Matilda's Law

The following information is concerning people over the age of 70 who are either paid employees or volunteers and whether or not they are required to stay home. Matilda’s law is actually not a statute, it is strong guidance the Governor is expecting people to follow to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19. To the extent these individuals don’t want to continue their efforts they should be accommodated but if they are able and willing to continue their work and volunteer efforts, they can. So while this is not a mandate, we are all very aware of who is at risk with this virus and it is older adults and those with compromised immune systems and chronic conditions. The death rate increases with the more chronic conditions/health issues someone has. 

I recognize how important older workers and volunteers are to service provision. That is one of the strengths of the network, however, in the unprecedented times we are in, losing volunteers and paid staff who are older will no doubt affect service provision. We take this very seriously and want to do all we can to protect our older residents, in our communities and in our workforce. We will be working with our community based organizations and faith leaders for a call to action to have a stock of younger individuals ready to step in for older workers/volunteers in a volunteer capacity, taking all the usual protocols that have been relentlessly communicated about this virus and how to protect each other and ourselves.

Greg Olsen
Director
New York State Office for the Aging

MATILDA’S LAW:

  • Remain Indoors
  • Can go outside for solitary exercise
  • Pre-screen all visitors and aides by taking their temperature
  • Do not visit households with multiple people
  • All vulnerable persons should wear a mask when in the company of others
  • To the greatest extent possible, everyone in the presence of vulnerable people should wear a mask
  • Always stay at least six feet away from individuals
  • Do not take public transportation unless urgent and absolutely necessary

STRICTEST RULES FOR MOST VULNERABLE GROUPS:
Seniors over 70, immune compromised people, and those with underlying illness 

  • Remain Indoors
  • Can go outside for solitary exercise
  • Pre-screen all visitors and aides by taking their temperature
  • Do not visit households with multiple people
  • All vulnerable persons should wear a mask when in the company of others
  • To the greatest extent possible, everyone in the presence of vulnerable people should wear a mask
  • Always stay at least six feet away from individuals
  • Do not take public transportation unless urgent and absolutely necessary


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