COVID-19 Information and Resources
COVID-19 Resources
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  ›   Coping with COVID-19

Coping with COVID-19

The Mass General Brigham workforce continues to do an amazing job responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. Across the system, there are many examples (both on the front lines and remotely), of quality care, innovation, adaptability and dedication.  The resources below are tailored to provide support, whether you are coping with issues related to COVID or the pandemic transition.

For further assistance, confidential help from EAP is just a phone call away.

Latest Updates

 

EAP COVID-related News Features 

Guidance for Supporting Pets in the Post-pandemic Transition

Navigating Student Loans during and after the Pandemic Pause

Supports for Tenants and Property Owners during the Pandemic Transition

Women are more at Risk for Health Consequences of Drinking

Getting Back on Track with Healthy Eating during the Pandemic Transition

COVID Information for Mass General Brigham Employees (Includes Vaccine Updates)

Occupational Health Services Employee Hotline

  • Employee Hotline for Mass General Brigham Healthcare Employees and other members:
    617-724-8100     –
    Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm.
    Sat-Sun 8am-12:00am.
  • Reporting your symptoms or illnesses and receiving guidance on when to return to work if you have questions after you have completed the employee illness report using this online tool.
  • Health concerns related to potential COVID-19 exposures
  • Specific testing for COVID-19

Coronavirus Information for the Mass General Brigham Workforce

Mass General Brigham - Attestation Process Required for Employees Working onsite

To ensure you and your colleagues are able to enter the building quickly and safely, especially during peak times, please:

  • Have your Day Pass ready to show either on your phone or in print at the attestation area by visiting at www.Mass General Brigham.org/covidpass before you arrive.
  • To the best of your ability, maintain a distance of six feet between yourself and other staff members when attesting, especially manually.
  • When you have completed attestation, immediately put your mask on before proceeding to your work area. Staff are expected to wear masks at all times while on premises.

Information on Vaccines

Booster Shot Information for Employees

On Friday, November 19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expanded eligibility for COVID-19 booster shots to include all adults. Click here for full details regarding the CDC’s announcement. Adults who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago or the J&J vaccine at least 2 months ago are now eligible for the booster.

Eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster shot. Visit the CDC website for full details regarding their recommendation on the use of heterologous (or “mix and match”) booster shots.

Mass General Brigham is also offering booster shots to employees who are eligible per the CDC’s recommendation. Eligible employees may schedule their booster shot appointment at a Mass General Brigham location via COVID Pass.

•  You may still get a COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster shot, is in your local community. There are many sites, including CVS and Walgreens, offering free vaccine booster shots. You can search vaccines.gov, visit Mass.gov or Vaccines.nh.gov to find a location near you. You can also text your zip code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233 to find a location.

Get vaccinated and document your status

Employees must have already received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by October 15. Those who have received only one dose of Moderna or Pfizer by the October 15 deadline also will be required to show proof of a scheduled second dose at the appropriate time interval.

  • The quickest, easiest way to get a COVID-19 vaccination is in your local community. There are many sites, including CVS and Walgreens, offering free same-day COVID-19 vaccines. You can search vaccines.gov, visit Mass.gov or Vaccines.nh.gov to find a location near you. You can also text your zip code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233 to find a location.
  • Mass General Brigham is offering short-term COVID-19 vaccination clinics for staff members:
    • Given the limited number of vaccination appointments that will be available, we are strongly urging all staff members to get vaccinated as soon as possible at a location in your community.
  • Staff members can also continue to use open scheduling to get a vaccine at existing patient vaccine centers located at Assembly Row, MGH Outpatient Pharmacy or BWH Hale.
  • The Mass General Mobile vans will also have limited walk-in COVID-19 vaccines available for staff members and others in communities we serve.
  • The Mass General Brigham COVID-19 Vaccine Navigator helpline has agents available who can help employees schedule their COVID-19 vaccination – at a Mass General Brigham site or elsewhere in the community. Call 617-724-9600.
  • Vaccination status is not shared automatically. Employees must visit vaccinecheck.massgeneralbrigham.org to share their Mass General Brigham vaccination record with Occupational Health or submit proof of vaccination to Occupational Health Services (if vaccinated elsewhere) by October 15.
  • If it has been over 72 hours since you shared or uploaded your vaccination record with Occupational Health and believe there is an error, please email PHSOHSCOVID19@partners.org.

