COVID-19 Update — April 22, 2020
OKIZU COVID 19 UPDATE
April 16, 2020
Okizu remains first and foremost focused on the health and safety of our families as we continue to closely follow the rapidly evolving recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and our state and local public health authorities.
At this point, all spring programs have pivoted to virtual online camps. While they will be different than our physical community experience, we are committed and focused on our mission to provide support, mentoring, respite, and recreation as we strive to create a vibrant and interactive online community.
No decisions have yet been made regarding summer camp programs, though we expect to share information about that in early May. In addition to guidance from health authorities, we are in close contact with our partner medical centers and peer institutions regarding best practices for maintaining safety. We are also actively participating in and contributing to forums hosted by the American Camping Association and the Children’s Oncology Camping Association.
We are maintaining our beautiful facility to welcome campers and are actively planning staff training so that we can provide a safe, fun, and meaningful camp experience just as soon as it is safe to do so. While we hope that will be in Berry Creek, we will be prepared to do so online if necessary.
Our pledge to you remains:
- The health and safety of our families has always been and will remain the top priority at Okizu.
- Okizu will be transparent in proactive communications prior to and during camp programs.
- Decisions on individual programs will be made at least two weeks prior to the start of that program, and will be distributed widely on a regular basis.
- We will practice all health department recommendations including those on cleaning, disinfecting, food preparation, and hand washing.
- We will proactively educate all paid and volunteer staff on safe practices.
- If programs are cancelled and we are able to resume later in the season, we will do our utmost to accommodate all families and children.
In addition to the measures we take, please contact your own medical provider and/or oncologist regarding any specific recommendations for you or your family members.
Please be sure to take care of yourselves; below are public health information links from the State of California as well as the Centers of Disease Control.
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/covid19
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html https://www.cdph.ca.gov/covid19
Thank you for your patience and trust while we make the most responsible decisions for our families.