A Message from Triangle CEO Coleman Nee

03/14/20 UPDATE: Please click here to read the most recent information regarding Triangle programs.

This note is an update regarding Triangle, Inc.’s response to COVID-19 and the steps we are taking to minimize any undue risk in the coming days and weeks. To date, we are not aware of any exposure to COVID-19 experienced by any member of our staff or by individuals in our programs. We have been proactive in encouraging both staff members and program participants to stay home if they are not feeling well. As of today, March 11, 2020, all Triangle programs will continue to operate as usual, but with slightly altered programming. Since many of our participants and residents are older or have existing medical conditions, we are taking this issue very seriously. We will update you regularly as we receive more information and as the situation evolves.

The steps we have taken thus far include:

• Triangle has been in communication with the individuals in our programs, their families, and our larger community of program partners and employers to ensure the ongoing safety of everyone. Additionally, we have been following the guidance of local public health experts, school partners, government officials, and state agencies at all levels to ensure that we are following proper protocols in response to this outbreak.
• We will be canceling most upcoming community outings, particularly when they involve high traffic locations or large gatherings. This includes travel training on the MBTA, outings to museums/cultural institutions, and, in many instances, community-based group employment activities. While we pride ourselves on providing community-based activities and employment opportunities, we are taking this step to follow the advice of our local authorities and public health officials.
• All Triangle staff members will be encouraged to stay home from work as needed. Our HR team has amended our standard Paid Personal Leave policy during these extraordinary times in hopes that this will relieve any economic anxiety that may cause an individual to “work through” any illness they may be experiencing.
• Triangle will be limiting the amount of external meetings or gatherings for all staff members, especially those being held in our facilities. We will be using phone calls and video conferencing solutions to ensure that important meetings/conversations continue.
• In the event that someone involved with our programs tests positive or exhibits symptoms of COVID-19, Triangle will enact DPH’s recommended protocol that includes isolating the individual if they are in our facility and contacting parents/guardians/residential services provider, the Department of Public Health (DPH), and the appropriate state agencies (Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), and/or Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). After those immediate steps, we will work closely with DPH to determine next steps, including any needed quarantine measures for Triangle staff members and participants.

Triangle is following the basic strategies recommended to employers by the Center for Disease Control. Drew Warren, our Chief Program Officer, sent out guidance to our staff members who work directly with program participants. Included in this directive were ways to help reduce the spread of COVID-19, including using elbow bumps, waves, or chest taps as an alternative to handshakes and fist bumps. We are also stressing the practice of regular handwashing, and reminding participants to cover their nose and mouth when sneezing and/or coughing. All commonly touched surfaces at our facilities are being routinely cleaned with sanitizing products.

The well-being of our employees, participants, residents, and facility visitors is our first concern. We are paying attention to available sources of public health information, especially in the Greater Boston area. We are currently working on establishing a plan for our systems, staffing, and functions in case we need to promptly make adjustments. This is a very fluid situation and we will be making ongoing decisions about appropriate measures to adapt for the well-being of all.

If you would like to read additional information about COVID-19, please click here to visit CDC’s website.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at learnmore@triangle-inc.org.