Coastal Neighbors COVID Information
updated: 8 April 2022
Overview
Coastal Neighbors Network top priority is the safety of members and volunteers in all interactions. Our guidelines/protocols are based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and are predicated on recommendations from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Governor Baker's office.
March 1, 2022 - There has been an update to the Massachusetts Mask Guidance. The changes are due to the decreasing number of cases of the variants of the Coronvirus in Massachusetts.
Vaccinated and unvaccinated people in Massachusetts are no longer required to wear face masks in some public, indoor settings. Masks are still required on public transportation, in health care facilities and several other health related situations. Check online for the specific guidance.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health's new guidance recommends that "a fully vaccinated person wear a mask or face covering when indoors (and not in your own home)" if they or someone in their house has a weakened immune system or is at risk of severe disease, or if someone in their home is unvaccinated."
Member & Volunteer COVID-19 Recommendations and Protocols
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All members and volunteers must be vaccinated and have their booster in order to perform or receive services with person-to-person contact.
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We will no longer require that volunteers wear disposable gloves but advise that a pair of gloves remain in the volunteer’s travel bag with an extra mask and hand sanitizer for each volunteer.
- Regardless of vaccination status, volunteers and members should continue to wear masks indoors and in cars. However, masks can be removed when outdoors to align with the newly revised guidelines by the CDC.
Most volunteers and members have received the COVID-19 vaccine and booster. While the likelihood of contracting a severe case of COVID-19 post-vaccination is extremely low, it still remains imperative that volunteers and members alike monitor their own health. Anyone who has any COVID symptoms should not make any visits or receive any services.
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All members/volunteers must screen themselves for COVID-19 symptoms daily, which includes checking for: fever, headache, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, loss of taste or smell or muscle aches.
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Any member/volunteer who has any of the above symptoms is prohibited from receiving/providing services. Members/volunteers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 will monitor their symptoms and will refrain from receiving/providing services until symptoms are resolved. Any member/volunteer who has shown symptoms, whether or not he/she has been vaccinated, are required to get tested for COVID-19 and/or follow current quarantine/isolation protocols before services can be resumed.
- Any member/volunteer who has been a close contact of someone known to be positive for COVID-19 is prohibited from receiving/providing member services until current quarantine/isolation protocols have been followed. Vaccinated individuals are required to monitor symptoms for 10 days following a known COVID-19 exposure.
In crafting these guidelines, Coastal Neighbors Network’s first concern is that the safety of members and volunteers is the preeminent consideration in all interactions. All guidelines are based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and are predicated on recommendations from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Governor Baker’s office. Again, Coastal Neighbors Network strongly recommends that all members and volunteers receive the COVID-19 vaccine
CDC Links for Further Information
- Older Adults & COVID-19
- Symptoms of Coronavirus
- Ride Share Information for Drivers & Passengers
- Running Essential Errands
- What you can do if you are at higher risk for COVID-19
Southcoast Food Options for Pickup and Delivery
Coastal Neighbors Network, P.O. Box 80073, Dartmouth, MA 02748
508.556.4004 - [email protected]