PHONE To receive up-to-date WHA alerts, text WHACOVID to 67076
Text to join the WHA COVID-19 alerts and receive the latest updates on COVID-19 / Coronavirus on your phone.
*** THE WHA IS OPEN, BUT ALL OUR OFFICES ARE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE ***
WHA RESIDENT NEWSLETTER LATEST UPDATE - January 19, 2021
We are pleased to inform you that both residents a nd staff of public and private low income and affordable senior housing are now included in the first group of Phase Two of vaccine deployment in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, which is anticipated to begin in February.
Additional guidance and information can be found at www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccinations-for-senior-housing-settings. The new guidance means that residents of the vast majority of our properties will be able to be vaccinated in Phase Two, Group One, including specifically, residents of: Elm Park Tower Apartments
Lincoln Park Tower Apartments
Webster Square Towers East & West
Pleasant Tower Apartments
Murray & Wellington Apartments
Belmont Tower Apartments
Mill Pond Apartments
Addison Apartments
Mayside Apartments
Lafayette Place
Curran Terrace
Booth Apartments
Greenwood GardensResidents of WHA family and other sites not listed above may also be included in Phase Two, Group One if they meet one or both of the following criteria: 1) individuals with two or more comorbidities; or 2) individuals age 75 and over. All other residents will be eligible in other phases, as outlined by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts COVID-19 vaccination program.
The WHA is working with local public health officials to coordinate and set-up vaccination sites on our properties in order to ensure the highest possible participation and outcomes. Please pay close attention to all WHA resident notices and calls. More information will be forthcoming in the next few weeks as we work out the details.
We hope that you will all participate and get vaccinated. It is the only way that our community will defeat this deadly virus that has held our country hostage for the last year. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Thank you.
SHOULD I WEAR A MASK INDOORS?
Remember, Massachusetts is under a mask mandate order, which means that masks must be worn at all times while in public, even when you can social distance appropriately. Masks are required on all WHA properties, at all times that you are outside of your unit.
However, it is just as important to remember to wear your mask when indoors at all times if visiting with family, friends, or others who do not live with you.
Our data shows that a majority of the spread of the Coronavirus within our residents and employees has been via asymptomatic family members. Visits with a parent, aunt, uncle, cousin, or grandparent. Celebrations over the holidays or for special occasions. Anytime you visit someone outside of your immediate household, you are putting yourself and them at risk.
Just because they are part of your family does not mean that they are part of your circle. They may be having visits from caregivers or service providers. They may be going to different stores or workplaces than you. Their children may be attending a different school or classroom. All of it means a wider contact pool. Keep your family safe - wear your mask!
Assume everyone around you is infected - wear a mask!
THE NUMBERS In Massachusetts: As of January 14th, there were 91,396 active cases, with 2,226 people hospitalized, 454 in ICU, and 13,156 deaths. In Worcester: As of January 14th, there were 17,129 confirmed positive cases. The current highest percentage of cases have been diagnosed in people ages 20-39.At our properties: At our properties: 30 WHA households are currently under quarantine because someone is positive for COVID-19.RESOURCES Need a COVID test?www.mass.gov/info-details/stop-the-spreador here: www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing. Need information? Call the City of Worcester COVID-19 hotline at 508-799-1019, open Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Albanian. Text WHACOVID to 67076 for text alerts or visit our website: www.worcesterha.org/covid19.htmlInfected or exposed? Need a mask? Call your Property Manager or Resident Services at 508-635-3306 for resources to help you quarantine safely.
WHA RESIDENT NEWSLETTER URGENT UPDATE - January 5, 2021
ARE YOU MASKING UP? I mask up for our safety: "It's frustrating to wear masks everywhere, but I understand why it's needed. We wear our masks because you just never know who is infected. I'd rather take precautions." - Yariliz Vega, WHA Resident, Lakeside Apartments. WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER.
