Planning To Reopen - Phase 2 Child Programs Minimum Requirements, Part 8

6/24/2020 (Permalink)

Child care and youth-serving programs are 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 reopening child care programs, recreational camps, and youth programs the administration has developed minimum guidelines for reopening child and youth programs. The following highlights the minimum requirements for personal protective equipment (PPE) and face masks or coverings.

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.

Face Masks and Coverings

Those managing the daily operations of childcare and youth programs should encourage the wearing of masks or cloth face coverings during the program day. Whenever 6 feet of physical distancing is not possible, masks must be worn.

1. To slow the spread of COVID-19, program staff are encouraged to wear a cloth face covering while serving children and interacting with parents and families. Program staff are required to wear a cloth face covering whenever 6 feet of physical distancing is not possible. Programs are encouraged to consider the use of transparent face coverings to allow for the reading of facial expressions, which is important for child development.
2. When possible and at the discretion of the parent or guardian of the child, programs should encourage the wearing of masks or cloth face coverings for children age 2 and older who can safely and appropriately wear, remove, and handle masks. Additional guidance on use of face coverings and masks by children is as follows:
   1. Children under the age of 2 years should not wear face coverings or masks.
   2. When children can be safely kept at least 6 feet away from others, then they do not need to be encouraged to wear a mask.
   3. Masks must not be worn while children are eating/drinking, sleeping, and napping. Strict and consistent physical distancing must be practiced at all times during these activities. Masks do not need to be worn while engaging in active outdoor play, if children are able to keep physical distance from others.
   4. Children 2 years of age and older must be supervised when wearing a mask. If wearing the face covering causes the child to touch their face more frequently, staff must reconsider whether the mask is appropriate for the child.
3. Families should provide their children with a sufficient supply of clean masks and face coverings for their child to allow replacing the covering as needed. These families must have a plan for routine cleaning of masks and face coverings, clearly mark masks with child’s name and room number, if applicable, and clearly distinguish which side of the covering should be worn facing outwards so they are worn properly each day. If families are unable to provide masks, programs should provide masks for children and youth, as necessary. Masks and face coverings must be routinely washed (at least daily and any time the mask is used or becomes soiled) depending on the frequency of use. When possible, masks must be washed in a washing machine in hot water and dried fully before using again. If a washing machine is unavailable, masks must be washed with soap and hot water and allowed to dry fully before using again.
4. If using a disposable mask, follow CDC guidance on proper daily removal. Grasp bottom ties or elastics of the mask, then the ones at the top, and remove without touching the front. Discard in a waste container and wash hands or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately. 
5. Staff must enforce the wearing of face masks by parents or guardians when on the premises and at all times during drop-off and pick-up. Programs must regularly remind families and staff that all individuals are encouraged to adhere to the CDC’s recommendations for wearing a mask or cloth face covering whenever going out in public and/or around other people.
6. Staff must teach and reinforce use of cloth face coverings among all program staff. Face coverings are most essential at times when physical distancing is not possible. Staff must be frequently reminded not to touch the face covering and to wash their hands frequently. Information must be provided to all staff on proper use, removal, and washing of cloth face coverings.

Exceptions to Use of Face Masks/Coverings

Exceptions for wearing face masks include situations that may inhibit an individual from wearing a face mask safely. These may include, but are not limited to:

1. Children under the age of 2 years
2. Children who cannot safely and appropriately wear, remove, and handle masks
3. Children who have difficulty breathing with the face covering or who are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance
4. Children with severe cognitive or respiratory impairments that may have a hard time tolerating a face mask
5. Children where the only option for a face covering presents a potential choking or strangulation hazard
6. Individuals who cannot breathe safely with a face covering, including those who require supplemental oxygen to breathe
7. Individuals who, due to a behavioral health diagnosis or an intellectual impairment, are unable to wear a face covering safely
8. Individuals who need to communicate with people who rely upon lip-reading.

When to Use Gloves

Staff must wear gloves when appropriate and at all times during the following activities. Program managers should consult with a child’s medical records and identify any allergies when determining type of gloves to use. Handwashing or use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after these procedures is always required, whether or not gloves are used.

1. Diapering
2. Food preparation
3. Screening activities requiring contact
4. Applying sunscreen.

After removing gloves for any reason, hand hygiene should be performed with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water. Additionally, as a means to reduce cross-contamination, disposable gloves should always be discarded after the following instances.

1. Visible soiling or contamination with blood, respiratory or nasal secretions, or other body fluids occurs.
2. Any signs of damage (e.g., holes, rips, tearing) or degradation are observed.
3. Maximum of four hours of continuous use.
4. Disposable glove “re-use” is not permitted as previously removed gloves have an increased risk of both tearing and contamination.
5. Gloves should be removed following activities where glove usage is required including diapering, food preparation, applying sunscreen, and screening activities requiring contact.

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 Norwood/West Roxbury know that not every business has access to the resources necessary to meet these strict guidelines. For those businesses, we are here to help!

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The Disaster Remediation Teams at SERVPRO of Norwood/West Roxbury 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 Norwood/West Roxbury today for a free consultation - (781) 796-9125.

All of us here at SERVPRO of Norwood / West Roxbury 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!