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*** THE WHA IS OPEN, BUT ALL OUR OFFICES ARE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE ***
Hear from leaders in public health and community development on connecting families to necessary food, housing, transportation and employment resources during COVID-19 and beyond.
Sponsored by the Worcester Community Action Council, Central West Justice Center, Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, Inc., Coalition for a Healthy Greater Worcester, YOU Inc., and the Worcester County Food Bank
WHA RESIDENT NEWSLETTER URGENT UPDATE - NOVEMBER 23, 2020
Thanksgiving is upon us and traditionally, it has been a time to reflect, to give thanks, and to break bread, gathered together with our loved ones.
This year must be different.
In order to ensure that our loved ones are around for future Thanksgivings and holidays and celebrations, we must adapt. Gathering with family and friends who do not live with you is dangerous and can increase the chances of you contracting and spreading the virus exponentially. Celebrating only with the people who live with you and including other friends and family virtually, either by phone or video platform is the best way to keep your family safe.
Wear your mask. It is mandatory statewide.Social distance. Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you.Wash your hands. Use soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.Create ventilation. Have a small outdoor meal, or open windows indoors.Use single-use products like disposable plates, containers, condiments, and utensils.Limit touch. Don’t share food or drink, and don’t hug or shake hands.Include friends and family virtually. Try FaceTime, Facebook, Zoom, or Google Meet.
It is CRITICAL that you think of others when you are out and about and assume that everyone around you is infected with COVID-19. We implore you to use good judgment and consider your family, friends, and their families before putting yourself in a situation where you may be exposed or expose the people around you. You must follow safety guidelines.
Please do your part. Do it for your elderly relatives, your children, and for those you care about. Remind your neighbors, family, and friends. People are dying. It’s getting worse and it takes a village to stop the spread, but IT STARTS WITH YOU.
Wishing you a safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at the WHA. Thank you.
THE NUMBERS In Massachusetts: As of November 19, there were 34,664 active COVID cases across the state. 917 patients are hospitalized and 181 are in an intensive care unit. In Worcester: Worcester has diagnosed over 21,200 cases since the start of the pandemic and 1,225 deaths of COVID-infected persons.At our properties, the numbers continue to rise, particularly at our family sites and in higher numbers at Great Brook Valley, Curtis Apartments, and Lakeside Apartments. Current active cases:22 active cases on WHA properties.17 positive for COVID-19.5 in quarantine due to travel or exposure.SAFETY TIPS
We are all tired of this virus, but this virus is not tired of us. Stay vigilant! Remind each other to wear your masks, distance, and be safe.
WEAR YOUR MASK any time and every time you leave your private area. Wear it properly, fully covering your mouth and nose.MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCE of at least six feet from others. Do not share food or drink. Do not shake hands or hug. Do not host or attend parties or gatherings.WASH YOUR HANDS frequently with soap and warm water. Use hand sanitizer when not near a sink or after handling items such as mail, or groceries.DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE. The virus spreads through droplets entering the mouth, nose, or eyes. The less you touch your face, the less chance of those droplets getting in! AVAILABLE RESOURCES Need a COVID test? Free testing is available via the “Stop the Spread” campaign (click here: www.mass.gov/info-details/stop-the-spread), or through the City of Worcester Department of Health & Human Services (click here: www.facebook.com/WorcesterHHS). The City of Worcester has established a COVID-19 hotline with up to date information, and an option to speak with a nurse. Call 508-799-1019, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This line is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Albanian.Infected or exposed to the virus? Contact your Property Manager, or WHA Resident Services at
508-635-3306 for assistance and resources so you can quarantine safely.The WHA posts regular COVID-19 updates on its dedicated website, available here:
www.worcesterha.org/covid19.html. Sign up for text alerts by texting WHACOVID to 67076.
