, 2022.) Consumers pay for the tests up front and get reimbursed by insurance. Previous purchases don’t count and tests must be on approved government list: Rapid Antigen —- Molecular (PCR).

  The Biden Administration has also announced that FREE masks will soon be available through your local pharmacy. Ask your pharmacy for details.

  Additional suggestion: With many venues requiring proof of vaccination, we suggest the purchase of an inexpensive all-in-one printer (less than $70 from any major retailer) so you can scan your vax card. Back up any documents and keep a file on your phone. Now an even easier suggestion: Get a digital Vax Card through the State of Massachusetts. To visit the portal, CLICK HERE.

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• Vax Record (1/17/2022)

  

  MA COVID-19 Digital Vaccine Card

  Massachusetts now has a new option for residents to access their COVID-19 vaccination record from the state’s immunization registry and obtain a ‘SMART Health Card’ QR code to indicate proof of vaccination. 

  Massachusetts residents can visit a web portal that follows national standards for security and privacy and provides residents a way to electronically view and save their COVID-19 vaccine record. To visit the portal, CLICK HERE

  By providing a cell phone number or email address, users can obtain a digital record of their vaccinations recorded in the Massachusetts Immunization Information System. Their COVID-19 vaccination record includes a unique QR code that can be saved to the user’s phone files, camera roll or the Apple Wallet. It can also be printed out for a paper record.

• First 2022 update (1/14/2022)

  

  In other matters:

  Gardner Fire Department: The Mayor reported that the Fire Department received an 11 thousand dollar State grant to replace portions of their breathing apparatus.

  Police Dog for Gardner PD: The Stanton Foundation is providing funds through a grant to purchase a new Police Dog for the Gardner PD. 

  New Road Salt Formula: With respect to SALT on the roads, this year the formulation is different and contains Molasses, giving the product a brown color , the mayor assuring residents that it is SALT, not dirt. 

  Impressive Gardner Cheerleaders: The Mayor says that we should be impressed with the performance of the Gardner Cheerleading squad making it to nationals in Texas, especially since there was no cheerleading last year and thus no seniors on the squad.  There will be a special send-off ceremony for the Gardner Cheerleaders on January 18, 2022 at 6pm in Gardner City Hall Auditorium with a 5 dollar suggested donation at the door to help cover their travel costs to Dallas.  The Cheerleaders will be performing their Dallas routine at the ceremony.

  Gardner MA Mayor Nicholson Delivers First Update of 2022

  Gratitude: Mayor Nicholson started off with gratitude: Heaps of praise for all those who were part of the Inauguration Ceremonies in any way and thanks to all who contributed to the successful vaccine clinic at Gardner Middle School.

  Pandemic Concerns: The mayor indicated he was asked by Heywood Hospital to speak about the Covid pandemic in the City of Gardner, relating that the hospital has “well over 25 patients admitted to the hospital testing positive for Covid 19, the intensive care unit is full, …they have started for the first time to  double up on beds in the intensive care unit….the other day they had 13 beds in the hallway of the emergency room…it’s really getting to become an issue here. “

  Testing Issues: The mayor stated, “We’re also seeing a very big strain on the amount of testing that has to be done….the amount of people who are calling for a test has been such a large amount that Heywood Hospital’s phone system crashed 3 times in the past week.” Nicholson said that in order to help alleviate the testing load, about one thousand testing kits have been distributed to private physician offices in the city.  He also stated that he has spoken with neighboring communities about hosting a rapid test distribution day to help with the problem.

  Weekly Updates: Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson generally releases an update each week which is posted on the City of Gardner’s YouTube Channel.- CLICK HERE We also maintain a Mayor’s update page on Gardner Magazine, CLICK HERE.

• Covid Cases (1/14/2022)

  

  

  With Covid still challenging, Gardner MA School District releases Helpful updated COVID Protocol Flow Chart

  As of January 14, 2022 – Covid Cases reported by Gardner Public Schools are a total of 114 current Positive Cases consisting of 9 Staff and 105 students.  See chart.  This is up from 75 total on January 4^th and 31 on December 3^rd. Back on October 8, 2021, there were 9 Positive Cases.

