Planning To Reopen - Phase 2 Child Programs Minimum Requirements, Part 5

6/18/2020 (Permalink)

This is the fifth blog detailing the minimum guidelines for reopening child and youth programs. We are in Phase 2 of Governor Charlie Baker's plan to reopen the state of Massachusetts. It is important to note that these are minimum requirements to reopen. Contact the Massachusetts department of Early Education and Care (EEC) to identify any additional guidelines that may impact your program's ability to reopen. It is also a good idea to 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).

Minimum Requirements - Screening and Monitoring of Children and Staff

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.

Screening

Programs must screen all staff and children, every day, before they are permitted to enter the child care space following the requirements below.

1. Establish a single point of entry to the program to ensure that no individual is allowed to enter the building until they successfully pass the screening.
2. Designate specific program staff to conduct all screening activities, and establish a designated screening area (e.g., a side room or enclosed area close to the point of entry) that will allow for more privacy in order to ask questions confidentially. Unless a physical barrier, such as a plexiglass screen, is used, the space used for screening must allow for physical distancing of childcare staff from child/family while screening is being conducted (i.e. at least 6 feet of separation).
3. Health check responses must be recorded and maintained on file.
4. Verbally screen children and parents asking the following questions. If any of the below are yes, the child must not be allowed to enter the building. The child must return home with their parent or caregiver. 
   1. Today or in the past 24 hours, have you or any household members had any of the following symptoms?
      1. Fever (temperature of 100.0?F or above), felt feverish, or had chills?
      2. Cough?
      3. Sore throat?
      4. Difficulty breathing?
      5. Gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, nausea, vomiting)?
      6. Fatigue? (Fatigue alone should not exclude a child from participation.)
      7. Headache?
      8. New loss of smell/taste?
      9. New muscle aches?
      10. Any other signs of illness?
   2. In the past 14 days, have you had close contact (being within 6 feet of an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 for more than 10 minutes) with a person known to be infected with the novel COVID-19?
5. Staff must make a visual inspection of each child for signs of illness, which could include flushed cheeks, rapid breathing or difficulty breathing (without recent physical activity), fatigue, or extreme fussiness. Confirm that the child is not experiencing coughing or shortness of breath. In the event a child is experiencing shortness of breath or extreme difficulty breathing, call emergency medical services immediately.
6. All staff, parents, children, and any individuals seeking entry into the program space must be directed to self-screen at home, prior to coming to the program for the day. If the program is a family child care program, all household members must self-screen before coming into the child care space.
   1. Self-screening shall include checking for symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath, gastrointestinal symptoms, new loss of taste/smell, muscle aches, or any other symptoms that feel like a cold. Anyone with a fever of 100.0?F or above or any other signs of illness must not be permitted to enter the program.
   2. Parents and staff must sign written attestations daily regarding any household contacts with COVID-19, symptoms (e.g., fever, sore throat, cough, shortness of breath, loss of smell or taste, or diarrhea), or if they have given children medicine to lower a fever.
   3. Individuals who decline to complete the screening will not be permitted to enter the program space.

Regular Monitoring

Staff must actively visually monitor children throughout the day for symptoms of any kind, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, abdominal pain, and unexplained rash. Children who appear ill or are exhibiting signs of illness must be separated from the larger group and isolated until able to leave the facility. Programs must have a non-contact or temporal thermometer on site to check temperatures if a child is suspected of having a fever (temperature above 100 degrees F). Special care must be taken to disinfect the thermometer after each use.

If any child or staff appears to have severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately. Before transferring to a medical facility, notify the transfer team and medical facility if the individual is suspected to have COVID-19. Severe symptoms include the following: extreme difficulty breathing (i.e. not being able to speak without gasping for air), bluish lips or face, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, severe persistent dizziness or lightheadedness, new confusion or inability to rouse someone, or new seizure or seizures that won’t stop.

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!