Long lines are continuing to be an issue at coronavirus testing sites in the state. Huge lines have been reported at any location where walk in coronavirus testing is being made available. Some lines have backed up into roadways and caused police to intervene. The crush is caused by many people who have symptoms, and from people seeking negative tests so they can travel or attend social events. In Springfield - the testing center at the Eastfield Mall is doing triple the numbers that they usually do.
In Springfield- the Health and Human Services Secretary Helen Caulton Harris is keeping her fingers crossed for the next two weeks. That would take care of most of the holiday case surge. But the Secretary says the city has never had numbers like this during the pandemic. The city reporting more than 200 cases a day on average over the last week. And that number has soared this week as well.
Also in Springfield- while there is a mask mandate for all city government buildings in the city which is already operational, the general mask mandate takes effect in Springfield on Monday.
In Longmeadow- the Mask Mandate will kick in on Friday.
(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)