Test positive for COVID-19? Reach out if you need help

With people gathering indoors more as the weather gets colder, COVID-19 cases are on the rise. The Cambridge Public Health Department encourages residents to protect themselves and others by staying up-to-date on COVID vaccinations, wearing masks indoors when outside their own home, and keeping spaces well-ventilated.

If you or a family member gets COVID-19, help is available. Early treatment is best, so act quickly if you feel sick.

If you have symptoms, you can:

• Call your doctor to get guidance and learn about treatments.
• Use the state’s free telehealth service to find out if COVID-19 treatment pills, such as Paxlovid, are right for you. The pills can be sent to your pharmacy or to your home—for free. To speak with a telehealth clinician, call 833-273-6330 or visit color.com/covid-19-treatment-ma. Information can be provided in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, and other languages. The telehealth service is available every day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.  You must be 18 or older and live in Massachusetts to use this service.

For local support and resources, call the confidential COVID-19 Hotline for the public health departments of Cambridge, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop at 617-933-0797. This line is staffed by case investigators who can:

• Answer questions about COVID-19 and isolation
• Connect you to isolation resources such as food and other basic necessities
• Help you access treatment
• Help connect you to a primary care provider if you do not have one
• Provide support to help keep other household members safe (masks and more tests)
• Help you sign up for a vaccine once you are feeling better

For general information, visit the CDC’s If You Are Sick or Caring for Someone web page.