March 12, 2020

Dear Element Care participant:

As I am sure you are all aware COVID-19 cases have been increasing in Massachusetts and there are now confirmed cases in all the counties we serve. Currently, Element Care has no cases and no known direct contact among our participants or staff.  We continue to prepare for possible exposures and cases. Our priority is to keep our participants and staff safe.

We are beginning to limit attendance at the ADH to decrease the risk to our most vulnerable participants. We are evaluating this on a daily basis and will update our plans and policies as needed. Please be aware that there is a strong possibility of site closures and home based care for our participants.

We have asked participants who travel and staff who have travelled to high risk areas not to come in to the sites out of an abundance of caution. They are not ill or contagious but on the tiny chance they became sick while at the ADH we feel it is safest for them to remain quarantined at home.

I ask that you all monitor yourself for any symptoms of COVID-19. The symptoms to look for are cough, aches and pains, fever or shortness of breath. If you experience any of these symptoms, DO NOT COME TO THE SITE, please call your site immediately or call on-call if after hours.

OUR BEST DEFENSE AGAINST COVID-19 IS PREVENTION. Hand washing is essential.

We continue to monitor the situation closely through the Center for Disease Control, Department of Public Health and Medicaid and are staying in touch with our hospital systems and vendors. Everyone’s safety and health is our main goal.

Thank you,

Joanna Duby, MD

Medical Director

Element Care