Covid 19 – Update from our executive director
Dear Parent/Legal Guardian/ Treatment Ally:
We hope this letter finds you and your family well. In consultation with our Medical Services Team, I would like to again update you on the current status of Covid-19 at New Hope Carolinas.
The World Health Organization reports over 35 million cases of Covid-19 worldwide and over 1 million deaths. The United States has over 7 million reported cases. The data clearly tells us this virus is entrenched and reminds us that strong mitigation strategies are necessary to ensure safety.
We continue to not have any residents who are positive for or suspected of having Covid-19. The last known case in our resident population was recorded on July 13, and as of today, we are tracking 4 employees whom have called out of work with Covid-19 symptoms or due to direct exposure to someone with the virus. This data provides solid evidence that the mitigation strategies we are using are effective. That said we recognize that we have a long road ahead of us before we see any sense of “normalcy” as it relates to Covid-19. We are now preparing to administer vaccines for influenza to reduce the increased risk it brings to our residents and employees. I hope I can count on every legal guardian to support our flu vaccination process.
We are continuing the entry screening and other robust processes in place designed to track and monitor the wellness of our employees. We are continuing to monitor all residents daily for symptoms. We are also continuing to quarantine and monitor symptoms of any new admissions or current residents who are away from our building for any reason, as a precaution, and if we see any hint of an influx on any unit, we will quarantine the entire population and stop all admissions to that program.
We are continuing to test any youth in our care for Covid-19 if they display symptoms or if they leave our facility for any reason. Remember, if any youth tests positive for Covid-19, we will notify the parent/Legally Responsible Person (LRP) and encourage his/her parent/LRP to take the youth to their permanent residence for fourteen (14) day quarantine. When that is not feasible, we will quarantine the youth here.
Our plans for outdoor visitation and fully returning all employees to the workplace remain on hold, pending better infection rate data in South Carolina. Your continued cooperation and adherence to our “no visitors inside our building” policy is appreciated. Video conferencing is always available, through your therapist. I appreciate your continued cooperation with these restrictions.
Thank you for allowing us to care for your child.
Sincerely,
Sam E. Phifer, LCSW
Executive Director