  As another part of the effort to tackle the ongoing situation, this 7 page COVID Flow Chart was released. CLICK HERE.

  In the State of Massachusetts as of January 13, 2022, there are 3,180 patients in the hospital with Covid, 484 of these patients are in Intensive Care Units where 278 are intubated. Average age of death has dropped to 73. Visit Mass.gov Covid Dashboard. CLICK HERE

• Covid Cases (1/12/2022)

  

  

  Covid reaching every age group in Greater Gardner MA

  Gardner Magazine has charted the State data in graphic form (just click on either image at left for large view) to illustrate the wide-ranging impact of Covid 19 among all age groups. Here’s the problem: Covid continues to spread because of unvaccinated people AND because vaccines are not 100% effective. While most younger people do survive, the average age of death is still 75. Conclusion: Getting the vaccine could save the life of your older relative, friend, or neighbor. Think about it.

• Face Masks (1/8/2022)

  As of January 4, 2022: “Effective Immediately  Due to the rapid spread of the omicron variant and the advisories issued by the CDC and MassDPH,   Face Coverings are Required  Regardless of vaccination status, for any persons entering this Town building.  Face coverings will not be required for children under 5 and persons for whom a face mask or covering creates a health risk.”

• Covid Testing Update (1/7/2022)

  

  COVID Testing Change for Monday January 10, 2022

  According to the Gardner Health Department, effective Monday, January 10, 2022, COVID testing will only be performed at Main Street Urgent Care, Gardner and Tully Walk In Care, Athol for “patients who need to see a provider.” In order to accommodate the public, daily appointment availability is being tripled at the Damon Testing Site on Green Street, Gardner. Appointments (even same day) can be scheduled by calling (978) 630-6186.

• Covid Cases Up (1/4/2022)

  

  There is a vaccine clinic January 4, 2022 at Gardner Middle School. While the average death from Covid is 75, the average age of infection is 33, demonstrating that getting the vaccine will help prevent the death of other family members, friends, and neighbors. We have a page with all the stats. CLICK HERE.

  Covid 19 Update Gardner MA and State of MA

  Gardner MA Public School Covid-19 Bi-Weekly DASHBOARD updated January 4, 2022 shows a total of 67 positive cases, staff 14 and students 53.  This is up from 6 staff members and 46 students which was reported on December 16, 2021.  This data is consistent with an upward trend observed in Gardner and the State of Massachusetts.   We have a page with more MA Covid data, CLICK HERE.

• Saluting Covid Progress (12/31/2021)

  

  Greater Gardner MA Covid 19 Progress

  We made substantial progress with Covid 19 in 2021. Just how much impact did the efforts of so many have? Please read our complete article crediting efforts of the heroes who helped so many survive. CLICK HERE.

• Year of Covid Progress (12/31/2021)
• Guardsmen Deployed (12/27/2021)

  

  Guardsmen to Assist Gardner MA Heywood Hospital

  Gardner Mayor Nicholson and Council President Kazinskas were part of the welcoming team at Heywood Hospital on Monday December 27, 2021 as 9 members of the Massachusetts National Guard were deployed to the facility for the next 12 weeks.   The guardsmen who are all from the North Central MA area will assist in operations due to  Hospital staffing shortages.

• Covid Kit Time Change (12/27/2021)

  

  Test Kit Distribution Time Change

  Gardner MA sent out an emergency message via the Community Alert system informing residents that test kit distribution time has been changed to 3pm to 6pm this Wednesday December 29th.

  Gardner Board of Health states, “Please remember this is not a testing site. Kits will be distributed for at-home testing. You must be a Gardner resident to obtain a kit and proof of residency will be required. Only one test kit per adult. Proof of residency is an ID or a piece of mail with your Gardner address on it.”

