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Breathe: this is the new normal and is likely to be with us for the next 12-24 months.

I just wanted to provide our membership with informational updates regarding the Coronavirus that now has begun to spread in our Commonwealth.

For the record as of last night there are two outbreaks within our Commonwealth: one in Boston centering around attendees to an international conference, and the second in northern Berkshire County from an unknown source. But I would assume that many more locations will be identified by week’s end.

We are aware of a half of dozen senior center closures due to this illness, some within hotspots and others in nearby locations.

Let me reemphasize that curtailing activities in your center and full closure are along a spectrum of options that you should consider only after consulting with your town governing authority, and your local Department of Public Health. Your ASAP and regional hospital may  also offer guidance.

The disease is not yet statewide, so decisions should be made locally/regionally.

The profound and documented benefits of attending a senior center should be juxtaposed to risks of transmission to attendees and staff.

Areas for consideration:

  1. Signage that sets the tone on the front door of your senior center, on your web site, and in your newsletter specifically stating your local policy and reinforcing the Administration’s message that if you are ill or an at risk population (compromised immune system) stay at home.  There are many graphics and valuable information of the websites listed below that are available to download and use.
  2. Ratchet up your cleaning/sanitation protocols.
  3. Consider your center’s operation. Consider what activities should be cancelled or curtailed (van transport of healthy and potentially sick older adults, meals programs, exercise rooms, outreach 1:1).
  4. All large groups 50+ should be curtailed as per Administration directive.
  5. The concept of social distancing promotes avoiding large groups and keeping a 6’ distance; and it promotes Isolating at risk individuals  and anyone that is symptomatic and been in contact with anyone who has been symptomatic.
  6. Use the phone/web more and set up a chat system to check on your constituents.
  7. What critical services need to continue even if you shut your doors. Who are the most at risk.
  8. Information leads to better decisions and less panic.  It is important for the staff to remain and project calm.

I  would suggest that you check these resources daily, because information is changing very quickly:

CDC:       https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/php/risk-assessment.html

MA DPH: https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

NCOA:  https://www.ncoa.org/blog/coronavirus-what-older-adults-need-to-know/ utm_source=ncoa&utm_medium=homepage

MCOA’s Direct Response:

  1. We want to track service curtailment and site closures.  Early next week a system will be implemented to track center closures and service curtailment that we will share with the Administration. Kathy Bowler will be taking the lead with this project
  2. Betsy Connell and Tara Hammes will be taking the lead with a weekly conference call to listen to our members concerns and questions. We will then try to find answers by forwarding this information onto the appropriate authorities. Details to follow.
  3. On our website www.mcoaonline.com we will be adding a tab by the end of the week in the second Banner line labeled Coronavirus. It will provide contain: regularly updated information, a link for you to  inform MCOA of changes to your centers status, links to resources, FAQ’s, and how to register to participate in the weekly conference call.
  4. MCOA Calendar:  As the virus progresses will be reevaluating all upcoming events. Please check in with the website to make sure any of our sponsored events are still scheduled including not limited to:
    1. Membership/Advisory Council Meeting: April 8th in Franklin  Cancelled
    2. Small and Rural COA Conference: April 30th at the Sturbridge Host  To Be Determined
    3. MCOA Annual Meeting: June 17th To Be Determined

Again we need to pace ourselves for the long haul. According to Anthony Stephen “Tony” Fauci the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health a vaccine may be 12-24 months away so this will be the new normal.  What will our Senior Center network evolve into as we meet this challenge. We welcome your feedback as we travel in this uncharted territory.

Dave

David P. Stevens
Executive Director
Massachusetts Councils on Aging
Email: david@mcoaonline.com
Web: www.mcoaonline.com
Cell: 413.539.0565

Massachusetts Councils
on Aging

116 Pleasant Street, Suite 306
Easthampton, MA 01027
 
Telephone: 413-527-6425
Fax: 413-527-7138