WHA RESIDENT NEWSLETTER URGENT UPDATE - NOVEMBER 13, 2020
Over the last month, there has been a MAJOR rise in new coronavirus infections across the state, the city, and most concerning, among our WHA residents. The vast majority of these exposures continue to be the result of a careless close interaction with an infected friend or family member, unmasked and unprotected. THIS IS NOT OK.
We continue to see friends and family members, particularly at our family sites, such as Great Brook Valley, Curtis Apartments, and Lakeside Apartments, congregating together, holding gatherings, and visiting with people outside of their circle without a care in the world. Understand that doing this puts you and everyone around you at risk and it must stop.PEOPLE ARE DYING.
It is CRITICAL that you think of others when you are out and about and assume that everyone around you is infected with COVID-19. We implore you to use good judgment and consider your family, friends, and their families before putting yourself in a situation where you may be exposed or expose the people around you. This is not hard. You must follow safety guidelines.
Important items to note:
Effective Friday, November 6th, Governor Baker has instituted new regulations. These new regulations may result in fines if violated, and include:
A “curfew” from 10:00 p.m. – 5:00 a.m. All bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues will close at 9:30 p.m. for in-person service. Stay home!A statewide mask mandate. Masks are required in ALL public places, including ALL WHA sites, at ALL times, even when social distancing is possible. Public Safety will be watching.Limits on the number of visitors to your home. You must do everything you can to avoid inviting people who do not live with you into your apartment. This includes holiday gatherings.
Please do your part. SOCIAL DISTANCE! WEAR YOUR MASK! DO NOT GATHER TOGETHER! Do it for your elderly relatives, your children, and for those you care about. Remind your neighbors, family, and friends. It’s getting worse and we cannot do this alone. We all must do our part to prevent an outbreak. IT STARTS WITH YOU.
Thank you.
THE NUMBERS
In Massachusetts: Cases are up by 278% and hospitalizations have increased by 145% since Labor Day.
In Worcester: 266 new COVID cases were diagnosed last week – the largest jump in infections since May. A total of 302 city residents have died due to the virus.At our properties, the numbers continue to rise – we had 10 new cases in August; 13 in September; and 24 in October.A total of 144 WHA residents have been infected with the virus since the beginning of the pandemic.A total of 4 WHA residents have died from this virus.The biggest increases in infections are at our family sites: GBV, Curtis, Lakeside.SAFETY TIPS
We are all tired of this virus, but this virus is not tired of us. Stay vigilant! Remind each other to wear your masks, distance, and be safe.
WEAR YOUR MASK any time and every time you leave your private area. Wear it properly, fully covering your mouth and nose.MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCE of at least six feet from others. Do not share food or drink. Do not shake hands or hug. Do not host or attend parties or gatherings.WASH YOUR HANDS frequently with soap and warm water. Use hand sanitizer when not near a sink or after handling items such as mail, or groceries.DON’T TOUCH YOUR FACE. The virus spreads through droplets entering the mouth, nose, or eyes. The less you touch your face, the less chance of those droplets getting in! AVAILABLE RESOURCES Need a COVID test? Free testing is available via the “Stop the Spread” campaign (click here: www.mass.gov/info-details/stop-the-spread), or through the City of Worcester Department of Health & Human Services (click here: www.facebook.com/WorcesterHHS). The City of Worcester has established a COVID-19 hotline with up to date information, and an option to speak with a nurse. Call 508-799-1019, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This line is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Albanian.Infected or exposed to the virus? Contact your Property Manager, or WHA Resident Services at
508-635-3306 for assistance and resources so you can quarantine safely.The WHA posts regular COVID-19 updates on its dedicated website, available here:
www.worcesterha.org/covid19.html. Sign up for text alerts by texting WHACOVID to 67076.
Mercantile Center
201 Commercial Street, Worcester, MA 01608
Monday, November 9, 2020 | NOON - 4:00 P.M.
Tuesday, November 10, 2020 | NOON - 4:00 P.M.
Thursday, November 12, 2020 | NOON - 4:00 P.M.
Walk-up testing!
Providing free mask with test.