Additional information about obtaining a COVID-19 vaccine can be found on The Pulse.


Information on Vaccines – Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Mass.Gov – Commonwealth of Massachusetts Vaccine Information


Vaccines & Kids
Cleveland Clinic – Talking to Kids about the Vaccine


Vaccine Equity
We Got Us Project – Empowerment through Education

Empowering communities with accurate science information and public health resources such as the COVID vaccine. Connects Black community members and organizations with trusted Black healthcare professionals and students.

Where We Work

New Commonwealth COVID-19 Leave Program

Massachusetts has announced a new COVID-19 Temporary Emergency Paid Sick Leave program, which went into effect on May 28 2021 and provides all employees with a job-protected, paid leave of absence of up to 40 hours for certain reasons related to COVID-19. Examples of time covered under this program include time off for isolation/quarantine and recovery from COVID, to care for a family member with COVID and for getting COVID vaccinations and any necessary recovery time after vaccination. View the legal notice, which includes a complete list of eligible leave criteria.

Effective June 14 2022, this new leave program replaces the current Mass General Brigham COVID Pay programs for employee illness, testing and recovery. This program covers all employees at all affiliates, including those who work in states other than Massachusetts. Employees currently receiving pay under any Mass General Brigham COVID Pay program will be unaffected.

Review additional information on Ask My HR and Mass.Gov. If you have questions regarding the new law or resulting policy changes, please contact the HR Support Center by opening an online request or calling 1-833-275-6947 during normal business hours.

General COVID-19 Information

 

Multi-Lingual COVID-19 Resources

Multicultural & Equity COVID-19 Resources
Resources for Children and Families - COVID (School, Emotional Support & Childcare)

Under normal circumstances, balancing work and family responsibilities can be a challenge. Since the Pandemic began, there have been added stresses, from finding affordable care, managing children’s learning needs and helping children cope emotionally. The Mass General Brigham Employee Assistance Program is available to help you and your family navigate these challenging times. Below are some resources that you might find useful. For further assistance, contact the EAP at 866-724-4327 or request an appointment via our online form.

CBS Boston – MGH Phycologist, Elle Braaten, discusses when parents should feel comfortable leaving children at home alone

School and Learning Resources (COVID)

Back to School


Special Needs & Educational Supports


School-related Financial Supports

Internet Safety

Healthy Internet use & on-line Security for Parents and Children

Supporting Children’s Mental Health & Emotional Needs (COVID)

Childcare & Summer Activities

General Childcare Resources 

Visit MGB Childcare Resources via AskMyHR – for full resources and information on:

  • Mass General Brigham Childcare Centers for (on-site regular and back-up care)
  • Bright Horizons (on-site and in-home care)
  • Care.com (in-home care)
  • Other vendors (SitterCity and College Nannies in-home care) Mass General Brigham Childcare Centers for (on-site regular and back-up care)
  • Bright Horizons (on-site and in-home care)
  • Care.com (in-home care)
  • Other vendors – SitterCity and College Nannies (in-home care)

Finding Childcare and Subsidy Opportunities in the Community


Full Mass General Brigham EAP Childcare Resources

Financial Assistance (COVID)

Financial Resource Center for Mass General Brigham Employees

Employees, staff and immediate family household members have access to financial education and free 30-minute sessions with financial experts. If you have concerns or questions about topics such as budgeting, debt, college financing, retirement or estate planning, for access call the EAP at 866-724-4327 or the weblink via AskmyHR.

