Planning To Reopen - Phase 2 Child Programs Minimum Requirements, Part 10

6/26/2020 (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 indoor and outdoor play areas, after potential exposure in day programs as well as additional considerations that should be taken.

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 Indoor Play Areas

Program managers must have staff charged with cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting indoor play areas must follow these guidelines.

1. Children’s books, like other paper-based materials such as mail or envelopes, are not considered a high risk for transmission and do not need additional cleaning or disinfection procedures. Programs should conduct regular inspection and disposal of books or other paper-based materials that are heavily soiled or damaged.
2. Machine washable cloth toys cannot be used at all.
3. Toys that children have placed in their mouths or that are otherwise contaminated by body secretions or excretions must be set aside until they are cleaned by hand by a person wearing gloves. Clean with water and detergent, rinse, sanitize with an EPA-registered sanitizer, and air-dry or clean in a mechanical dishwasher.
4. For electronics, such as tablets, touch screens, keyboards, and remote controls, remove visible contamination if present. Consider putting a wipeable cover on electronics. Follow manufacturer’s instruction for cleaning and disinfecting. If no guidance, use alcohol-based wipes or sprays containing at least 70% alcohol. Wait in accordance with manufacturer’s directions and then dry surface thoroughly or allow to air dry. Provide cleaning materials for older children to clean their own electronics.

Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting Outdoor Play Areas

Program managers must have staff charged with cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting outdoor play areas must follow these guidelines.

1. Communal parks and playgrounds must not be utilized. This includes public offsite playgrounds as well as playgrounds shared by multiple programs or houses. Playgrounds shared by multiple programs and houses may be used provided there is a plan for proper cleaning and disinfection between each group’s use.
2. High touch surfaces made of plastic or metal, including play structures, tables and benches, should be frequently cleaned and disinfected.
3. Cleaning and disinfection of wooden surfaces or groundcovers (mulch, sand) is not recommended.
4. Communal pools must not be utilized.
5. Programs may use their own indoor and outdoor swimming pools in accordance with guidance.
6. All pools must meet the regulatory requirements of the state of Massachusetts' sanitary codes for minimum standards for swimming pools as well as any additional more restrictive MA state or local requirements or orders in response to COVID-19.
7. Handrails and pool ladders must be disinfected frequently throughout the program day.

Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting After Potential Exposure in Day Programs

If staff suspects a potential exposure, they must conduct cleaning and disinfecting as follows.

1. Close off areas visited by the ill persons. Open outside doors and windows and use ventilating fans to increase air circulation in the area. Wait 24 hours or as long as practical before beginning cleaning and disinfection.
2. Programs must plan for availability of alternative space while areas are out of use. 
3. Cleaning staff must clean and disinfect all areas such as offices, bathrooms, common areas, shared electronic equipment (e.g., tablets, touch screens, keyboards) used by the ill persons, focusing especially on frequently touched surfaces.

Additional Considerations

The state requires that those managing child care and youth programs to consider the following precautions.

1. Staff clothing must not be worn again until after being laundered at the warmest temperature possible.
2. Programs must comply with OSHA’s standards on Bloodborne Pathogens, including proper disposal of regulated waste and PPE.
3. Programs shall follow CDC infection control guidelines designed to protect individuals from exposure to diseases spread by blood, bodily fluids, or excretions that may spread infectious disease.
4. Health precautions include, but are not limited to, the use of PPE, proper disposal containers for contaminated waste, handwashing and proper handling of bodily waste.
   1. Non-latex gloves shall be provided and used for the clean-up of blood and bodily fluids
   2. Used gloves and any other materials containing blood or other bodily fluids shall be thrown away in a lined, covered container. Only material saturated/dripping with blood is considered medical waste and must be stored and disposed of pursuant to the regulations. Materials such as band-aids, tissues and others with minimal blood are not considered medical waste
   3. Contaminated clothing shall be sealed in a plastic container or bag, labeled with the child’s name, and returned to the parent at the end of the day
   4. Sharps waste shall be stored and disposed of in appropriate sharps containers with the word biohazard and the universal biohazard symbol.

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!