Whittier Health Network’s Response to COVID-19

UPDATED 7.12.21

PLEASE NOTE – FOR NOTIFICATIONS OF COVID-19 CONDITIONS INSIDE A SPECIFIC WHITTIER FACILITY AND FOR VISITATION GUIDELINES AT THAT FACILITY, PLEASE SELECT THAT FACILITY’S PAGE FROM THE NAVIGATIONAL MENU IN THE BLUE BAR AT THE TOP OF OUR WEBSITE OR CLICK ON THE LINK TO THAT FACILITY FROM THE LINKS SET FORTH AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.

Please know that during this very scary and unnerving time, the health and well-being of our patients/residents and staff continue to be the utmost priority at Whittier Health Network. We are especially proud of and grateful to all the Whittier employees who have been working around the clock to tirelessly and lovingly care for all the patients/residents at Whittier facilities during this challenging time. With respect to specifically addressing the challenges of COVID-19, set forth below is a summary of what Whittier has done and will continue to do in order to keep its patients, residents and staff safe and healthy:

  • We have expanded our training to include COVID-19 best practices and continue to reinforce best practices for infection control and the proper use of personal protective equipment (“PPE”) and the donning and doffing thereof.
  • We have worked tirelessly to secure adequate supplies of PPE) such as surgical and N-95 masks, face shields, gowns, and gloves and surgical masks to ensure that all staff have appropriate protection.
  • We screen staff prior to every shift for possible exposure to COVID-19 and test in accordance with applicable federal and state guidelines including performing Surveillance Testing as required.
  • We monitor all of our residents on every shift for signs or symptoms COVID-19 and test when appropriate, including performing Surveillance Testing as required. When possible, we separate designated residents suspected of having or diagnosed with COVID-19 from other residents.
  • We provide new admissions with cloth masks and provide education to them on the use of the masks, hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and distancing of residents.
  • Our legal team and QA nurses monitor state and federal guidance, develop policies to address COVID-19, and provide education to our staff.
  • We increased housekeeping and disinfection schedules and purchased sanitation products including Clean Republic Hypochlorous Acid Disinfectant product to specifically attack COVID-19 for use in our facilities.
  • We have limited visitation in compliance with all state and federal guidance, while increasing additional means for virtual visits by using tablets and other devices. Please see each facility’s webpage for applicable rules on visitation in a particular facility.
  • We notify a family member or HCP if a resident is showing symptoms of, is being tested for, or has tested positive for COVID-19 or has been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

If you need more information, please ask your Whittier facility-specific representative. As the situation changes, we may take additional precautionary measures. Whittier Health Network appreciates your patience and support; we are taking these steps to protect all the loved ones who have come to us for care.

For more information about COVID-19, please visit the CDC website, which is updated frequently. See also:

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-public-health-guidance-and-directives#health-care-professionals-&-organizations-

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-public-health-guidance-and-directives#for-assisted-living-residences-

For updated information about COVID-19 Prevention Protocols Post-Vaccination, read the attached pdf with guidance from the State of Massachusetts Department of Public Health. It contains a link to visitation guidance which is also attached here.

NOTIFICATIONS OF COVID-19 CONDITIONS INSIDE WHITTIER BRADFORD TRANSITIONAL CARE UNIT

CURRENT STATUS: INDOOR & OUTDOOR VISITATION IS ALLOWED

All COVID negative, COVID recovered, and new admissions with no known or suspected COVID exposure may have prearranged indoor or outdoor visits. The location of these visits will be determined by the facility, subject to the safety and health of the residents. Each visit may last up to 45 minutes. For indoor visits, visitors must enter through the TCU Patio Gate where they will be escorted to the TCU Activity Room to be screened. Upon successful completion of the screening, visitors must remain in the Activity Room for their visitation. At the conclusion of the visitation, visitors must promptly exit through the double doors leading back out to the TCU Patio. For outdoor visits, visitors must enter through the TCU Patio to be screened. Upon successful completion of the screening, all visitors must remain on the TCU Patio. ALL VISITORS MUST BRING AND WEAR MASKS DURING VISITATION. Please contact Joe Cacciatore, Activities Director at (978) 469-1496 in advance to schedule an indoor or outdoor visit.