Emergency Assistance and Community Support

Housing Financial Assistance (COVID)

Food Assistance

Student Loan Resources

General Information


Information on Student Loans & Healthcare Workers 


Resources from Mass General Brigham EAP

Financial Assistance for Internet Service

Credit Union Membership

Unemployment Resources

Update for Filing for Unemployment in MA:

Reinstatement of the work search requirement for UI claimants means that beginning with the benefit week of June 13, 2021 through June 19, 2021, claimants must attest each week that they are making at least three work-search activities per week and provide proof of work search activity to the Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) if requested.

  • Massachusetts COVID-19 Unemployment Information

  • Unemployment Fraud Alert

    There has been an increase in fraud targeting state unemployment insurance programs and we want to ensure that you are able to protect yourself. Across Mass General Brigham, we have received reports of employees being notified by mail or a phone call that they filed a Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claim when they did not. If you receive a notification, it is possible that your social security number or other information may have been compromised.

Unemployment fraud is also coming to light as people start preparing taxes.  If you have concerns about or believe you have been a victim of unemployment fraud, do the following:

Health Insurance

All health insurance carriers are required to provide medically necessary testing, treatment, and telehealth services for COVID-19. This must be provided without a copay, use of coinsurance or deductible

Consumer Protection

Financial Resources for Pet Care

Full Mass General Brigham EAP Financial Well-being Resources

Housing Resources (COVID)

The Mass General Brigham Employee Assistance Program is available to help you problem solve housing issues, such as those related to rent or mortgage, and housing searches.

The Federal eviction moratorium is no longer in effect, but the City of Boston has issued a new moratorium until further notice.  Massachusetts also has extended some tenant protections. Below are some resources to help you understand the current rules for rent, mortgages and get assistance as needed.

COVID Housing Crisis & Shelter Resources

Financial Assistance with Housing Costs

Information on MA Utilities and Fuel Assistance during the Pandemic

New Hampshire Housing Resources

Full Mass General Brigham EAP Housing Resources

Pandemic Transition Resources

We are all slowly returning to the activities and connections we enjoyed before COVID-19 became a part of our lives.  This is likely to be a process that takes place over time. There may be a range of emotions associated with the post-pandemic transition.

Mass General Brigham COVID Transition Updates and Guidelines

Guidelines Based on Vaccination Status

Coping Emotionally with the Post-Pandemic Transition

Helping Pets and their Caregivers

 

Stress, Mental Health & Substance Misuse

The COVID-19 Pandemic  has been a challenge to navigate on both a practical and emotional level. We are all trying to manage our lives and responsibilities related to work, family or community. It is important to take a step back to remind ourselves how to cope in the midst of stressful circumstances. Healthcare workers are accustomed to being caretakers. However, we must remember to meet our own health and wellbeing needs. This is necessary for personal contentment at work and at home. Below are some resources relevant to self-care and stress management.

Please contact the Mass General Brigham EAP at 866-724-4327 if you have concerns about yourself, a colleague or a loved one.

Samaritans – Suicide Prevention 
Helpline: 877-870-4673

Preventing and Destigmatizing Suicide: A Message from Newton-Wellesley Hospital and Salem Hospital – YouTube

EAP Mindfulness Article – Featuring Dr. Darshan Mehta

Managing Stress and Mental Health

Maintaining Mindfulness and Calm

MGB  & EAP Offerings 

Free programs and Apps

 All Apps

Healthy Lifestyle

Maintaining Sobriety during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Support for those with Eating Disorders during COVID-19

Grief and Grieving during COVID-19

Experiencing grief at any time is sad and can be challenging. However, during COVID many of us have had to cope with cumulative grief. This may lead to less time, attention and support to heal from each loss.  Grief is a unique process for each individual. If you are experiencing prolonged or severe symptoms of grief, call the EAP at 1-866-724-4327


General COVID Grief Resources


Helping Children with Grief


Spiritual Care Resources at Mass General Brigham


How Managers Can Help the Health Care Work Force Cope with Grief during COVID

Mass General Brigham employees have responded to the COVID-19 Pandemic with compassion, medical innovation, clinical expertise. Some may still be experiencing considerable stress and grief, personally or related to  loss and cumulative grief.
The Employee Assistance Program is available to provide assistance to managers, work groups and individuals. Below are some resources to help you support your employees. Please contact the EAP if you need consultations about assisting your work group.