I mask up for our elders: "It's a partnership. We need to work together to stay safe. I live in an elderly building; many of us have pre-existing conditions. We all need to adapt." - Joyce Waters, WHA Resident Leader, Elm Park Tower. WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER.
The holidays are over and while vaccine distribution has started to roll out around the country, the aftermath of family gatherings for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s celebrations are shattering worldwide records, overwhelming hospitals, and taking the lives of loved ones across the globe.
It will continue to get worse, but you can help. The easiest way to slow and stop the spread of COVID-19 is to WEAR A MASK.
COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets. Respiratory droplets travel into the air when you cough, sneeze, talk, shout, or sing. These droplets can then land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby, or they may breathe these droplets in from the air.
Masks are a simple barrier to help prevent your respiratory droplets from reaching others. Studies show that masks reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth.
You should wear a mask at all times, even if you do not feel sick. Several studies have found that both people with COVID-19 who never develop symptoms (asymptomatic) AND those who are not yet showing symptoms (pre-symptomatic) can still spread the virus to other people.
If that’s not enough to convince you, understand that wearing a mask is the law. In Massachusetts, Governor Baker issued an Order effective November 6, 2020 requiring masks in all public places, at all times, whether indoors or outdoors, even when socially distanced.
REMEMBER: MASKS MUST BE WORN ON ALL WHA PROPERTIES, ANY TIME YOU OR YOUR GUESTS ARE OUTSIDE OF YOUR UNIT – THIS IS MANDATORY.
Top left: COVID-19 Carrier (without mask) is risk of spread HIGH to healthy person (without mask)
Bottom left: COVID-19 Carrier (without mask) is risk of spread MODERATELY HIGH to healthy person (with mask)
Top right: COVID-19 Carrier (with mask) is risk of spread LOW to healthy person (without mask)
Bottom right: COVID-19 Carrier (with mask) is risk of spread VERY LOW to healthy person (with mask)
THE NUMBERS In Massachusetts: As of January 3rd, there were 79,261 active cases, with 2,291 people hospitalized and 416 in ICU.In Worcester: Currently, only 15 of the 75 beds in the DCU field hospital remain open. From December 24th through December 31st, 772 new cases were diagnosed in Worcester and to date, 329 city residents have died from the virus.At our properties:This weekend the WHA lost its 6th resident to the virus. We currently have 29 residents positive for the virus, with 5 more under quarantine pending results. Please assume everyone around you is infected and wear a mask!RESOURCES Need a COVID test?www.mass.gov/info-details/stop-the-spreadwww.mass.gov/covid-19-testing. Need information? Call the City of Worcester COVID-19 hotline at 508-799-1019, open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and AlbanianInfected or exposed? Need a mask? Call your Property Manager or Resident Services at 508-635-3306 for resources to help you quarantine safely.Other resources: Text WHACOVID to 67076 for text alerts or visit our website: www.worcesterha.org/covid19.html
WHA RESIDENT NEWSLETTER URGENT UPDATE - DECEMBER 7, 2020
The Thanksgiving holiday has passed and the country is already experiencing a surge surpassing what we witnessed in the spring. Hospitals and healthcare providers are quickly becoming overwhelmed. Cases caused by Thanksgiving gatherings have not even been fully accounted for yet. According to Dr. Fauci and the CDC, in the upcoming weeks, it will get worse.
Below is a small part of the obituary of Dr. Marvin Farr, who died on December 1st at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas. This touching tribute, written by his son, Courtney, stresses the importance of wearing a mask and the tragic consequences of ignoring basic safety protocols.
“Dr. Marvin James Farr, 81, of Scott City, Kansas, passed away Dec. 1, 2020, in isolation at Park Lane Nursing Home. He was preceded in death by more than 260,000 Americans infected with covid-19. He died in a room not his own, being cared for by people dressed in confusing and frightening ways. He died with covid-19, and his final days were harder, scarier and lonelier than necessary. He was not surrounded by friends and family.”