Since May 8, 2020, Bradford Transitional Care Unit has had 37 confirmed cases of COVID-19. In addition, Bradford TCU has had 0 clusters of three or more residents/staff with new onset of respiratory symptoms within 72 hours of each other.

Here is a more detailed update regarding the prevalence of COVID-19 in Bradford TCU. On July 12, 2021:

  • 0 residents or staff have confirmed COVID-19. When a resident tests positive, we notify residents and their representative(s) of their condition and implement protocols for their care and treatment.  We also follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), including return to work guidance, for staff who test positive.
  • 8 residents and staff have recovered from COVID-19.
  • 14 residents and staff have tested negative for COVID-19.
  • It has been 134 days since a new resident or staff member has tested positive.

Mitigating actions that Bradford Transitional Care Unit is taking to prevent/reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 include the following: altering or suspending normal operations of the facility pursuant to CMS/CDC/DPH guidelines, including limitation of visitors and social distancing and separation of residents; screening employees every shift; requiring employees to use PPE as indicated, including N95 and regular face masks, gowns, face shields, gloves, and droplet precautions equipment; increasing cleaning and sanitizing, including sanitizing with Clean Republic Hypochlorous Acid Disinfectant; providing new admissions with cloth masks and providing education to them on the use of the masks, hand hygiene and cough etiquette; distancing of residents; limiting residents’ movements outside their rooms; and separating COVID-19 positive residents from other residents.

Whittier Health Network performed COVID-19 testing for residents and employees at the Facility in May of 2020.

There is a nationwide shortage of PPE, however there is currently adequate PPE in this facility.

NOTIFICATIONS OF COVID-19 CONDITIONS INSIDE WHITTIER WESTBOROUGH TRANSITIONAL CARE UNIT

CURRENT STATUS: INDOOR & OUTDOOR VISITATION IS ALLOWED

All COVID negative, COVID recovered, and new admissions with no known or suspected COVID exposure may have prearranged indoor or outdoor visits. The location of these visits will be determined by the facility, subject to the safety and health of the residents. Each visit may last up to 45 minutes. For indoor visits, visitors must enter through the main entrance to be screened. Upon successful completion of the screening, visitors must proceed directly to the patio or cinema room for their visitation. At the conclusion of the visitation, visitors must promptly exit through the front entrance. For outdoor visits, visitors must enter through the main entrance of the building to be screened. Upon successful completion of the screening, all visitors must walk around the outside of the building to the rear parking lot. ALL VISITORS MUST BRING AND WEAR MASKS DURING VISITATION. Please contact Marlo Keith at 508-871-2176 in advance to schedule an indoor or outdoor visit.

Since May 8, 2020, Westborough Transitional Care Unit has had 9 confirmed cases of COVID-19. In addition, Westborough TCU has had 0 clusters of three or more residents/staff with new onset of respiratory symptoms within 72 hours of each other.

Here is a more detailed update regarding the prevalence of COVID-19 in Westborough TCU. On July 12, 2021:

  • 0 residents or staff have confirmed COVID-19. When a resident tests positive, we notify residents and their representative(s) of their condition and implement protocols for their care and treatment.  We also follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), including return to work guidance, for staff who test positive.
  • 0 residents and staff have recovered from COVID-19.
  • 20 residents and staff have tested negative for COVID-19.
  • It has been 174 days since a new resident or staff member has tested positive.

Mitigating actions that Westborough Transitional Care Unit is taking to prevent/reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 include the following: altering or suspending normal operations of the facility pursuant to CMS/CDC/DPH guidelines, including limitation of visitors and social distancing and separation of residents; screening employees every shift; requiring employees to use PPE as indicated, including N95 and regular face masks, gowns, face shields, gloves, and droplet precautions equipment; increasing cleaning and sanitizing, including sanitizing with Clean Republic Hypochlorous Acid Disinfectant; providing new admissions with cloth masks and providing education to them on the use of the masks, hand hygiene and cough etiquette; distancing of residents; limiting residents’ movements outside their rooms; and separating COVID-19 positive residents from other residents.

