COVID-19 Coronavirus - A message for Caregivers #2

March 12, 2020

Re: COVID-19 – Coronavirus Update 2

Dear Caregivers,

As kinship, foster and congregate care providers we thank you for all you do to support the children of our communities while they are in out of home care.

The news of COVID-19 spread and the reactions in the community including canceling sporting events, closing schools and disruption to daily routines is unprecedented. We do know however, that the overwhelming majority of individuals who contract COVID-19 have very little to worry about.

We are also being informed though, that the elderly, those with underlying health conditions or immune deficiencies need to take much greater precautions. For those children in care with high risk needs, CMDP is working to ensure those caregivers, case managers and Primary Care Physicians are receiving communication specific to the needs of those children.

For the remainder of the children in care, what do you do as a caregiver in the event you suspect a child in your care is presenting with symptoms:

If a child is presenting as symptomatic including fever with cough or shortness of breath, please contact the child’s primary care physician for direction as you would during cold and flu season.

• Children displaying these symptoms should remain home from activities until they are symptom-free without aide of medication for at least 72* hrs.
• Please communicate with your DCS Specialist so they are aware If the symptoms persist or worsen, please seek medical guidance from the child’s primary care physician.
• Consider using telemedicine options as demands on medical professionals is extremely high at this time
• Please follow the directions of the PCP
• If the child’s primary care physician recommends that a youth be tested for COVID-19, please follow the direction of the physician and also contact the DCS Specialist.

The closures of some school districts will undoubtedly present child care concerns from some caregivers. If there are challenges related to this, please discuss and coordinate respite needs with your Licensing Agency or contact your DCS Specialist so child care supports can be discussed.

Thank you for all you do and thank you for being part of the community solution to serving children in foster care.

This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available.

Sincerely,

Mike Faust

Director

*Updated 3.16.2020 to 72 hours per CDC change in recommendation