Nov. 5: Employee Notice on New Mass. Public Safety Measures

Dear Colleagues,

I write to you today regarding the new public health and safety measures announced by Governor Baker earlier this week in response to the rise of COVID-19 cases in Massachusetts. With these measures going into effect on Friday, November 6th and as we finish up the final weeks of the fall semester here on campus, it is imperative that we remain informed and continue to take all necessary precautions to keep ourselves and our community safe.

As part of these new measures, a stay at home advisory was issued that urges residents to stay home between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Employees who are scheduled for second or third shift positions are exempt for work travel purposes. If you would like a letter from us to keep in your vehicle, please send your request to hr@stonehill.edu with your name, title and shift (days & hours).

Revisions have also been made regarding indoor and outdoor gathering limits, which now include a 10-person limit indoors and a 25-person limit outdoors per designated space. Please refer to our earlier guidance regarding on campus meetings and events. We should strive for remote meetings in almost all cases at this time. Special circumstances will be considered and must be approved by your area Vice President.

The May 1, 2020 guidelines on face masks stated that people “exercising outdoors and … able to keep physical distance from others” did not have to wear a mask. However, the Governor’s most recent order seems to no longer provide for this exception in public areas. As such, the College is advising all community members to wear masks at all times (except in one’s own private office), including while exercising. The College is currently seeking clarification on this revision and will update our community as needed.

Lastly, please be reminded that the College is requesting all employees receive a flu vaccine. In order to confirm compliance (unless you have a medical or religious exemption), we ask you to submit verification via this form. Although our flu clinics have ended, most pharmacies will provide a free vaccine as long you show your health insurance membership card. Many allow for walk-ins, but you may also schedule an appointment.

Once again, thank you for your ongoing attention and adherence to these guidelines, we appreciate your strong desire to “protect the nest.”

Sincerely,

Lily Krentzman
Director of Human Resources