Flu shots available with insurance!
Sponsored by the City of Worcester and UMass Memorial Healthcare COVID-19 Equity Task Force
In public and engaging with others, a mask must cover nose and mouth completely to ensure its full effectiveness.
DISINFECT SURFACES
Any regularly touched item or part of the house becomes a contaminated area for a few days. Clean and disinfect these parts such as surfaces, door knobs, computers, etc.
KEEP HANDS CLEAN AND SANITIZED OFTEN
Wash hands with soap and water, lather for more than 20 seconds and rinse. Use hand sanitizer regularly.
KIDS MUST COMPLY
Your children also need to practice these safety measures. Everyone can be hit or spread this virus.
SOCIAL DISTANCE
Distance yourself as much as possible by 6 to 8 feet. This is paired with properly wearing a mask in public.
GET THE FLU SHOT
The WHA is on board with health and safety to encourage people to get their flu shot.
Coronavirus COVID-19 Alert
As the weather begins to cool down, there has been an alarming increase of COVID-19 cases at GBV and Curtis as well as Worcester overall. The City is now considered a Red Zone and if you don’t take this seriously, we will have a second wave of COVID-19 cases that will shut down businesses, close schools and make finding necessary supplies very difficult again.
We continue to see residents not wearing masks or keeping their distance from others. YOU ARE NOT IMMUNE to this virus and need to take it seriously. We are here to help you stay safe but we all need to work together in order to stop the transmission of this deadly virus.
OUR HOSPITAL STAFF CAN ONLY TAKE SO MUCH
Don’t forget why we are doing these preventative measures.
We wear masks and follow preventative measures so we can avoid getting ourselves and/or our families sick. We want to bring down the amount of people getting infected so our hospitals have time to transition patients and have more space for non-COVID related treatments.
THINK OF OTHERS EQUAL TO YOURSELF & YOUR FAMILY
This pandemic is hard on all families large and small.
The faster we all work together, the faster we don't have to push these reminders. COVID-19 is a health and safety issue ONLY. Pleae take the effort to practice the preventative measures. The more we do, the more we help.
Dear Resident,
I want to take a moment to provide you with the latest update regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) at the Worcester Housing Authority (WHA). This is an important message, so please take the time to read it in its entirety.
I am not going to sugar-coat the situation we are in. It is bad. The number of infections within our community and across the state have been steadily rising and are predicted to get exponentially worse in the coming months. Here at the WHA, we have already experienced multiple deaths at the hands of this uncontained virus. It has ripped apart families - mothers, fathers, siblings, and grandparents - leaving devastated friends and family members behind to pick up the pieces.
Together with local hospitals and public health officials, I have been carefully tracking infection rates within our sites. WHA staff have been doing everything in their power to keep our properties safe and sanitized. Nevertheless, the number of infections on our family properties continue to go up, with more and more being diagnosed each day.
As a result, I had asked our Property Management and Public Safety staff to conduct frequent walks and surveillance of our properties to gain an understanding as to what might be leading to this sudden increase in infection rates, often with me accompanying them. What I have witnessed is disturbing and alarming.
Most noticeably, at our family sites like Great Brook Valley, Curtis Apartments, Lakeside Apartments, Main South apartments and some of our other smaller sites, we are seeing a large number of residents out and about on the property without masks and not observing social distancing requirements. These violations encompass all ages – from children, who are most likely to be carriers of the virus; to grandparents, who are most likely to be victims – I am seeing people congregating, socializing, and hanging out on the properties with no masks and no distancing. This is not ok. This is irresponsible.
No matter how often our Maintenance staff clean and sanitize our properties and no matter how many free masks, hand sanitizers, and resources our Family & Resident Services staff hand out, if you do not do your part, it will never work. Personal accountability matters. You must take responsibility for your own safety, the safety of your family, and the safety of your neighbors.
Only you can prevent more infections. Only you can prevent more deaths.
