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Statement from Shaun Kinsella – Executive Director of Adult Disability Services On Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response

Statement from Shaun Kinsella – Executive Director of Adult Disability Services on Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

During this challenging and rapidly evolving situation, we would like you to be informed of the procedures currently being taken at MAB to maintain the safety of our participants, staff, visitors and members of the general public. Everything we are doing is in conjunction with our State agencies, such as the Department of Developmental Services, the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission and MassHealth. In turn, these agencies are working in consultation with the MA Department of Public Health which is the agency in Massachusetts charged with coordinating efforts in responding to the outbreak of COVID-19. While these measures are currently precautionary in nature, it is anticipated that in due course as the virus spreads, they will become more necessary and additional measures will be taken.

Day Programs:

  • Effective immediately entry to day programs will be restricted to essential personnel only. Any non-essential visitors will be asked to leave.
  • All staff, visitors and participants will be asked to wait in the lobby until they have been asked a standard set of questions recommended by DPH to assess the threat of exposure. Any person deemed to be at risk will not be allowed entry.
  • Day programs will be deep cleaned and sanitized regularly with particular attention to high risk areas such as door knobs.
  • All participants and staff will be monitored for symptoms of the virus and any person showing symptoms will be immediately removed.
  • Any threat of exposure to participants will be notified to guardians, DPH, the funding agency and health care providers.
  • Please assist us to be able to provide necessary services by keeping unnecessary visitors away from the programs and reporting any symptoms or possible exposure to the MAB team immediately. If a participant shows symptoms of the virus or is exposed to another person with the virus, they are not permitted to attend the day programs until cleared by MAB nursing to do so.

Residential Programs:

  • All residential programs will be placed on an enhanced and rigorous cleaning schedule with particular attention to high risk areas, such as door knobs.
  • All staff members will receive information about how to keep themselves and the people around them safe and healthy.
  • Only essential visitors will be permitted in the residential programs. All visitors and staff coming in the programs will be asked standard screening questions. Anyone deemed to be of high risk will be refused entry.
  • Participation in events or community activities will be restricted, postponed or cancelled as necessary.
  • Any staff who show symptoms or suspect exposure will be asked to stay away for a period of two weeks.
  • Any program where participants develop symptoms or exposure is suspected will be placed in isolation. This would mean further restrictions on people entering and leaving the program.
  • Any threat of exposure to participants will be notified to guardians, DPH, the funding agency and health care providers.
  • Please assist us to be able to provide necessary services by reporting any symptoms or possible exposure to someone with the virus to MAB management immediately. Please keep visits to a minimum by using the telephone or video calling.

While we understand the disruptive and restrictive nature of these precautions, we recognize that many of our participants and members of their community are in some of the highest risk categories for complications from the virus. Our aim is to keep as many people safe as possible. In addition, in order for us to continue to be able to provide necessary services, we must be able to protect the people who work for us and with us. We appreciate your understanding, your patience and your cooperation at this time.

As the situation evolves, our response will evolve accordingly. Therefore, you will be notified of any changes in the above procedures.

Many thanks. Please stay safe and well.

Shaun Kinsella – Executive Director of Adult Disability Services

MAB Community Services.