As we continue to monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation closely, we wanted to reach out and share the actions Meals on Wheels is taking to ensure your health and safety. We are fully committed to maintaining a continuity of service in delivering your meals while reducing your exposure to outside influences.
Here is what we are doing:
- For the next 3 weeks we will implement changes to our delivery methods that include:
- The opportunity to receive a weekly supply of frozen medically-tailored meals via UPS instead of your normal delivery driver. Your client coordinator will contact you to discuss your options.
- When in-person deliveries are necessary, our volunteers will hang your meals on your doorknob in a new single-use plastic bag, ring the doorbell and knock to let you know your meals have been delivered. If you must have in-home delivery, your volunteer will keep the appropriate distance as suggested by the CDC.
- At some point in the next few weeks a box of non-perishable, shelf-stable food will be delivered to ensure you can maintain your required caloric intake in the rare case of a total delivery disruption.
- Delivery drivers will sanitize their hands and wear a new pair of protective gloves when making each delivery. Please note: Drivers wearing gloves is used as a precautionary measure and should not be considered reason for alarm.
- We will hold daily meetings with our leadership team to monitor new developments and adapt our operations accordingly.
If you are an older adult or have a severe chronic medical condition you are at higher risk for COVID-19. It is extremely important for you to take actions to reduce your risk of getting sick with the disease.
Below is what the CDC recommends as precautions:
- Have enough household items and groceries on hand if you need to stay home for several weeks.
- Monitor your health and keep in touch with your doctor.
- Stay in touch with others by phone or email. You may need to ask for help from friends, family, neighbors, community health workers, etc. if you become sick.
Watch for symptoms and emergency warning signs:
- Symptoms can include:
- Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
- *It’s important to note that not everyone with the flu will have a fever.
Emergency Warning Signs Can Include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- Bluish lips or face
*If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately.
*These lists are not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning.
What to Do if You Get Sick:
- Call your healthcare provider and let them know about your symptoms.Tell them that you have or may have COVID-19. This will help them take care of you and keep other people from getting infected or exposed.
- Contact us or have your caregiver contact us immediately at (317) 252-5558 to inform us so we can maintain the health and safety of our volunteers. Please note: we may opt to switch you to a delivery method that does not require face-to-face interaction.
- Get medical attention immediately if you have any of the emergency warning signs listed above.
PLEASE NOTE: These changes will be implemented immediately but are subject to change pending any updated health department and/or state government regulations.