Resident Information and Best Practices
Residents are urged to get their information from trusted experts, like the CDC website, www.cdc.gov, and be very cautious of news from social media or other unofficial sources.
Testing
- The FDA granted a shelf-life extension for the iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Tests. iHealth has an expiration checker on their website where you simply input the lot number to determine the new expiration date (the tool is case sensitive, so use capitals if they appear that way in the lot number). Read more and use the lookup tool.
- The Biden-Harris Administration is purchasing over-the-counter at-home tests to be distributed for free to all Americans who want them, with the initial delivery starting in January 2022. Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests.
- Beginning January 15, most people with a health plan can go online or to a retail outlet to purchase an at-home over-the-counter COVID-19 diagnostic test at no cost, either through reimbursement or free of charge through their insurance.
- View COVID-19 testing sites around the state through Massachusetts' "Stop the Spread" program
- Coronavirus Testing Basics: Molecular Tests, Antigen Test, and Antibody Tests
- Read what to do if you receive a positive result and see this tool if you'd like to notify your close contacts via email or text.
Science and Research
- Review the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) updates and guidance
- View test results from MWRA’s study to track wastewater for indicators of COVID-19 infection
- Learn more about the Omicron variant
- Prevention tips
Community Resources
- View our health and wellness resources to help you stay physically active, maintain good nutrition, and cope with stress.
- Massachusetts residents can visit the MyVaxRecords portal to electronically view and save their COVID-19 vaccine record. 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.
- Enroll in Wakefield’s CodeRED e-alert system, used to communicate urgent messages to residents
- Individuals who do not have internet access can call the Wakefield Fire Department at 781-246-6435 for assistance registering
- Contact the Wakefield Food Pantry at 781.245.2510
- Read how to apply for the Town's Emergency Fund or make a donation
- Call the Massachusetts COVID-19 resource hotline: Dial 2-1-1
- Contact the State of Massachusetts epidemiology hotline at 617-983-6800
- Contact Wakefield's Health Department at 781.246.6375
Considerations for Owners and Operators of Multifamily Housing
- CDC guidance for owners, administrators, and operators of multi-family housing
- The most reliable way to prevent infection from surfaces is to regularly wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces can also reduce the risk of infection.
- Read more about how proper building ventilation can help lower the risk of exposure
Massachusetts Department of Public Health prevention tips