Covid-19 Message from CHP | Community Health Programs

Updated December 29, 2020

To our CHP Community,

COVID-19 case numbers are rising in our community. COVID testing is available to more people and the vaccine is coming soon to our patients.

Please review this information to learn more about symptoms, testing, the vaccine, and what to do to protect yourself, your loved ones, and our Berkshire community.

Recently CHP has partnered with BHS to provide county-wide testing capabilities to our CHP patients. Our partners in health at Berkshire Health Systems sent out a similar message-one that we feel is very important for our entire community.

Everyone has a role to play in stopping the spread of the NovelCoronavirus, COVID-19.

Wash your hands
Wear a mask
Practice Social Distancing
Avoid gatherings indoors with people who are not in your household
Screen for symptoms- if you feel ill, stay home.

The pandemic is an ongoing public health crisis and information is constantly changing.

CLICK HERE for COVID-19 testing information.

CLICK HERE for COVID-19 vaccine information.

Beginning Tuesday, Dec 8 — Due to the increase in COVID-19 in our area Neighborhood Health Center is temporarily transitioning completely to telemedicine and Neighborhood Dental Center is seeing emergency dental patients only.
In order to keep our patients and staff safe, all appointments will be conducted remotely. Our staff will call you to set your telephone or video appointment or to reschedule.
Thank you for your understanding and patience. Together we can protect each other and our community.
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING AN EMERGENCY CALL 911

If you have been exposed or possibly exposed to a person who has tested positive to COVID-19, here are guidelines to follow. COVID-19 Exposure Guidelines Click Here

Do you have symptoms that concern you? See this guide for a quick check- when to call us if it might be COVID-19.

As always, if you are sick please call us, and stay home if you are able. In an emergency, always call 911.

Your health is our concern. Whether you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or any other ailment, please call us. We are here to care for you in sickness and in health.

Despite the challenges of COVID-19, CHP’s health care clinicians are busy every day caring for patients — with telemedicine, and in-person appointments. Contact your CHP clinician’s office with any health concerns you may have, and we will review your options with you. Learn more about telemedicine here.

CHP is open for patient visits of all kinds, with sick patients receiving priority visits. We are also providing essential care for newborns and infants, prenatal care, and dental care, including dental hygiene. Give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Meanwhile, since it’s possible for asymptomatic people to unknowingly transmit the COVID-19 virus, Governor Charlie Baker has issued a statewide order requiring everyone to wear a face-covering when out of the home conducting essential business, or when circumstances make it hard to keep a safe 6-foot distance from others. As the State begins to loosen restrictions, please stay safe and stay home when possible, socially distance when possible, wash your hands and wear a mask.

If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, call us and we can guide you. Not sure of symptoms? You may wish to refer to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s online tool.

These symptoms may include:

Fever
Chills
Cough
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Headache
Sore throat
Muscle pain
New loss of taste and/or smell

If you answer yes to any or some of these questions, please call us. If your symptoms suggest you need testing, CHP can assist you with this process.

If you have or need an appointment:

At this time, CHP’s dental team is providing care, with priority to emergency dental patients. Please call your practice for an appointment; please do not come to our office without an appointment.
If you have a scheduled upcoming medical appointment for any reason, we will contact you to discuss your vital signs, symptoms (if any), and general health information.
At that time, we may recommend that you come into your practice for your scheduled appointment, or,
We may arrange an appointment for you and your clinician to discuss your health by telemedicine.
Our guidelines for Telemedicine are HERE.
If you are seen via telehealth, this appointment will be covered by your insurance.
In some instances, we may send a clinician or home health visitor to your home to check on your or to help you set up a video appointment.
We may arrange to see you in one of our mobile health units, in our offices or in a private outdoor setting at a practice location.
We are seeing behavioral health clients and nutrition clients via telemedicine at this time. Please call us — we want to see you and work with you.

When to call us.

If you are experiencing cold or flu-like symptoms that are on the mild side, we urge you to remain home and take care of yourself—as you would with a common cold. Please stay home when you are sick.
If your symptoms progress further, contact your CHP medical practice. Please be prepared to answer the following questions:
- Are you having flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough or shortness of breath?
- In the past 14 days have you had close contact with a person who has a confirmed case of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus)
If you or a loved one becomes seriously ill or unresponsive, call 9-1-1 for emergency medical services.

If you are well…

If you are well, please follow these simple tips to stay well:

Practice social distancing by maintaining a 6-foot distance from others.
Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, or if you have been coughing or sneezing.
Wear a face covering over your mouth and nose when you are out in public, and if you have people in your home, with whom you do not live.
If you cannot easily wash your hands with soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; avoid close contact with people who may be sick.
Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or your elbow.
Clean and disinfect commonly touched objects and surfaces by using household cleaning sprays or disposable wipes.

We will update these recommendations as we learn more about the COVID-19 virus.