On the eve of Thanksgiving, the Worcester Housing Authority lost its fifth resident to the Coronavirus. She passed away alone in the hospital, without family. This resident was only 53 years old. Her family was unable to see her in her final moments, or to say goodbye.
The infection rate on our properties is growing and we continue to see residents not wearing masks and not social distancing. We are also seeing an increase in the number of visitors entering our buildings without masks. There should not be visitors entering WHA property during this surge. If you must have a visitor for a specific reason such as medical care, that visitor should wear a mask at all times, remain in one room, and you should disinfect the room once they leave. Residents are responsible for ensuring their visitors are complying with WHA rules.
Wearing a mask on WHA property is required. It is the easiest way to reduce the spread of the coronavirus and to protect yourself and the people you care about. Think about a loved one dying alone in a hospital room, without family or friends, surrounded by strangers in masks and gowns and protective gear, afraid to touch them or to hold their hand for fear of transmitting the virus to their own children and families. Put yourself in the shoes of those who have lost loved ones and remember that you can help to prevent it. It’s not hard, but it is important. Wear a mask.
Thank you.
THE NUMBERS In Massachusetts: As of December 3, there were 49,225 active COVID cases across the state. 1,324 patients are hospitalized and 261 are in an intensive care unit. In Worcester: Last week, Worcester saw the highest numbers of infections it has seen since the start of the pandemic, with 10,127 infections. 278 new cases were diagnosed in a single day on December 2nd. 306 Worcester residents have died from the virus.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 statistics:28 active cases on WHA properties.
20 positive for COVID-19.
8 in quarantine pending results.
5 WHA residents have died.
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 andnose.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 - DECEMBER 22, 2020
We are in the midst of a true crisis across the nation in regard to COVID-19. Infection rates across the country are skyrocketing and quickly surpassing anything we saw in the spring. The “second wave” is here.
WEAR YOUR MASK – IT’S MANDATORY It is CRITICAL that we all stay vigilant.
We have received a number of reports that residents and visitors are continuing to move about the properties without masks.
Masks are REQUIRED on all WHA properties.
WHA staff will be visiting our properties over the next few weeks to:
Remind residents/visitors to wear masks.Hand out masks to ensure compliance.
Follow the WHA’s Facebook page to see our “Mask Up” campaign, where every week, your neighbors, friends, and community members tell us why they are masking-up for your safety and their own. Return the favor - wear a mask!
I mask up for my health: "I wear a mask for many reasons, the main one that I have existing health issues and was sick when the virus started. It keeps us all safe." - Ed Labliberte, WHA Resident, Greenwood Apartments and JWRC Chair. WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER.
THE VACCINE IS COMING
There is a light at the end of this long tunnel – the vaccine is on the way! However, it will likely be months at a minimum before the majority of us are able to get the vaccine. Health care workers, people in long-term care facilities, essential workers/front-line personnel, and the elderly will get the vaccine first. Public health officials estimate that 70-75% of the population needs to be vaccinated before we can begin getting
“back to normal.” Individuals with questions about what phase they can be vaccinated in can send an email to COVID-19-Vaccine-Plan-MA@mass.gov. Read more about the vaccine here:
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/14/well/live/covid-vaccine-questions.html.
GATHER SAFELY FOR THE HOLIDAYS – GO VIRTUAL
Once again, the holidays are upon us. However you celebrate, please do it safely. Public health officials note that many of the infections we are seeing now are as a result of Thanksgiving gatherings. Do not invite people to your unit who do not live with you. Do not share food or drink. Do not congregate in groups. There are a number of video services available like Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime, and Facebook chat where you can safely celebrate with your family, from a distance.
The best gift you can give to your loved ones this year is the gift of good health - stay home!
RESOURCES Need a COVID test?www.mass.gov/info-details/stop-the-spreadwww.mass.gov/covid-19-testing. City of Worcester COVID-19 hotline: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?