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• Test Kits (12/21/2021)

  

  Gardner Board of Health – Free Covid 19 Test Kit Distribution

  UPDATE: “FREE COVID-19 test kits (2 tests per kit) were successfully distributed to Gardner residents at the Gardner Police Station on Wednesday, December 22nd. Allocation for that day was all distributed. Next distribution date is Wednesday, December 29th from 1-6pm or while supplies last. Due to limited supply, only one test kit per adult. Please bring proof of Gardner residency.” Suggestion: If you don’t live in Gardner, please check with your local Board of Health regarding availability in your town.

• Math of Covid (12/18/2021)

  An analysis of the numbers reveals the power of vaccines. CLICK HERE.

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• Life-saving Tool (12/17/2021)

  

  Advisory: Get the Covid Vaccine or Booster. Advisory: Wear a mask indoors in public to protect others. Advisory: Covid testing is generally FREE at area pharmacies.

  Save a life!

  This Gardner MA mask tool may just save your life or the life of someone you know. Mayor Mike Nicholson addressed the Gardner Board of Health’s indoor mask advisory in this week’s update. It is well-known that those contagious with Covid 19 can help prevent spreading it to others by wearing a mask. With many people not knowing they are contagious, the mask becomes a life-saving tool.

  “The Math of Covid”. Read our article. CLICK HERE

  Mayor Nicholson put this in perspective in his weekly address noting Gardner MA Heywood Hospital has 23 active Covid patients as of 12/17/21 and ICU is full. Leominster Hospital ICU is also full and has shipped ICU patients as far away as Philadelphia PA.   Another 2 to 3 dozen hospitals are FULL.  Heywood has cut elective procedures in half.  There is also a statewide blood shortage with the Red Cross rationing blood in Massachusetts.

• Covid Cases (12/17/2021)

  

  Gardner Magazine has a Vaccine News page containing automatically updated stories. CLICK HERE

  “The Math of Covid”. Read our article. CLICK HERE

  Gardner MA and Massachusetts Covid Cases Up

  With Covid Cases up, what’s the best advice for you and your family? Most experts still advise that vaccines provide the best ammunition and the CDC now favors Pfizer and Moderna over J&J. Vaccines are readily available.

  For those desiring Covid testing, Gardner Magazine has the following links for those needing Covid 19 tests. Walgreen’s: CLICK HERE, CVS: CLICK HERE, Price Chopper: CLICK HERE, Walmart: CLICK HERE. Chair City Pharmacy indicates they usually refer patients needing testing to CVS, Walgreen’s, or Walmart.

  The MA Covid Dashboard shows current Covid Cases.

• Covid Testing (12/16/2021)

  

  Covid 19 Test in Gardner MA area

  Gardner Magazine has the following links for those needing Covid 19 tests. Walgreen’s: CLICK HERE, CVS: CLICK HERE, Price Chopper: CLICK HERE, Walmart: CLICK HERE. Chair City Pharmacy indicates they usually refer patients needing testing to CVS, Walgreen’s, or Walmart.

• Covid Dashboard (12/16/2021)

  

  MA Covid Dashboard

  MA Covid Dashboard shows current Covid cases for Massachusetts. For the current dashboard, CLICK HERE.

• Mask Mandate (11/29/2021)

  

  New Salem issues Mask Mandate

  The New Salem Board of Health voted on a mask mandate at their monthly meeting on November 22, 2021. The mandate states that a mask or facial covering must be worn in all public indoor spaces in New Salem effectively Sat. Nov. 27th.

• Vaccine News Page (9/16/2021)

  

  Interested in Vaccine News? Visit our new Vaccine News page.

• Why get vaccinated? Vax Facts (9/11/2021)

  Massachusetts has a high Covid vaccination rate which has protected much of our population. However, since the vaccine is not 100% effective, getting the shot to the rest would be helpful. We understand hesitant people need facts, So here’s a page of the best facts we found…. CLICK HERE

• Getting the Vax – Setting the Record Straight (8/26/2021)

  

  Vaccine Information Resources

  Vaccines.gov

  CDC Covid 19 information

  State of Massachusetts Covid 19

  City of Gardner MA

  News from the Internet on Covid 19

  Google News Search

  You Tube Covid 19 Video

  Bing News Search

  Yahoo News Search including Video News Search Results

  So What do Masks Actually Do?