You must:
Wear your mask any time and every time you leave your home. Wear it properly, completely covering your mouth and nose. Maintain a safe distance of at least six feet from anyone who does not live with you. Do not share benches. Do not share food or drink. Do not share cigarettes or hugs. Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water and use hand sanitizer when not near a sink or after handling items in a store or outside your home. Keep your hands away from your face. The virus spreads through droplets introduced through the mouth, nose, or eyes.
We are all tired of this virus, but this virus is not tired of us. As soon as you let your guard down, you jeopardize your life and the lives of those who count on you to be here. If you see something, say something; remind your friends and neighbors to wear their masks, remind them to take precautions, remind them that you love them and want them to be around and to be healthy. Winter is just around the corner and once cold and flu season kick into high gear, we will all be at risk. Stay vigilant.
Available Resources COVID-19 related updates are frequently posted on our webpage: www.worcesterha.org/covid19.html This webpage can be translated into over 100 languages. For text alerts, please text: WHACOVID to phone number 67076. Our Family & Resident Services Department has been working hard to line up referrals and necessary supplies to assist you with food, personal care items, educational assistance, medical care, mental health resources, or entertainment activities. If you need assistance, please reach out to 508-635-3306.
Thank you for your anticipated cooperation. On behalf of the entire WHA staff, I wish you good health and good luck. We are all in this together.
Coronavirus COVID-19 Alert
The number of COVID-19 cases in GBV and Curtis is higher than any other WHA development. We continue to see too many people NOT wearing their masks nor staying 6 feet distance from others.
You need to take this seriously as you are putting the health and safety of yourself, your children and others at risk. You are not immune to COVID-19 and currently the ONLY way to prevent transmission to others is by practicing good safety measures.
It’s very simple:
FACE MASKS
Wear a face mask at all times when you are outside of your apartment.
SOCIAL DISTANCE
Distance yourself as much as possible by 6 to 8 feet from others.
WASH HANDS FREQUENTLY
Wash your hands thoroughly and as often as possible.
DISINFECT SURFACES
Clean regularly touched parts of the house such as surfaces, phones, computers, door knobs, and so on.
USE HAND SANITIZER
Use hand sanitizer often.
KIDS MUST COMPLY TOO
Your children also need to practice these safety measures.
Everyone needs to do their part in fighting this pandemic, and WE NEED YOU TO DO YOUR PART.
Walk-up testing!
Providing free mask with test.
Flu shots available with insurance!
Sponsored by the City of Worcester and UMass Memorial Healthcare COVID-19 Equity Task Force
Community Healthlink
72 Jaques Avenue, Worcester, MA 01605
Thursday, October 22, 2020 | 12:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Walk-up testing!
Providing free mask with test.
Flu shots available with insurance!
Sponsored by the City of Worcester and UMass Memorial Healthcare COVID-19 Equity Task Force
Green Island Neighborhood Center (Crompton Park)
50 Canton Street, Worcester, MA 01610
Thursday, October 22, 2020 | 11:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Walk-up testing!
Providing free mask with test.
Flu shots available with insurance!
Sponsored by the City of Worcester and UMass Memorial Healthcare COVID-19 Equity Task Force
Dear Resident,
The battle against COVID-19 is unfortunately far from over. This summer we saw the number of COVID cases dramatically reduce primarily because individuals were taking safety measures seriously. This allowed us to experience a path toward normalcy and see businesses reopen.
However, the number of new COVID cases in Worcester have increased by over 43% in the last week, according to the Department of Public Health. Additionally, since the start of August, the city has seen increases in COVID cases, every week. At the Worcester Housing Authority, where we did not have any COVID cases in July, we have identified 11 new cases during August. This is a concerning trend and I want to take a moment to remind and refocus all residents on practicing safety measures.
SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS
The safety of our residents and staff is our top priority. Although we continue to disinfect high traffic areas, such as elevators and entry door handles, there are three basic safety measures that have proven to be highly effective in preventing the spread of COVID.
