HMEA’S RESPONSE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

HMEA COVID-19 Update – 8/12/2021

General Procedures/Precautions
Staffing:
o We are instituting mandatory mask requirements and screening at all HMEA sites.
o HMEA’s Emergency Steering Committee is monitoring COVID-19 developments daily and will make changes to precautions/procedures as needed at the agency

Visitation Protocols:
o We have reinstituted in-person visitation while implementing mitigation strategies
o All visitors must complete a screening assessment and check their temperature prior to entry
o All visitors are required to wear a face mask (regardless of vaccination status)
o We continue to encourage outdoor visits (weather permitting) and social distancing throughout the visit.

Cleaning/Sanitizing:
o Since February 2020, our Teams have ensured there is signage for Proper Handwashing techniques in our bathroom and kitchenette areas and a station at the entry of the Programs to sanitize their hands upon entry.
o Our staff have increased their cleaning/disinfecting routines of all high touch areas such as tabletops, kitchen/bathroom areas; offices; door handles; electronic equipment (I-pads; Kindles; Gaming systems, etc).
o Sanitizing washers/dryers and the interior of our vehicles (frequently touched seats and steering wheel, etc).

Supplies:
o All cleaning and disinfecting supplies, paper goods, etc. are well stocked
o Full PPE supplies are also well stocked and on hand at the program sites

General Procedures/Precautions

Staffing
- We are instituting remote work and lean staff teams where onsite staffing is essential.
- HMEA’s Emergency Steering Committee is monitoring COVID-19 developments daily.
Visitation Protocols: Visitations limited to essential personnel only.
- We are NOT accepting visitors (including family members) to any HMEA sites-unless they have essential business and they will not be allowed entry until they are screened and thermo scanned.
- Our Consultants and Independent Contractors will be asked to refrain from coming to the Programs over the next few weeks – at which time we will reassess our protocol based upon information gathered from the monitoring daily developments from the Center of Disease Control CDC), the Department of Public Health (DPH) and state funders in both states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Cleaning/Sanitizing
- Since the end of February, our Teams have ensured there is signage for Proper Handwashing techniques in our Bathroom and Kitchenette areas and a Station at the entry of the Programs to sanitize their hands upon entry.
- Our staff have increased their cleaning/disinfecting routines of all tabletops; kitchen/bathroom areas; offices; door handles; electronic equipment (I-pads; Kindles; Gaming systems, etc).
- Sanitizing washers/dryers and the interior of our vehicles (frequently touched seats and steering wheel, etc).
Supplies
- The programs have inventoried their water; paper goods (toilet paper; tissues; paper towels) and cleaning supplies and are well stocked. We have procured PPE and are awaiting additional orders.