COVID-19 Protocols, Visitation, & Testing Guidance

Effective: August 12, 2021
Fidelity House CRC (FHCRC) employees:

The Executive Office of Health & Human Services (EOHHS) has released new guidance regarding COVID-19 prevention, testing practices, and visitation in group homes. This new guidance goes into effect: August 12, 2021. We'll continue to update you when new guidance is released and/or when FHCRC implements new practices / requirements related to COVID-19.

Senior Program Directors and Program Directors will receive further guidance from Program VPs and Nursing regarding department specific policies and practices.

It is expected that all Residential employees are trained on newly implemented FHCRC COVID-related practices/policies as well as the DDS Residential COVID-19 guidance and Visitation Guidance by the end of August 2021.

The following practices are in effect August 12, 2021 until further notice:
Heritage Place (Admin Offices)
439 South Union Street
Suite 401 Lawrence, MA
Offices remained closed to the general public. Those employees who need access to the office must continue to get approval from their department head before going into the office.

All staff, individuals served, vendors and scheduled visitors will be required to wear masks while in common areas at Heritage. All are asked to socially distance while in the building.

Staff are asked to conduct meetings over zoom whenever possible. In-person meetings require the use of masks and social distancing.

The kitchen/lunchroom is open for use, but staff are asked not to congregate in those areas.
22 Parkridge Rd (Day Program)
Haverhill, MA 01835

Remains open for day services staff and participants only.

All staff, program participants, vendors, and guests must wear masks while in the Parkridge Rd. building, even if vaccinated.

Social distancing guidelines remain in effect.

Persons served and staff are required to wear masks on community outings and in program vans, as well as in vans to/from the day program.

Staff are asked to use a combination of zoom and in-person meetings. In-person requires the use of masks and social distancing.

Additional guidance for Day and Employment Services employees will be provided in the coming weeks.
Landmark Building (Vocational/Youth)
Merrimack Street
Haverhill, MA 01830
Use of building will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

All staff, program participants, vendors, and guests must wear masks while in the building, even if vaccinated.

Staff are asked to conduct meetings over zoom whenever possible. In-person meetings require the use of masks and social distancing.
Other Program Services
(ISS, Shared Living, AFC, Group Homes, Children & Family Services, etc.)
*Weekly COVID testing is now required for staff members working in a Fidelity House CRC group home and/or working in the Shared Living Department, regardless of vaccination status.

If you have not yet undergone regular COVID-19 testing, or you have any questions about the testing process, please contact Meghan Fisk, Director of Nursing.

Masks are required while working in any program site, including a person’s home.

Visitation in group homes is permitted, but visitors must follow the guidance listed below, as outlined in the DDS Visitation Guidance issued August 9, 2021.

A full explanation of COVID-19 guidance for Residential programs is outlined in the Residential and Congregate Care Programs COVID-19 Guidance, updated August, 4, 2021.
Residential Group Homes (I/DD and ABI) Visitation Guidance


• Visitors should be screened before entering the home. Any visitors with symptoms of COVID-19 infection, a diagnosis of COVID-19 in the past 10 days, or close contact with someone with a COVID-19 infection in the prior 14 days (regardless of the visitor’s vaccination status) will not be permitted to enter.

• While visitor vaccination can help prevent the spread of COVID-19, visitors should not be required to be tested or vaccinated (or show proof of such) as a condition of visitation.

• Settings should keep a daily log of names and contact information for all visitors.

• Appropriate safety, care, and infection control measures and policies should be in place for all visits.

• Visitation will be restricted if the resident has had a diagnosis of COVID-19 in the past 10 days or is presumed positive. Visitation will also be restricted if there is a COVID-19 outbreak at the setting.

• Programs should communicate visitation guidelines to families and/or guardians and should continue to augment in-person visitation by supporting attempts by families and guardians to visit remotely using technology, including phone and video calls.

• Visitors must wear masks at all times indoors and visitors are asked to wear masks during outdoor visits as well.

• Residents who are fully vaccinated may visit with loved ones who are fully vaccinated without maintaining social distancing, if they choose.

• Guidance may be subject to change as required by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health or local boards of health.
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COVID-19 Vaccine Info
What to Expect at Your Appointment:


Join the FHCRC employees who received COVID-19 Vaccinations.

Provide evidence that you have received the second dose of the COVID-19 Vaccine to Meghan Fisk, Director of Nursing, and receive a $25 Market Basket gift card from FHCRC in the mail.
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