Whittier Health Network performed COVID-19 testing for residents and employees at the Facility in May of 2020.

There is a nationwide shortage of PPE, however there is currently adequate PPE in this facility.

NOTIFICATIONS OF COVID-19 CONDITIONS WITH OUR HOME HEALTH CARE AGENCY

Patients and staff are screened daily. Not one staff member has tested positive for COVID. Not one patient has had COVID while on service at WHH. 

You can be assured that each clinician who comes to your home has done everything possible to minimize the risk of exposure to you and your loved ones.

NOTIFICATIONS OF COVID-19 CONDITIONS INSIDE HANNAH DUSTON HEALTHCARE CENTER

CURRENT STATUS: INDOOR & OUTDOOR VISITATION IS ALLOWED

All COVID negative, COVID recovered, and new admissions with no known or suspected COVID exposure may have prearranged indoor or outdoor visits. The location of these visits will be determined by the facility, subject to the safety and health of the residents. Each visit may last up to 45 minutes. For indoor visits, visitors must enter through the main entrance to be screened. Upon successful completion of the screening, all visitors must walk around the outside of the building to the patio and into the activities room for their visitation. At the conclusion of the visitation, visitors must promptly exit through the patio door. For outdoor visits, visitors must enter through the main entrance of the building to be screened. Upon successful completion of the screening, all visitors must walk around the outside of the building to the patio. ALL VISITORS MUST BRING AND WEAR MASKS DURING VISITATION. Please contact Madison Brady at 978 373-1747 in advance to schedule a visit.

Since May 8, 2020, Hannah Duston Healthcare Center has had 95 confirmed cases of COVID-19. In addition, Hannah Duston has had 0 clusters of three or more residents/staff with new onset of respiratory symptoms within 72 hours of each other.

Here is a more detailed update regarding the prevalence of COVID-19 in Hannah Duston. On July 12, 2021:

  • 0 residents or staff have confirmed COVID-19. When a resident tests positive, we notify residents and their representative(s) of their condition and implement protocols for their care and treatment. We also follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), including return to work guidance, for staff who test positive.
  • 55 residents and staff have recovered from COVID-19.
  • 63 residents and staff have tested negative for COVID-19.
  • It has been 114 days since a new resident or staff member has tested positive.

Mitigating actions that Hannah Duston Healthcare Center is taking to prevent/reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 include the following: altering or suspending normal operations of the facility pursuant to CMS/CDC/DPH guidelines, including limitation of visitors and social distancing and separation of residents; screening employees every shift; requiring employees to use PPE as indicated, including N95 and regular face masks, gowns, face shields, gloves, and droplet precautions equipment; increasing cleaning and sanitizing, including sanitizing with Clean Republic Hypochlorous Acid Disinfectant; providing new admissions with cloth masks and providing education to them on the use of the masks, hand hygiene and cough etiquette; distancing of residents; limiting residents’ movements outside their rooms; and separating COVID-19 positive residents from other residents.

Whittier Health Network performed COVID-19 testing for residents and employees at the Facility in May of 2020.

There is a nationwide shortage of PPE, however there is currently adequate PPE in this facility. 

NOTIFICATIONS OF COVID-19 CONDITIONS INSIDE MASCONOMET HEALTHCARE CENTER

CURRENT STATUS: INDOOR & OUTDOOR VISITATION IS ALLOWED

All COVID negative, COVID recovered, and new admissions with no known or suspected COVID exposure may have prearranged indoor or outdoor visits. The location of these visits will be determined by the facility, subject to the safety and health of the residents. Each visit may last up to 45 minutes. For indoor visits, visitors must enter through the main entrance to be screened. Upon successful completion of the screening, visitors must proceed directly to the Activity Room for their visitation. At the conclusion of the visitation, visitors must promptly exit through Activity doors located in the room. For outdoor visits, visitors must enter through the main entrance of the building to be screened. Upon successful completion of the screening, all visitors must walk around the outside of the building to the Activity patio. ALL VISITORS MUST BRING AND WEAR MASKS DURING VISITATION. Please contact the Activities Department or the receptionist at Masconomet at (978) 877-7002 in advance to schedule an indoor or outdoor visit.