  We’ll keep it simple: Studies show droplets of from 20 to 500 micrometers are generated when saying a simple phrase AND nearly all can be blocked by putting a simple damp washcloth over the mouth. Similar studies showed reduction in droplets by wearing a mask by those having the flu or a common cold. However, mask wearing has been shown to slow down Covid transmission only by single digits, typically by about 2 percent over the 3 weeks following a mask mandate.

  So that’s why some people say masks don’t work. They DO work, just not as well as advertised. What does work very well is a vaccine. And that’s easy to prove.

  Getting the Vax – Setting the Record Straight

  Why is there vaccine hesitancy?  It’s understandable as so many figures are thrown around like hotcakes and consistency and transparency are lacking.   But let’s be very clear.  The overall risk in the United States of dying from covid (after getting it) from 12/15/2020 through 8/25/2021 has been a relatively consistent 1.7%% to 1.8%.   The risk was higher early on due to the larger number of older Americans being infected and also that the medical community has gained more experience in treating patients.  

  Risk of Covid 60,000 times greater than risk of Vaccine

    In any case, the current risk of dying if you get Covid is still about 60,000 times the risk of dying if you get the vaccine which some numbers show is .0032%.  (And that number is disputed as being way too high by the medical community.  So to be clear, even using the ant-ivaxers numbers, the risk of dying from Covid 19 (once infected) is still 60,000 times the risk of dying from the vaccine.)  

  Risk in the young, therapeutics, and candor

  Yes, it is true that the  younger you are, in general, the risk of dying from covid is relatively low with the death rate being almost non-existent in young children.   But there is a substantial risk in all adults over 18, still thousands of times higher than any risk of getting the vaccine.  We urge adults to get the vax.   We also urge the medical community to work at a quicker pace to get proven therapeutics to patients to improve the survival rates for those who do get Covid.  And, we encourage government officials to be more transparent with data irrespective of whether it supports their narrative.  Lack of government candor has caused more vaccine hesitancy and thus arguably more covid deaths.  Honesty is still the best policy.

  What About the Masks?

  The extremely small number of covid deaths in children overall is why there has been a huge objection by parents to the practice of forcing young children to wear masks in schools.  However, there have been some areas with an alarming number of children suffering with covid.  Put that on TV and fear fuels the mask mandates.   So what about the rest of us?   If we got the vax, why should we wear a mask.    Well, it depends on your appetite for risk.   A vaccine which is 95% effective means your chance of getting covid is only 5% of the risk taken by an unvaxed person.    But, there is still a small risk.  – Fortunately, if you do get covid after getting the vaccine, you will likely survive it, because severe cases are the exception rather than the norm.  The decision on whether to wear a mask is an individual one, unless your rights are usurped by a mask mandate.

  The Record is Straight

  Adults getting the vaccine helps and we encourage it, based strictly on the math.  Mask wearing can make sense indoors in close quarters.   But having kids wear masks can do more harm than good so why are we doing it?  We haven’t seen any science supporting a kid masking policy. We know  fear is driving vaccine hesitancy.   Fear is driving mask mandates.   Fear drives human behavior in general.   Public policy should be based on fact rather than fear.   Each of you have a unique medical history and we encourage you to consult with your doctor regarding any important medical decisions. 

  Where to get the vaccine?

  Here’s a link to places to get the vaccine within 25 miles of Gardner MA: from Vaccines.gov search – You can also do your own search here: Vaccines.gov custom search

  Please get the VAX.

  We love you.

