COVID19

07/28/2021 Member Update

From the beginning we have and continue to closely monitor the latest updates regarding COVID-19 and the increase in cases across the country.  On Tuesday, July 27, 2021, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) changed its masking recommendations as it grows more concerned over the Delta variant of Covid-19. They are urging both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals to wear a mask indoors in areas with "substantial" and "high" transmission of Covid-19.

The safety of each and every one of our members and team members is our number one priority.  In accordance with this recent announcement, we have determined that we will once again institute a mandatory mask mandate at all branch locations when visiting by appointment beginning today. This goes for both members and team members.  Our protocols and safety measures have served us well thus far and we expect this to continue. We appreciate your patience as we work through these

 

As part of our organizational values we will continue to prioritize the well-being of our team members and members.  We recognize we still have issues that are impacting our members.  We are presently working to fully reopen our lobbies and address the issues that have taken away from the positive experiences our members expect.  Staffing has been a significant issue for us as well as many other organizations.  We are actively working to recruit and hire for several open positions.  It is important for us to have sufficient staffing in order to create an environment where our team members have the appropriate resources to support our members.  We are listening to your feedback and appreciate your patience as we work through these challenges. 

A listing of open positions can be found by navigating to our Careers page and clicking on the Apply Now button.

We also want to update our members regarding our mask wearing guidelines. Massachusetts issued new mask-wearing guidelines stating that fully vaccinated people can begin to return to normal activities without wearing a mask. The state’s position also states that non-vaccinated individuals are advised to continue wearing face masks and to continue distancing in most settings. Given these guidelines, we are rescinding our mask-wearing mandate, effective immediately for members who are visiting our lobbies by appointment.  This goes for both members and our team members. We still recommend mask-wearing. However, we will not require it. Our team members have been instructed to wear a mask if serving a member who is wearing a mask and the option of maintaining a safe social distance is not an option.

While restrictions are being lifted, the pandemic has not been declared over. Our protocols and safety measures have served us well thus far and we expect this to continue. We will continue to respond to changes and appreciate everyone’s cooperation.

Thank you very much for your patience, understanding, and continued membership.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the safety of our members and team members has been, and continues to be, our top priority. We’ve also communicated how important it is that we provide you with a positive member experience. We know that over the last several months it may not have been the experience you have become accustomed to, and we recognize that.

So, what does this all mean? Since the recent announcement of Governor Baker’s reopening plan for Massachusetts, we have carefully reviewed our own plans for the reopening of our lobbies. You want more opportunities to come in and see us, and we want to see you too. However, at this time, we have decided to refrain from any immediate changes and our lobbies will remain accessible by appointment only. We want to be thoughtful with transitioning back to normal and want to look at every option before committing to removing masks and opening fully to the public. We also want to be honest and share that we, as is the case for many other businesses, currently do not have sufficient staff to ensure we are meeting your expectations. Hiring and recruiting has and continues to be a challenge as many, if not all of you can attest to. We continue to work hard to hire the right team members and focus on preparing them to serve and meet your needs. Although this will continue to take some time and additional effort, we are committed to having the necessary staffing and resources ready when we do fully reopen. We hear you and are truly listening to all your feedback to ensure we do what’s right.

We will continue to monitor the reopening progress in the communities we serve before making a definitive decision regarding our full reopen. Until then, we are here to serve you through our drive-up and digital banking services. Our ATM/ITMs, automated telephone banking and appointment scheduling are still available during these times. Members can also reach us via Chat.

We are excited to promote the Restaurant Revitalization Fund to our local business members. The Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) provides funding to help restaurants and other eligible businesses keep their doors open. This program will provide restaurants with funding equal to their pandemic-related revenue loss up to $10 million per business and no more than $5 million per physical location. Recipients are not required to repay the funding as long as funds are used for eligible uses no later than March 11, 2023. Please visit the SBA link below for more information about the RRF and to apply for this funding today! 

https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/covid-19-relief-options/restaurant-revitalization-fund