New Procedures and Restrictions

This week, it was announced that the coronavirus (COVID-19) has arrived in Michigan.  Special Tree is closely monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak and is continuing to do everything possible to keep our clients, staff, and visitors safe.  Our leadership and infection prevention teams are meeting regularly to assess the latest developments, to prepare our staff, and to diligently review the latest CDC guidelines to monitor symptoms across all of our facilities.  Please see the attached document which outlines our efforts.

The general strategies the CDC recommends to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in care facilities like Special Tree are the same strategies we use every day to detect and prevent the spread of viruses like influenza and other seasonal illnesses.  Special Tree is also taking multiple steps to strengthen our coronavirus-related restrictions and guidelines to protect our clients, staff, and visitors during the outbreak.

EFFECTIVE MONDAY MORNING:

• Special Tree is following state and federal recommendations and restricting visitors to all of our locations.  Restricted visitation will be in effect for all people including family, friends, mail carriers, delivery drivers, etc. who enter Special Tree’s facilities.  This restriction will be reevaluated on a weekly basis.
   
• Therapy, Vocational, and Day Treatment Services are temporarily suspended for all  clients who do not reside in a Special Tree facility.  These services will continue for residential and inpatient clients unless they are ill. 
   
• Community outings, client Leaves of Absence, and any meetings requiring outside visitors with the exception of critical physician appointments are temporarily suspended.
   
• If you have a Care Conference in the coming week it will be rescheduled.
   
• We are implementing protocols for screening staff for symptoms at the start of each shift.
   
• You can follow all current COVID-19 news and updates from Special Tree on our website at specialtree.com/covid19.  We will keep you informed through as many communication channels as possible.

If you have any concerns, please contact your Special Tree Case Manager at 800-648-6885 who can relay your concerns to our infection control committee and COVID-19 Watch Team.

You can also find additional information on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), and governing bodies in your city of residence.  

Sincerely,
Joseph C. Richert                  Lela Hickonbottom
President & CEO                    Chief Nursing Officer