Covid-19 Protocols Announced for Thumbs Up Volunteers

AN IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION OF ALL THUMBS UP TUTORS WILL BE IN EFFECT, BEGINNING MONDAY, MAY 9, 2020 
 
To:  Thumbs Up Tutors & Snack Providers
From:   Rosalyn Browne, Director / Thumbs Up After-School Program 
 
During these last few weeks, we have all been fixated on the daily reports of the VIRUS spreading across the globe.   We are experiencing an abundance of caution in this matter; now that there have been reports of an outbreak in South Carolina. 
 
Today, I am advising ALL TUTORS AND OTHER VOLUNTEERS who may have underlying health issues  (high risk category), who have traveled outside of the country in recent months or who may have even visited states here in the U.S. that have been identified as “hot spots” for the C-Virus.    It is advisable that you protect your own health and well-being and AVOID ANY CONTACT WITH YOUNG CHILDREN who are likely to have respiratory and flu-like symptoms—even if they are not presently symptomatic.  THUMBS UP WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL ADULTS.  This is affecting everyone and we will know soon enough how schools will handle this emergency.
 
SNACK PROVIDERS MAY CONTINUE TO DROP OFF FOOD ON THEIR ASSIGNED DAYS BEFORE 3:00 P.M.
 
I am notifying parents to make other arrangements for their children once we know what protocol will be implemented in the schools.  Children will continue to attend Thumbs Up for the time being as we assess with parents which ones have recently shown symptoms of the cold or flu.  We will practice basic sanitary procedures daily and will communicate with parents to advise doctor’s visits for children who may be vulnerable.  Our Family Case Manager and a representative from DHEC will be invited to do “age-appropriate” informational sessions for young children (other regular classwork will also be conducted at Thumbs Up).  We will also be implementing a sanitation procedure to reduce possible germs and bacteria inside the  building, although we typically clean and sterilize daily.
 
For more information, go to:  scdhec.gov/health/covid-19.
 
Please contact me if you have any questions.  Take a little break and relax.     As always, I appreciate your cooperation.  Please share this notice in your group.
 
Knowing how attached you are to our children---the answer is “NO”, you may not come by the building to give a hug or to say a quick goodbye.  Call me if you want to bring snacks, coloring books, or little games before 2:00 p.m. any day.
 
Thank you,
 
Rosalyn Browne
(843) 379-8882