March 30, 2020 by Carol Britton Meyer
Whole Foods Hingham and Linden Ponds Senior Living Community reported coronavirus cases recently.
A Whole Foods Market statement, provided to the Hingham Anchor by another local news source, reports that a team member "has a presumptive case of COVID-19 and is in quarantine."
In response to that situation and out of an abundance of caution, the Hingham store was closed immediately for cleaning, and, following Centers for Disease Control guidelines, an outside contractor performed an additional cleaning and disinfection of the store on top of already-in-place enhanced sanitation measures. The store reopened and is allowing a limited number of customers inside the store at one time.
Dan Dunne, Director of External Communications for Erickson Living, confirmed in an email to the Hingham Anchor that one resident and one employee at Linden Ponds have tested positive for COVID-19. Linden Ponds is managed by Erickson Living, a network of retirement communities.
"Those impacted are receiving appropriate care and treatment. In addition, those who live and work on campus have been informed of this situation, and we are proceeding with the utmost caution," he said.
Consistent with Erickson Living protocols, anyone who has been in close contact with the resident or employee has been notified and instructed to remain in their respective homes for a 14-day period, to self-monitor for symptoms, and to call their primary care physician or Linden Ponds' on-site medical providers if they develop symptoms.
According to Hingham Public Health Nurse Kathy Crowley, RN, "The Hingham Health Department has been in contact with the management of Whole Foods Hingham and Linden Ponds. All necessary guidelines and CDC (Centers for Disease Control) protocols have been met."
Whole Foods continues to operate under social distancing guidelines across all its stores and facilities, ensuring that interaction between team members and between team members and customers can happen at a safe distance.
The Hingham Anchor reached out to Global Corporate Communications at Whole Foods Market by email for further comment, but has not yet heard back.
At Linden Ponds, protective actions include "aggressive cleaning and disinfection throughout the community," implementing appropriate social distancing standards. and the temporary closure of all dining rooms, the on-site salon, fitness center, pool, and other activity areas. The community is closed to non-essential visitors; anyone who is granted access to the campus undergoes a thorough screening, according to a statement posted on the Linden Ponds Facebook page.
Additional services to encourage social distancing at Linden Ponds include an in-home dining program that provides meals, snacks, and beverages to every residents’ doorstep. Telehealth medical appointments with on-site physicians are also available so residents do not have to leave their homes for diagnosis or follow-up care.
"The safety and well-being of those on campus is our highest priority. We continue to take necessary precautions and follow protocols for the effective management of COVID-19 at Linden Ponds," Dunne said.
Go to the following link on the Town of Hingham website's Health Department page for a one-page COVID-19 guidance and information sheet:
https://www.hingham-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9556/Covid-19-Guidance