March 11, 2020
Loaves & Fishes Community,
The safety and health of everyone in the Loaves & Fishes community-clients, volunteers, donors and staff-is of utmost importance to us. Because the current Coronavirus issue is developing quickly and may be causing concern, we want to assure you of what we are doing as an organization to proactively deal with this situation.
WHAT WE HAVE DONE/ARE DOING:
- We are monitoring information on a daily basis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and local health authorities
- We have mobilized a Client Drive-Thru Pantry to limit exposure for clients, volunteers and staff
- We have canceled all meetings and volunteer information sessions indefinitely
- Our cleaning contractor is on-site each week to thoroughly clean and disinfect the entire facility
- Our staff team is disinfecting the facility each day
- Prepacked boxes of groceries will be distributed to key community partners (Councils on Aging, Police Department, etc.) for distribution at their discretion
- Developed protocols to deal with:
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- An individual who has been at the Pantry and has been diagnosed with the Coronavirus, or is caring for someone who has been diagnosed with the Coronavirus
- An individual who has been at the Pantry and has been exposed to the Coronavirus but is not showing symptoms
- The possible spread of the Coronavirus to one of our communities
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WHAT WE NEED YOU TO DO IF YOU FREQUENT THE PANTRY AS A CLIENT, VOLUNTEER OR DONOR:
- Alert us immediately if you have:
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- been diagnosed with the Coronavirus
- been exposed to someone who has been diagnosed with the Coronavirus
- recently traveled either internationally or state-side
- plans to travel either internationally or state-side
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- If you are ill do not come to the Pantry. In accordance with the CDC recommendations if you present at the Pantry and appear to be ill we will ask you to leave. If you are a client-contact us at: 978-772-4627, x312 or by email at: clientservices@loavesfishespantry.org. We will do our best to provide you with groceries.
- Follow CDC guidelines for preventative measures which can limit the spread of the virus:
CDC CORONAVIRUS GUIDELINES
We understand that the current situation may cause concern, however, our hope is to reassure you that we are doing everything possible to minimize exposure to illness and keep those who visit the Pantry as safe as possible. As things develop in this rapidly changing environment, we will keep you informed of any adjustments to our plan via email, website and Facebook. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Patty
Patricia A. Stern
Executive Director
(978) 772-4627, x310
Andrea
Andrea Myette
President
Board of Directors