I have friends here in Northampton who have every symptom of COVID-19, but they have not been tested, try as they might, including at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, which was apologetic and would have tested them if they could have. Without adequate test kits, we are flying blind.
The first one got sick over two weeks ago, and was out in public at large events while his symptoms were still mild. The next one, his girlfriend, four days later. The next one, her mom, four days after that. The good news is that they are all recovering, slowly, in the order in which they got sick, but it’s been scary, especially for the one with other health issues.
The point is: It’s probably been here in town more than two weeks, so stay home, demand tests from the government, and buy yourself gift certificates to restaurants and local businesses to use later — that might help keep them afloat until this gets better. It’s lovely weather to go for walks and say hello to your neighbors from a safe distance!
Vicki Elson
Northampton