The WELLesley Employee                                                           

^{A Monthly Safety and Wellness Newsletter brought to you by The Town of Wellesley Employee Safety Committee}

DECEMBER HOLIDAY SAFETY

Massachusetts Department of Public Health released December Holiday Guidance to advise residents on how to limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19 during holiday activities.

This year, the Commonwealth is asking residents to:

       Limit in-person celebrations to household members only

       Postpone or cancel travel this holiday season. If you do choose to travel, be aware of and comply with Massachusetts travel order requirements. (Please note that FFCRA paid sick time is no longer available after 12/31/20. Therefore you will need to use your own paid time off to qurantine after travel to high-risk states)

        Follow the current state gathering size limits and sector-specific workplace safety standards.

The DPH guidance also provides tips for engaging in lower-risk celebrations and traditions this holiday season, while discouraging high risk activities.

 Higher-Risk Celebrations and Activities

Any time you gather with others outside of your household, you increase the risk of contracting or spreading illness. All residents are discouraged from gathering. Gatherings in Massachusetts are subject to gathering size limits.

You are risking your health and others health if you host or participate in any in-person festivities if you or anyone in your household:

• has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and has not completed the isolation period;
• has symptoms of COVID-19;
• is waiting for COVID-19 viral test results;
• may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 10 days; or
• is at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, such as older adults or those with certain medical conditions.

 For the full guidance, visit https://www.mass.gov/holidays-during-covid-19-in-massachusetts

Latest COVID Travel Guidelines

The list of low-risk states is changing weekly. Please check here for the current list:

COVID-19 Testing Info

COVID-19 testing for symptomatic individuals and close contacts, when ordered by your doctor, is usually covered by insurance and available at no cost https://www.mass.gov/info-details/about-covid-19-testing

Free testing is currently available at the Stop the Spread sites for MA residents: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/stop-the-spread

Out of state residents should check with their home state about any free testing programs.
For example, RI: https://health.ri.gov/covid/testing/asymptomatic/  and NH: https://www.nh.gov/covid19/resources-guidance/testing-guidance.htm

Upcoming Trainings

Click to see MIIA Training Calendar                           

 Do you have an event or training that you would like to make available to all employees? Please contact Jen Glover jglover@wellesleyma.gov