Christamore center restricts visitors after positive COVID test results

MT. PLEASANT - The Christamore Family Treatment Center is working with local public health after several staff members and clients tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend.

The facility was notified of a staff member with a positive case by Henry County Public Health last Thursday.

Public Health Director Shelley Van Dorin confirmed the treatment center is the first residential outbreak in Mt. Pleasant.

Van Dorin said she suggested the use of full personal protective equipment as well as 'quarantine and isolation as needed.”

Shauna Freitag, executive director of Young House Family Services, said the facility has begun implementing changes to help mitigate further spread of the virus.

Following notification of the positive case, county public health tested all staff and clients at the facility over the weekend, Freitag said.

The executive director added the center still is waiting for some test results to return.

The treatment center restricted visits upon learning of the positive case, which will be in place 'until further notice,” Freitag said.

Use of personal protective equipment, including shields, gowns and gloves, is mandated for staff and highly recommended for clients. She noted the treatment center cannot mandate clients use PPE but that it is readily available for their use.

'We're continuing to work closely with local public health to ensure CDC guidelines are being met,” she said.

Freitag added the facility was 'very fortunate” to gain access to additional PPE through local public health.

'Other facilities have gone without,” she said.

The treatment center will continue using PPE, deep cleaning and sanitizing the facility and implementing social distancing as recommended.

Freitag added she has been encouraged by the dedication of her staff at this time.

'Despite having COVID situation, they've stepped up to make sure the kids have what they need to be safe and to be supervised,” she said.