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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources and Frequently Asked Questions

VNA Care is committed to the health and safety of individuals and families across Eastern and Central Massachusetts. Please be assured that we have taken steps to help safeguard our patients, their loved ones, and our staff from the spread of COVID-19.

Resources

This is a rapidly changing situation. For updates on COVID-19, please visit:

• Massachusetts Department of Public Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

You may also call 211 to reach the Massachusetts Informational and referral hotline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls are free and confidential. Interpreter services are available in multiple languages.

To reach VNA Care, please call 800-521-5539.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus is a term for a group of viruses. COVID-19 is a novel (or new) disease caused by a coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans. It is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person and has spread worldwide over the past few months.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Most people who develop COVID-19 develop an illness that may be very similar to the flu with fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The CDC believes at this time that symptoms of the new coronavirus may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 after exposure.

Some people are at higher risk of experiencing more severe symptoms with a COVID-19 infection including: people with lung or heart disease, smokers, people with weakened immune systems due to illness or medications, and more generally people over the age of 65. Since people with these conditions could develop more severe symptoms, it is important for them to self-monitor closely for the onset of flu-like symptoms and to contact their doctor’s office for the best way to get evaluated, even when your symptoms are mild.

What should I do if I think I might have COVID-19?

Call your doctor’s office if you have a fever, cough or shortness of breath and you will be directed from there.

At this time, testing for COVID-19 is most helpful and of greatest benefit for patients experiencing symptoms of fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath where the results of the test would lead to real and significant consequences for patients and people they may work or live with. So it’s most important to test healthcare workers, first responders and people who may live in congregate settings like nursing homes.

The CDC also recommends that you:

• Stay home: Most people with COVID-19 have mild illness and are able to recover at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
• Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing, or have any other emergency warning signs, or if you think it is an emergency.
• Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
• Separate yourself from other people in your home, this is known as home isolation With rest and supportive care at home (e.g., drinking plenty of fluids, acetaminophen or Tylenol as directed, etc.), most people recover within the course of a several days to 1-2 weeks. Stay in touch with your doctor’s office for more individually tailored supportive care advice.

What can I do to avoid catching COVID-19?

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus, including:

• Limit contact with others to help “flatten the curve.”
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• When coughing or sneezing, always cover your nose and mouth with a flexed elbow or tissue. Wash your hands after every time.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with individuals who have a fever or cough
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Avoid shaking hands, hugging, or kissing.

What is VNA Care doing to keep patients, clinicians and staff, and the community safe?

VNA Care is working every day with our health care colleagues and community, state, and national leadership to make sure our patients, staff, and the community we serve are supported against COVID-19. Our focus is on prevention, education, and communication combined with the delivery of highly skilled health care services at home where patients are safe and supported.

VNA Care established an Emergency Response Fund to help us meet the health and safety needs of our patients and staff during this unprecedented time. Donations can be made immediately on our online donations page or by mailing a donation to: VNA Care, Fund Development Office, 199 Rosewood Drive, Suite 180, Danvers, MA 01923. For more information or assistance, please call 508-573-8027 or 617-835-9654.

Do you accept donations of medical supplies?

VNA Care is in urgent need of surgical gowns, face masks (N95 and surgical), face shields, gloves, hand sanitizer, and Clorox and Lysol wipes. We greatly appreciate donations of these items. Please call 508-573-8073 or email Rebecca_Jackman@vnacare.org to arrange drop-off.

Updated March 27, 2020