If you are a parent with a child in our care, please check the Parent App for updates from our team. If you have a question about a client in our care or about our COVID-19 safety policies, please contact your local Outreach Representative or our Admissions team.
Newport Academy has taken extensive steps to protect the health and safety of our clients, families, and employees throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. As leaders in mental healthcare and in accordance with the latest CDC guidelines and recommendations of local public health agencies, Newport has remained open to serve clients during this unprecedented time, implementing revised policies and procedures as necessary.
We will continue to update response protocols per official recommendations and with consultation from public health and medical experts.
COVID-19 Vaccinations
The vast majority of our employees have received the COVID vaccination and are receiving boosters. Individuals with approved exemptions (religious or medical) are being tested on a weekly basis. Proof of vaccination is being recorded in a dedicated portal. State mandates regarding healthcare workers and the COVID vaccination are being strictly followed.
Treatment Center Protocols
Newport Healthcare has assembled a nationwide COVID-19 task force made up of Newport leadership that meets daily to assess any updated CDC guidelines and ensure they are implemented at each location, revising our response protocol as needed. To date, the task force has taken the following actions:
- Updated our admissions process to be in-line with CDC-recommended screening questions and processes in order to reduce the possibility of introduction of the virus into the treatment environment.
- Upon admission, clients are tested onsite using one of the following antigen testing systems that provide results in 15 minutes:
- Abbott Binax
- Sofia (Quidel)
- BD Veritor (Becton Dickensen)
- Continue to offer a hybrid model of in-person and virtual services at our day treatment locations
- Temporarily suspended family visitation, with virtual therapy and visitation provided instead for families and Family Weekends
- Continue to educate every employee and frequently remind them about proper COVID prevention practices including handwashing and hand sanitizing, face coverings, social distancing, proper use of PPE, and more
- Instituted health screenings for every employee at the beginning of every shift and instructed staff to stay home if they are sick, pursuant to current CDC recommendations
- Implemented specific return-to-work guidelines for employees following potential or verified COVID-19 exposure or illness
- Increased sanitization of equipment and areas
- Implemented readiness assessments and regularly assess each site to ensure that we are prepared for potential COVID-19 positive cases, including quarantine, isolation, and notification protocols
- Utilize specific health and safety protocols for any current residents presenting with symptoms of COVID-19, including quarantine procedures that do not disrupt therapeutic or academic progress whenever possible
Proactive Communications
Newport Academy has been regularly communicating with employees and families throughout the pandemic regarding safety practices, revised policies, and notification of potential exposure when applicable and in accordance with official guidelines.
We have implemented practices pursuant to CDC guidelines for minimizing risk and closely monitor for updates. Our clients’ and employees’ safety are our top priorities during this pandemic and always.
Please visit our resources page for more information about mental health and COVID-19.