Since May 8, 2020, Masconomet Healthcare Center has had 43 confirmed cases of COVID-19. In addition, Masconomet has had 0 clusters of three or more residents/staff with new onset of respiratory symptoms within 72 hours of each other.

Here is a more detailed update regarding the prevalence of COVID-19 in Masconomet. On July 12, 2021:

  • 0 residents or staff have confirmed COVID-19. When a resident tests positive, we notify residents and their representative(s) of their condition and implement protocols for their care and treatment. We also follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), including return to work guidance, for staff who test positive.
  • 23 residents and staff have recovered from COVID-19.
  • 102 residents and staff have tested negative for COVID-19.
  • It has been 70 days since a new resident or staff member has tested positive.

Mitigating actions that Masconomet Healthcare Center is taking to prevent/reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 include the following: altering or suspending normal operations of the facility pursuant to CMS/CDC/DPH guidelines, including limitation of visitors and social distancing and separation of residents; screening employees every shift; requiring employees to use PPE as indicated, including N95 and regular face masks, gowns, face shields, gloves, and droplet precautions equipment; increasing cleaning and sanitizing, including sanitizing with Clean Republic Hypochlorous Acid Disinfectant; providing new admissions with cloth masks and providing education to them on the use of the masks, hand hygiene and cough etiquette; distancing of residents; limiting residents’ movements outside their rooms; and separating COVID-19 positive residents from other residents.

Whittier Health Network performed COVID-19 testing for residents and employees at the Facility in May of 2020.

There is a nationwide shortage of PPE, however there is currently adequate PPE in this facility.

NOTIFICATIONS OF COVID-19 CONDITIONS INSIDE NEMASKET HEALTHCARE CENTER

CURRENT STATUS: INDOOR & OUTDOOR VISITATION IS ALLOWED

All COVID negative, COVID recovered, and new admissions with no known or suspected COVID exposure may have prearranged indoor or outdoor visits. The location of these visits will be determined by the facility, subject to the safety and health of the residents. Each visit may last up to 45 minutes. For indoor visits, visitors must enter through the main entrance to be screened. Upon successful completion of the screening, visitors must proceed directly to the Main Dining Room for their visitation. At the conclusion of the visitation, visitors must promptly exit through the main entrance. For outdoor visits, visitors must arrive at the main entrance of the building to be screened. Upon successful completion of the screening, all visitors must remain in the visitation area under the portico. ALL VISITORS MUST BRING AND WEAR MASKS DURING VISITATION. Please contact Sharon Gosling or Receptionist on duty at 508-947-8632 in advance to schedule an indoor or outdoor visit.

Since May 8, 2020, Nemasket Healthcare Center has had 69 confirmed cases of COVID-19. In addition, Nemasket has had 0 clusters of three or more residents/staff with new onset of respiratory symptoms within 72 hours of each other.

Here is a more detailed update regarding the prevalence of COVID-19 in Nemasket. On July 12, 2021:

  • 0 residents or staff have confirmed COVID-19. When a resident tests positive, we notify residents and their representative(s) of their condition and implement protocols for their care and treatment. We also follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), including return to work guidance, for staff who test positive.
  • 35 residents and staff have recovered from COVID-19.
  • 119 residents and staff have tested negative for COVID-19.
  • It has been 60 days since a new resident or staff member has tested positive.

Mitigating actions that Nemasket Healthcare Center is taking to prevent/reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 include the following: altering or suspending normal operations of the facility pursuant to CMS/CDC/DPH guidelines, including limitation of visitors and social distancing and separation of residents; screening employees every shift; requiring employees to use PPE as indicated, including N95 and regular face masks, gowns, face shields, gloves, and droplet precautions equipment; increasing cleaning and sanitizing, including sanitizing with Clean Republic Hypochlorous Acid Disinfectant; providing new admissions with cloth masks and providing education to them on the use of the masks, hand hygiene and cough etiquette; distancing of residents; limiting residents’ movements outside their rooms; and separating COVID-19 positive residents from other residents.

