Planning To Reopen - Phase 2 Child Programs Minimum Requirements, Part 9

6/25/2020 (Permalink)

Child care and youth-serving programs remain a critical component in Governor Charlie Baker's overall plan to reopen the state of Massachusetts and get the residents of the Commonwealth back to work. To prepare for successful reopening of child care programs, recreational camps, and youth programs the Governor Baker's administration has developed minimum guidelines for reopening child and youth programs. The following highlights the minimum requirements for general cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting.

As always, work with your local health officials to determine a set of strategies appropriate for your community’s situation.

(See our "Planning to Reopen series of blogs for more information regarding CDC, EPA, FDA, and OSHA safety requirements). To review the administration's reopening guidance from the state click here. To view Governor Baker's full report click here).

These requirements apply to all child and youth-serving programs, including recreational summer programs, recreational summer camps for children, municipal or recreational youth programs not traditionally licensed as camps, family child care, and center-based child care. As more is learned about the virus guidelines are updated accordingly. Those charged with planning to reopen child and youth programs should check the both the Massachusetts department of Early Education and Care (EEC) and the CDC website regularly to make sure that they are following the latest guidance. 

Programs that are unable to must make the following changes to their operations or remain closed and reopen at a later date.

Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting Resources and Supplies

The following is information about what supplies must be used for cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting.

1. Programs must use EPA-registered disinfectants and sanitizers for use against COVID-19. Follow directions on the label, including ensuring that the disinfectant or sanitizer is approved for that type of surface (such as food-contact surfaces).
2. When EPA-approved disinfectants are not available, a dilute bleach solution can be used. For example, add 1/3 cup of household bleach to 1 gallon of water OR 4 teaspoons of bleach per quart of water. Alternatively, a 70% alcohol can be applied.
3. All bleach and water dilutions must be freshly mixed every 24 hours. Bleach solutions must be prepared daily to ensure their ability to safely sanitize or disinfect. When preparing sanitizing or disinfecting dilutions always add bleach to water. This helps to avoid bleach splashes caused by adding water to bleach. Use either the sanitizing or the disinfecting dilution as specified above.
4. Many cleaning agents can be irritants and trigger acute symptoms in children with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Programs must not prepare cleaning solutions in close proximity to children.
5. Check the label to see if your bleach is intended for disinfection, and ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against COVID-19 when properly diluted. Some bleaches, such as those designed for safe use on colored clothing or for whitening may not be suitable for disinfection.
6. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Leave solution on the surface for at least 1 minute.
7. Programs shall use child-safe cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting solutions and children should never be present when mixing solutions.
8. Only single use, disposable paper towels shall be used for cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. Sponges shall not be used for sanitizing or disinfecting.
9. All sanitizing and disinfecting solutions must be labeled properly to identify the contents, kept out of the reach of children, and stored separately from food items. Do not store sanitizing and disinfecting solutions in beverage containers.
10. Avoid aerosols, because they contain propellants that can affect breathing. Pump or trigger sprays are preferred.

Proper Usage of Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting Supplies

Proper guidelines must be followed when cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting. Staff responsible for cleaning should understand and adhere to the proper use and application of all solutions used. 

1. All sanitizing and disinfecting solutions must be used in areas with adequate ventilation and never in close proximity to children as to not trigger acute symptoms in children with asthma or other respiratory conditions. Do not spray chemicals around children. If possible, move children to another area or have someone distract them away from the area where a chemical is being used.
2. To ensure effective cleaning and disinfecting, always clean surfaces with soap and water first, then disinfect using a diluted bleach solution, alcohol solution with at least 70% alcohol, or an EPA approved disinfectant for use against the virus that causes COVID-19. Cleaning first will allow the disinfecting product to work as intended to destroy germs on the surface.
3. Use all cleaning products according to the directions on the label. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for concentration, application method, and contact time for all cleaning and disinfection products.
4. Surfaces and equipment must air dry after sanitizing or disinfecting. Do not wipe dry unless it is a product instruction. Careful supervision is needed to ensure that children are not able to touch the surface until it is completely dry.
5. Keep all chemicals out of the reach of children both during storage and in use.
6. Keep chemicals in their original containers. If this is not possible, label the alternate container to prevent errors.
7. Do not mix chemicals. Doing so can produce a toxic gas.

General Guidelines for Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting

Program staff charged with cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting must follow these general guidelines.

1. Intensify the program’s routine cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting practices, paying extra attention to frequently touched objects and surfaces, including doorknobs, bathrooms and sinks, keyboards, and bannisters.
2. Clean and disinfect toys and activity items, including sports and specialty camp activity equipment (e.g. and climbing walls), used by children more frequently than usual and take extra care to ensure that all objects that children put in their mouths are removed from circulation, cleaned, and sanitized before another child is allowed to use it.
3. While cleaning and disinfecting, staff must wear gloves as much as possible. Handwashing or use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer after these procedures is always required, whether or not gloves are used.

While the administration continues to work with communities to implement best practices and protocols we will continue to share with you guidance from the CDC, FDA, OSHA and the Governor's office to follow as we prepare for reopening. Also, we at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley know that not every business has access to the resources necessary to meet these strict guidelines. For those businesses, we are here to help!

Certified SERVPRO Clean

The Disaster Remediation Teams at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley are specialists in cleaning services and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. We are prepared to clean and disinfect your home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work of "normal daily cleaning". Call SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley today for a free consultation - (617) 332-9000.

All of us here at SERVPRO of Newton/Wellesley want you and your loved ones to stay safe and know that we will make it through this together! Rest assured, we will continue to do our best to keep you up-to-date and informed! Rest assured, we will continue to do our best to keep you up-to-date and informed!