Contact your Property Manager, or WHA Resident Services at 508-635-3306 for assistance and resources to quarantine safely.WHA COVID-19 updates:www.worcesterha.org/covid19.htmlwww.facebook.com/WorcesterHousingSign up for text alerts by texting WHACOVID to 67076. COVID-19 It's not on anyone's wishlist. Spread cheer, not COVID-19 for the holidays!Wash your hands; Wear a mask; Stay 6 feet apart; Stay at home; Gather virtually. To receive up-to-date WHA alerts, text WHACOVID to 67076. Visit the WHA COVID-19 page for up-to-date news and info: www.worcesterha.org/covid19.html
THE NUMBERS In Massachusetts: As of December 20th, there were 82,617 active COVID cases across the state. 1,919 patients are hospitalized and 387 are in an intensive care unit.In Worcester: One out of every four tests in Worcester is coming back positive. From December 10th – 18th, 1,390 new cases were diagnosed and eight more people died.At our properties, the numbers continue to rise, particularly at our family sites and in higher numbers at GBV, Curtis, and Lakeside Apartments. Current WHA statistics:36 active cases
28 positive for COVID-19
8 in quarantine pending results
5 resident deaths.
WHA RESIDENT NEWSLETTER URGENT UPDATE - DECEMBER 7, 2020
The Thanksgiving holiday has passed and the country is already experiencing a surge surpassing what we witnessed in the spring. Hospitals and healthcare providers are quickly becoming overwhelmed. Cases caused by Thanksgiving gatherings have not even been fully accounted for yet. According to Dr. Fauci and the CDC, in the upcoming weeks, it will get worse.
Below is a small part of the obituary of Dr. Marvin Farr, who died on December 1st at the Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City, Kansas. This touching tribute, written by his son, Courtney, stresses the importance of wearing a mask and the tragic consequences of ignoring basic safety protocols.
“Dr. Marvin James Farr, 81, of Scott City, Kansas, passed away Dec. 1, 2020, in isolation at Park Lane Nursing Home. He was preceded in death by more than 260,000 Americans infected with covid-19. He died in a room not his own, being cared for by people dressed in confusing and frightening ways. He died with covid-19, and his final days were harder, scarier and lonelier than necessary. He was not surrounded by friends and family.”
On the eve of Thanksgiving, the Worcester Housing Authority lost its fifth resident to the Coronavirus. She passed away alone in the hospital, without family. This resident was only 53 years old. Her family was unable to see her in her final moments, or to say goodbye.
The infection rate on our properties is growing and we continue to see residents not wearing masks and not social distancing. We are also seeing an increase in the number of visitors entering our buildings without masks. There should not be visitors entering WHA property during this surge. If you must have a visitor for a specific reason such as medical care, that visitor should wear a mask at all times, remain in one room, and you should disinfect the room once they leave. Residents are responsible for ensuring their visitors are complying with WHA rules.
Wearing a mask on WHA property is required. It is the easiest way to reduce the spread of the coronavirus and to protect yourself and the people you care about. Think about a loved one dying alone in a hospital room, without family or friends, surrounded by strangers in masks and gowns and protective gear, afraid to touch them or to hold their hand for fear of transmitting the virus to their own children and families. Put yourself in the shoes of those who have lost loved ones and remember that you can help to prevent it. It’s not hard, but it is important. Wear a mask.
Thank you.
THE NUMBERS In Massachusetts: As of December 3, there were 49,225 active COVID cases across the state. 1,324 patients are hospitalized and 261 are in an intensive care unit. In Worcester: Last week, Worcester saw the highest numbers of infections it has seen since the start of the pandemic, with 10,127 infections. 278 new cases were diagnosed in a single day on December 2nd. 306 Worcester residents have died from the virus.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 statistics:28 active cases on WHA properties.
20 positive for COVID-19.
8 in quarantine pending results.
5 WHA residents have died.
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 andnose.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 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.
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.
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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