Whittier Health Network performed COVID-19 testing for residents and employees at the Facility in May of 2020.

There is a nationwide shortage of PPE, however there is currently adequate PPE in this facility.

NOTIFICATIONS OF COVID-19 CONDITIONS INSIDE OAK KNOLL HEALTHCARE CENTER

CURRENT STATUS: INDOOR & OUTDOOR VISITATION IS ALLOWED

All COVID negative, COVID recovered, and new admissions with no known or suspected COVID exposure may have prearranged indoor or outdoor visits. The location of these visits will be determined by the facility, subject to the safety and health of the residents. Each visit may last up to 45 minutes. For indoor visits, visitors must enter through the main entrance to be screened. Upon successful completion of the screening, visitors must proceed directly to the rear patio area for their visitation. At the conclusion of the visitation, visitors must promptly exit through the rear patio doors. For outdoor visits, visitors must enter through the main entrance of the building to be screened. Upon successful completion of the screening, all visitors must walk around the outside of the building to the rear patio. ALL VISITORS MUST BRING AND WEAR MASKS DURING VISITATION. Please contact the Activities Department at Oak Knoll in advance to schedule an indoor or outdoor visit.

Since May 8, 2020, Oak Knoll Healthcare Center has had 54 confirmed cases of COVID-19. In addition, Oak Knoll has had 0 clusters of three or more residents/staff with new onset of respiratory symptoms within 72 hours of each other.

Here is a more detailed update regarding the prevalence of COVID-19 in Oak Knoll. On July 12, 2021:

  • 0 residents or staff have confirmed COVID-19. When a resident tests positive, we notify residents and their representative(s) of their condition and implement protocols for their care and treatment. We also follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), including return to work guidance, for staff who test positive.
  • 25 residents and staff have recovered from COVID-19.
  • 124 residents and staff have tested negative for COVID-19.
  • It has been 40 days since a new resident or staff member has tested positive.

Mitigating actions that Oak Knoll Healthcare Center is taking to prevent/reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 include the following: altering or suspending normal operations of the facility pursuant to CMS/CDC/DPH guidelines, including limitation of visitors and social distancing and separation of residents; screening employees every shift; requiring employees to use PPE as indicated, including N95 and regular face masks, gowns, face shields, gloves, and droplet precautions equipment; increasing cleaning and sanitizing, including sanitizing with Clean Republic Hypochlorous Acid Disinfectant; providing new admissions with cloth masks and providing education to them on the use of the masks, hand hygiene and cough etiquette; distancing of residents; limiting residents’ movements outside their rooms; and separating COVID-19 positive residents from other residents.

Whittier Health Network performed COVID-19 testing for residents and employees at the Facility in May of 2020.

There is a nationwide shortage of PPE, however there is currently adequate PPE in this facility.

NOTIFICATIONS OF COVID-19 CONDITIONS INSIDE PORT HEALTHCARE CENTER

CURRENT STATUS: INDOOR & OUTDOOR VISITATION IS ALLOWED

All COVID negative, COVID recovered, and new admissions with no known or suspected COVID exposure may have prearranged indoor or outdoor visits. The location of these visits will be determined by the facility, subject to the safety and health of the residents. Each visit may last up to 45 minutes. For indoor visits, visitors must enter through the main entrance to be screened. Upon successful completion of the screening, visitors must proceed directly to the main dining room for their visitation. At the conclusion of the visitation, visitors must promptly exit through side entrance of the main dining room. For outdoor visits, visitors must enter through the main entrance of the building to be screened. Upon successful completion of the screening, all visitors must exit through the main doors to the porch area located at the front of the building. ALL VISITORS MUST BRING AND WEAR MASKS DURING VISITATION. Please contact Megan Buggea at 978-462-7373 in advance to schedule an indoor or outdoor visit.

