In preparation for the holiday season, public health officials in Boston are taking proactive measures to combat the rising levels of coronavirus in the area's wastewater. The Boston Public Health Commission announced that they will be distributing 10,000 free testing kits at various community centers and distribution hubs across the city.

Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Boston's public health commissioner, emphasized the importance of staying safe and healthy during the holiday season. She stated, "Respiratory viruses, like COVID-19, the flu and RSV, will continue to pose a challenge this holiday season. We are giving out test kits and other resources to ensure that residents have the tools they need to stay safe and healthy."

By monitoring the number of SARS-CoV-2 RNA copies per milliliter of wastewater, officials can gauge the prevalence of the virus within the community. Recent data from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) showed an increase in the seven-day average count. For the southern section of the MWRA, the count rose to 596 copies per milliliter on November 16, up from 360 on November 9. Similarly, the northern section saw the count reach 433, up from 263.

To further bolster testing efforts, every household in the United States became eligible to order an additional four free at-home COVID-19 tests, bringing the total to eight per household. The federal government is facilitating this initiative through the website www.covid.gov/tests.

The Boston Public Health Commission encouraged residents to maintain their own stock of test kits throughout the holiday season and to test themselves before attending gatherings if they are feeling unwell. Additionally, officials stressed the importance of receiving updated COVID-19, RSV, and flu vaccines. The colder temperatures and increased indoor activities during the holiday season create a higher risk of illness and transmission.

Bill Hanage, an associate professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, noted the recent spike in wastewater COVID-19 indicators. Hanage, who is also an epidemiologist and scientific adviser to Biobot, a Cambridge company tracking wastewater data, acknowledged that the upcoming holiday travel and gatherings may lead to a surge in cases. However, thanks to the vaccination efforts, the consequences are not expected to be as severe as in previous years. It is particularly important for older individuals to remain cautious, as they are at a higher risk for severe infection.

Residents of Boston can receive COVID-19 and flu vaccinations at the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building in Roxbury and at Boston City Hall. The Bolling building is open on Thursdays through Saturdays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. with altered hours on November 23 and 24. Normal hours of operation will resume on November 25. Boston City Hall is open on Mondays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., with limited hours on November 22. Regular hours will resume on Monday.

As the holiday season approaches, Boston officials are taking proactive steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. By providing free testing kits and urging vaccinations, the city aims to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents during this festive time.