COVID-19 Coronavirus - A message for parents with children in DCS care

March 12, 2020

Re: COVID-19 – Open Letter to Parents of Children in DCS Care

Dear Parents,

First I want to acknowledge that this is a very difficult time for you and the steps being taken as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak may cause additional anxiety regarding the welfare of your child/ren in our care. At this time, DCS has no reported cases of children in care infected with this disease.

I am writing to let you know what we are doing as a department to keep your child/ren safe. DCS Specialists and service providers are being asked to continue all scheduled activities including visits, service and court hearings.

Please refer to our Caregiver message #1 and message #2 that were sent to all DCS caregivers.

Additionally, if YOU are experiencing flu-like symptoms including fever with cough or shortness of breath, please contact your primary care physician for direction as you would during cold and flu season.

• If you are symptomatic, DCS requests that you voluntarily postpone visits until you are symptom-free without aide of medication for at least 72* hrs.
• Please communicate with your DCS Specialist so they are aware

If your symptoms persist or worsen, please seek medical guidance from the your primary care physician.

• Consider using telemedicine options as demands on medical professionals is extremely high at this time
• Please follow the directions of your PCP
• If your primary care physician recommends that you be tested for COVID-19, please follow the direction of your physician and also contact your DCS Specialist.

Thank you for patience as we work through this situation as a community.

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