Staying Safe from Intimate Partner & Child Abuse (COVID)

The Pandemic has been a particularly stressful and dangerous time for survivors of intimate partner abuse, because many have not been in a position to leave unhealthy relationships.  Mass General Brigham employees and immediate-family household members concerned about their safety can contact the EAP at 866-724-4327 for assistance. Below is some relevant information.

Staying Healthy while Working Remotely (COVID)

A significant segment of the Mass General Brigham workforce has been working from home, either part or full-time since the start of the Pandemic. Some may thrive with remote work and others prefer to be on site. Although remote work may be “business as usual”, it’s important to take a step back to consider how to stay motivated, healthy and connected. Below are some ideas for being productive through routine, balance and self-kindness. This is a trial and error process and may not look the same for everyone.

For further assistance, please contact the EAP at 866-724-4327.

Workspace Health - Maintaining Boundaries and being Productive

  • Have a set work schedule and daily routine (as you do when you work on site). Maintain regular log-on and log-off times
  • Dress for work everyday
  • Create a “commute” where you are not working but have some routine (exercise, reading etc.) to ease into and out of the workday
  • Have a designated and separate workspace (as feasible). Have meals away from your “desk” and don’t work in the kitchen if possible
  • Have a signal (sign etc.) to indicate to others when there are blocks of time in which you can’t be disturbed
  • Take planned breaks and a designated lunch
  • Remove news and social media alerts from your devices while working
  • Put your mobile phone on airplane mode or off while working
  • Do not take work breaks on a screen
  • Find ways (calendar, tasks, paper or eraser board) to organize your workday and set your priorities
  • Make sure confidential work conversations, clinical interactions and content are kept private
  • Don’t leave devices or paperwork accessible (just as you would not at work)
  • Lock your computer when away from your desk
  • Use only password protected Wi-Fi networks

Your Physical Health while Working from Home

Staying Healthy while at your Desk

Mass General Brigham EAP Wellness Resources

Emotional Health

Maintaining a Positive Attitude

  • It’s Ok to acknowledge challenges and losses, even if they are not viewed as being as serious as those of others
  • Try to limit venting and negative filtering. Some discussion of frustration is unavoidable and can be cathartic, but there is a point where complaining will perpetuate a negative outlook and impact mental health and ability to cope.
  • Remember to praise employees and colleagues for work done well, just as you would when at work
  • Practice gratitude
  • Let go of things you can’t control
  • Mass General Brigham EAP – Tools and Advice on Staying Optimistic

Mindfulness and Stress Reduction 

Digital and Screen Health

Senior and Family Caregiver Support (COVID)

Seniors are one population that has been significantly impacted by COVID-19. This includes the severity of the clinical affects of COVID and the collateral issues associated with isolation, loneliness and anxiety. Below are some resources to help seniors and their loved ones navigate this unprecedented time. Please contact the EAP at 866-724-4327 if you need further assistance for yourself or a family member.

Supports for Veterans and Families (COVID)

Veterans have been particularly impacted during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Below are supports available to help veterans and their family members stay healthy and connected.
Please contact the EAP at 866-724-4327 for further assistance.

Resources for Persons with Disabilities (COVID)

In case of emergency, please call 911 or your local hospital emergency service.

Disclaimer

This site is not intended to provide any clinical assessment, counseling or other type of intervention. The Mass General Brigham EAP provides links to external websites for your convenience. The EAP is not responsible for the availability, accuracy, or content of outside resources or sites, nor does it endorse them. If you notice any malfunctioning links, please contact the us at: EAP@partners.org. The Mass General Brigham EAP is not a service available to the general public. For more information or to discuss concerns, please contact the Mass General Brigham EAP at 866-724-4327.

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