Facemasks I have personally seen an increase in the number of residents and visitors not wearing facemasks or wearing them inappropriately. Please remember that masks are required when entering WHA premises. It is important to note that if you do not wear your mask correctly, you diminish its effectiveness. For example, if your mask is exposing your nose or you have it around your chin and your face is exposed, then that is as effective as if you are not wearing a mask. Please wear your mask and cover your nose and mouth and remind your guests to do the same.
Hand Sanitizer / Washing Hands As you are aware, we have installed hand sanitizing stations at all WHA developments. Please make sure you use them when entering the building or exiting. It is important that you sanitize and/or wash your hands frequently and keep your fingers away from your mouth or eyes. We recommend that you clean your hands every 30 minutes or when you have been in contact with public areas, such as doors, elevator buttons, laundry machines, etc.
Social Distancing It is equally important that you always remain 6-8 feet distance from people, even if it is someone you know well or for a long time. As an additional safety measure, we highly encourage you to limit who is entering your apartment. If you do have a guest or visitor, they should always wear their mask inside your apartment and wash their hands. We certainly advise that you halt any unnecessary social gatherings.
COVID TESTING
We have been working closely with the City of Worcester and health care providers to provide free COVID testing at various WHA sites. Over the past few weeks, free testing was offered at Great Brook Valley and at Lakeside apartments.
As we continue to offer information on free testing, we encourage you to take advantage of these free tests in particular if you feel you have been exposed to COVID or have symptoms consistent with the virus.
POSITIVE RESULT If you tested positive for COVID, we encourage you to contact us at (508) 635-3306. This allows us to assist you during your recovery and provide additional services for you and your family. We also provide additional sanitizing around your apartment to ensure we contain the virus. We find it extremely beneficial to know this information so we can determine if we are seeing an increase in COVID cases in a WHA development. We appreciate your cooperation with this.
SUPPORT SERVICES
Please keep in mind that we are here to help. Our Resident Services office is our central hub to answer your questions and provide you information on resources that you may be eligible. I encourage you to call us with any questions so we can assist you. Their number is 508-635-3306
In conclusion, I want to make sure that I convey to you that overall our COVID numbers are very low and this notice is not meant to alarm you. I have been very pleased in how responsive our residents have been and how seriously all of you have taken this pandemic. This notice is meant to serve as a reminder that we are still in a pandemic and we cannot let our guard down. Latinos, African-Americans, elder individuals and those with compromised health issues are suffering the worst with this virus. Our WHA resident population is mainly comprised of folks in the high risk category.
To avoid an outbreak or an increase of COVID numbers, please stay vigilant and encourage others to do the same. We all need to work together to minimize the spread of this virus.
Tackling Food Insecurity During COVID-19: Lessons Learned and Moving Towards a Hunger Free Worcester
Thursday September 10, 2020 | 3:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.
Speakers: Congressman, Jim McGovern Representative, Dan Donahue City Councilor Dr. Sarai Rivera and others.
Zoom link will be emailed prior to the event.
Any questions or concerns please e-mail: Karambinakis@worcesterma.gov
Translators are vailable upon request.
As you are aware, concerns about the COVID-19 virus (aka coronavirus) are increasing and, as with other businesses around the country, the WHA is actively monitoring developments and will do whatever is necessary to protect our staff and residents. The virus symptoms manifest as a mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) believes at this time that symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure.
The WHA is working diligently to provide all staff and residents the provide all information pertenint to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 situation.
While we are always there for you via email/phone, we encourage you to utilize the various remote tools available especially the CDC and the World Health Oganization (WHO).
Here are some informational resources regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and how to keep your communities safe and healthy. In addition, please remember to check with your local health department and local governments.
The Department of Housing and Urban Development's COVID-19 page states that "[e]veryone should continue promoting everday disease prevention strategies;" - If you are sick, stay home from work or school.
- Avoid close contact with those who are already sick.
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue or the crook of your arm.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
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