Since May 8, 2020, Port Healthcare Center has had 68 confirmed cases of COVID-19. In addition, Port has had 0 clusters of three or more residents/staff with new onset of respiratory symptoms within 72 hours of each other.

Here is a more detailed update regarding the prevalence of COVID-19 in Port. On July 12, 2021:

  • 0 residents or staff have confirmed COVID-19. When a resident tests positive, we notify residents and their representative(s) of their condition and implement protocols for their care and treatment. We also follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), including return to work guidance, for staff who test positive.
  • 5 residents and staff have recovered from COVID-19.
  • 208 residents and staff have tested negative for COVID-19.
  • It has been 136 days since a new resident or staff member has tested positive.

Mitigating actions that Port Healthcare Center is taking to prevent/reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 include the following: altering or suspending normal operations of the facility pursuant to CMS/CDC/DPH guidelines, including limitation of visitors and social distancing and separation of residents; screening employees every shift; requiring employees to use PPE as indicated, including N95 and regular face masks, gowns, face shields, gloves, and droplet precautions equipment; increasing cleaning and sanitizing, including sanitizing with Clean Republic Hypochlorous Acid Disinfectant; providing new admissions with cloth masks and providing education to them on the use of the masks, hand hygiene and cough etiquette; distancing of residents; limiting residents’ movements outside their rooms; and separating COVID-19 positive residents from other residents.

Whittier Health Network performed COVID-19 testing for residents and employees at the Facility in May of 2020.

There is a nationwide shortage of PPE, however there is currently adequate PPE in this facility.

NOTIFICATIONS OF COVID-19 CONDITIONS INSIDE SIPPICAN HEALTHCARE CENTER

CURRENT STATUS: INDOOR & OUTDOOR VISITATION IS ALLOWED

All COVID negative, COVID recovered, and new admissions with no known or suspected COVID exposure may have prearranged indoor or outdoor visits. The location of these visits will be determined by the facility, subject to the safety and health of the residents. Each visit may last up to 45 minutes. For indoor visits, visitors must arrive at the main entrance to be screened. Upon successful completion of the screening, visitors must proceed directly to the activities room for their visitation. At the conclusion of the visitation, visitors must promptly exit through activities Patio Door. For outdoor visits, visitors must arrive at main entrance of the building to be screened. Upon successful completion of the screening, all visitors must walk around the outside of the building to Activities Patio. ALL VISITORS MUST BRING AND WEAR MASKS DURING VISITATION. Please contact the front desk receptionist at 508-748-3830 in advance to schedule an indoor or outdoor visit.

Since May 8, 2020, Sippican Healthcare Center has had 148 confirmed cases of COVID-19. In addition, Sippican has had 0 clusters of three or more residents/staff with new onset of respiratory symptoms within 72 hours of each other.

Here is a more detailed update regarding the prevalence of COVID-19 in Sippican. On July 12, 2021:

  • 0 residents or staff have confirmed COVID-19. When a resident tests positive, we notify residents and their representative(s) of their condition and implement protocols for their care and treatment. We also follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), including return to work guidance, for staff who test positive.
  • 106 residents and staff have recovered from COVID-19.
  • 122 residents and staff have tested negative for COVID-19.
  • It has been 60 days since a new resident or staff member has tested positive.

Mitigating actions that Sippican Healthcare Center is taking to prevent/reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 include the following: altering or suspending normal operations of the facility pursuant to CMS/CDC/DPH guidelines, including limitation of visitors and social distancing and separation of residents; screening employees every shift; requiring employees to use PPE as indicated, including N95 and regular face masks, gowns, face shields, gloves, and droplet precautions equipment; increasing cleaning and sanitizing, including sanitizing with Clean Republic Hypochlorous Acid Disinfectant; providing new admissions with cloth masks and providing education to them on the use of the masks, hand hygiene and cough etiquette; distancing of residents; limiting residents’ movements outside their rooms; and separating COVID-19 positive residents from other residents.

Whittier Health Network performed COVID-19 testing for residents and employees at the Facility in May of 2020.

There is a nationwide shortage of PPE, however there is currently adequate PPE in this facility.