Dear Visiting Angels Caregivers, Clients, & Family Members,

Visiting Angels is actively monitoring the outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) that has infected people across the globe. The areas currently affected the most include China, Iran, Italy, South Korea, Europe, and the United States. As of March 10th, 2020, Governor Charlie Baker has declared a State of Emergency in Massachusetts; on March 13th, President Trump declared the pandemic a National Emergency. Currently, there is one reported case in Hampden County. It is important for us to take several measures to protect our community from COVID-19. We urge caregivers, clients, & family members to:

• Follow the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) precautions below to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases. 
• If you develop symptoms at any point, contact your healthcare provider and stay home. 
• If you are sick stay home.
• If you have traveled to COVID-19 infected areas, or had contact with someone who has, call before visiting a doctor’s office
• The Massachusetts Department of Public Health can now test for COVID-19; call your healthcare provider for more information.

The CDC encourages the following actions to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw it in the trash.
• Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily – including tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles – using a regular household detergent and water.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.

Health insurers in Massachusetts will cover the full cost of testing, counseling, treatment, and vaccination for COVID-19.

As we continue to monitor the situation, many organizations including elderly housing, nursing homes, and other living facilities are limiting visitor access to their facilities—or even restricting anyone from entering the facility. Visiting Angels will not allow any caregiver who has traveled or who is sick into any seniors’ homes until we have clearance that they are not carriers of this virus.

To further assist and educate the public concerning the virus, the CDC has established a coronavirus website that includes a wealth of information including information about the transmission, symptoms, prevention and treatment of the virus; frequently asked questions and answers (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html); guidance for travelers; and information for health care professionals. To access the CDC’s coronavirus website, please visit:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. 

In Massachusetts, the Department of Public Health (DPH) has also issued guidance concerning the virus, which can be found at: https://www.mass.gov/clinical-advisory/update-and-interim-guidance-on-outbreak-of-2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-in.  

We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available. Visiting Angels West Springfield serves many areas in the Pioneer Valley including Westfield, Wilbraham, Longmeadow, Agawam, Holyoke and other towns throughout the Greater Springfield area.

Michele Anstett
President, Visiting Angels