  

• Vaccine – Gardner MA (8/26/2021)

  

  Getting the Vax – Setting the Record Straight

  Why is there vaccine hesitancy?  It’s understandable as so many figures are thrown around like hotcakes and consistency and transparency are lacking.   But let’s be very clear.  The overall risk in the United States of dying from covid (after getting it) from 12/15/2020 through 8/25/2021 has been a relatively consistent 1.7%% to 1.8%.   The current risk of dying if you get Covid is still about 60,000 times the risk of dying if you get the vaccine even using the anti-vaxers vaccine mortality number of .0032% which others have said is incorrect.  READ THE COMPLETE ARTICLE on our Editorial page.

• Resources RE Covid (7/12/2021)

  There are still state resources available regarding Covid 19 impacted individuals and families. For more information visit this state of Massachusetts website page. For our comprehensive post on Covid 19 vaccine and statistics, click here.

• Getting the Covid Vaccine? (7/7/2021)

  

  Click above for easy to read large version of Covid Hospitalization vs. Adverse Reaction to Vaccine chart.

  

  Click above for easy to read large version of Covid Hospitalizations per million people (and Covid Adverse Reaction rates)

  

  Click above for easy to read large version of Covid 19 Infections, Illnesses, and Hospitalizations by Age Group.

  Data below includes charts on adverse reactions to the various vaccines. Click an image for large view.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  We hope this Gardner MA News article has been helpful. Please contact us with comments.

  Getting the Covid Vaccine or not?

  That is the Question on the minds of many Greater Gardner MA people. The answer is not simple. When comparing data provided by the FDA and CDC regarding the risk of Covid 19 hospitalization vs. the risk of a serious adverse reaction to a vaccine. the answer is easier when asked based on age. For example, the Pfizer vaccine risk is almost the same vs Covid in individuals up to the age of 17. With Moderna, it appears it is riskier for those under 17 to get the vaccine than with getting Covid 19. However, in the 18 to 49 group, Vaccine wins 4-1 with Pfizer and 2.7 to 1 with Moderna. In the 50-64 age group, Vaccine wins 10 to 1 with Pfizer and 6.7 to 1 with Moderna. Lastly in the 65+ group, Vaccine wins 21.5 to 1 with Pfizer and 14.3 to 1 with Moderna. We couldn’t find good J& J data. What we have not considered in the math is that the risk of death from a serious adverse reaction to the vaccine is much less than the risk of death after hospitalization from covid. We don’t have those exact numbers.

  There is concerning data in the 18 to 49 group. 1. Why is it such a large group? 2. Would there be a disparity among the ages in the group if the data was separated 18 to 25, 25 to 34, and 35 to 49? We don’t have the answer to the questions, but the answer could help decision-making. Overall, it makes sense for older adults over 50 to get the vaccine. It may make sense for those 18 to 49 – data is not clear because the FDA and CDC have lumped so much together, not revealing enough data . For those under 18, there is clearly no advantage (based on this odds data) to get the vaccine vs. not. With all of that outlined, when you consider that there is a much lower death rate from a vaccine adverse reaction than from a covid hospitalization, it could be argued that getting the vaccine is appropriate for everyone. More transparent data would be helpful to quell concerns and provide better numbers.

  Risk of Death from Covid: In the CDC document included below, with the 18-29 age group used as reference, covid risk by age group is 30-39: 4x, 40-49: 10x, 50-64: 35x, 65-74: 95x, 75-84: 230x, and 85+: 610x

  Please ask your medical professional regarding your specific situation . CDC docs: 1. Estimated Disease Burden — 2. Reactions Pfizer — 3. Risk for Covid Infection, Hospitalization, Death — Another Document: Nature.com re Mortality Risk *****Read this post on separate page

  Conclusion: If over 50, it’s clear getting the vaccine makes sense. Under 50, look at the data. The overall math still favors a YES to getting the Covid vaccine. Talk to your doctor.

• Gardner Covid update (6/23/2021)

  

  The State of Emergency in Gardner is over, but not all residents have received the Covid-19 vaccine.

  For more information about getting the vaccine, please visit the City of Gardner website Covid-19 page.

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