Navigating COVID-19
For staff & providers to access COVID-19 information and communications.
Weekly AJH Updates
In light of the increase in COVID-19 activity in Massachusetts and around the country, Anna Jaques resumed a weekly update for staff, physicians and our community. Updates are emailed every Friday. See your Director for a copy.
Vaccine Questions & Answers Resource for Staff
As of 1.25.21: Over the last six weeks, we have vaccinated more than 25,000 BILH clinicians and staff at highest risk of exposure to the virus based on where they work and the patients they support. We are pleased to share with you that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced that hospitals and health systems are now authorized to use doses they have on hand to vaccinate all paid workers, including non-patient-facing workers, researchers, administrative staff, and staff working remotely.
Employees will receive a direct email when it is time to schedule your vaccination appointment.
We know that our workforce has many questions about vaccines. BILH will be communicating with you regularly and created a dedicated resource to learn more: covid-19.bilh.org/vaccine.
Voluntary Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing for BILH Employees
Testing of all BILH employees has been expanded to include free testing on a voluntary basis. On-site testing is available to AJH and SAGP employees twice a week: Mondays from 7-11 am; Thursdays from 11-3 pm in the Cafeteria Conference Room.
Talk to your Director or Manager for details on how to schedule online.
Visitor Guidelines (As of November 23rd)
Anna Jaques is restricting all patient visitors across all care settings, effective Monday, November 23rd. Click here for more details on visitor restrictions. Staff Reminders:
- The Capolupo Entrance is closed for patients but employees may use their access card to enter.
- Staff should share this information with patients and families this week to prepare them for this change.
- Please continue to work with patients proactively to remain “connected” to their loved ones using technology such as Zoom using the iPads provided by IT.
Screening & Masking (As of July 27th)
AJH requires all employees and medical staff to wear a mask at all times – including when they enter and exit the building -- to protect our patients and each other. AJH employees are also required to complete the BILH Daily Attestation online or on their mobile phone. Staff must complete their daily attestation prior to coming to work and no longer need to be screened at the front desk.
Wellness & Support Resources
Our staff's personal well-being and resilience is important, especially during this challenging time. AJH offers a variety of resources and support services.
Employee Assistance Program
Life can be stressful, especially now as we work together during the COVID-19 pandemic. AJH is committed to supporting you and your family during this extraordinary time. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers relief with short-term counseling services for you and your dependents to help you handle concerns constructively, before they become issues. Contact the EAP at: 978-834-8190
Comfort Spaces
There are two dedicated "Comfort Spaces" for staff to use as a quiet place to decompress, recharge and reflect. A small space for one or two people is located across from Registration, and a larger space for more than two people is available in the back of the Cafeteria.
Temporary Housing
With the rise in COVID-19 in our community, we recognize that many staff may be concerned about potential exposure and protecting those they live with from the disease. We have developed a program to provide all staff with access to alternative housing options. Based on individual situations, these options are available either at no cost or at discounted rates. Click to learn more.
Stay Active!
Area studios have graciously offered free virtual classes to front line workers, including: Roots to Wings: shared these pre-recorded classes to any AJH caregiver so they can enjoy a yoga class or mediation on-demand. Motivate Barre Cardio: welcomes frontline workers to join their virtual classes for free. Simply choose an "All Class Drop-In" and use the promo code: "frontline" when you register for class. You will get an email from "FitGrid + Motivate" 30 minutes before class.
Incorporating Mindfulness to Sustain Yourself
Thank you to Kelly McKora, Wellness Coordinator of Adult Psych, who provided this quick 30-second videos on how to incorporate mindfulness to sustain yourself during COVID-19.
Click here for the "Sustaining Yourself During COVID-19" Resource Guide.
For all wellness resources:
AnnaOnline > COVID-19 > Wellness & Support
Archive of COVID-19 Communications
Updates from Mark Goldstein, President, AJH
- AJH Update - August 2020
- Week of June 8-14
- Week of June 1-7
- Week of May 25-31
- Week of May 11-17
- Week of May 4-10
- Open Letter to Our Community - May 7th
- Week of April 27 - May 3
- Week of April 20-26
- Week of April 13-19
- Week of April 6-12
- Week of March 30-April 5
- Week of March 23-29
- Open Letter to Our Community, March 30th
COVID Video Series
- PPE Coaches Demo Donning & Doffing of PPE
- Wellness Resources with Kelly McKora
- PPE Donations with Mary Williamson
- Surge Planning with Richard Maki & Dr. Gail Fayre
- Infection Control with Dr. Peter Sebeny
- Self-Attestation Form with Shelley DeSimone
- Incident Command & Intro with Mark Goldstein
Messages from Dr. Kevin Tabb, President & CEO, Beth Israel Lahey Health
Offerings for Staff
Online Workout Classes:
Roots to Wings: Free online yoga classes
CorePower Yoga: Free yoga classes on demand
Down Dog: Free workouts using the Down Dog App
Fitness Blender: Free workout classes, healthy recipes and more
Motivate Barre Cardio: Free online workout classes
- Simply choose an "All Class Drop-In" and use the promo code: "frontline" when you register for class. You will get an email from "FitGrid + Motivate" 30 minutes before class.
- Employees are invited to create an account and upload their badge.
Down Under School of Yoga: Free online yoga classes
Other Offers (simply show your hospital ID badge to receive discounts at the following businesses):
- Ristorante Molise: 10% off
- Mane Salon & Spa: 30% off
Good News Section
Code Happy
On May 14th, Anna Jaques celebrate a "Code Happy" meaning a COVID-19 patient has consented to a hospital-wide send-off at discharge. John Sullivan had been hospitalized for 35-days and it was an honor to cheer him on and he left AJH.