BCCDC February 2021 Updated Public Health Guidance for Child Care Settings

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The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) issued update public health guidelines for child care settings on February 12th, identifying key infection, prevention and exposure control practices to implement in child care settings.

The risk in child care settings is considered low in B.C. as:

·       They are controlled environments where effective infection prevention and exposure control measures can be consistently implemented and adhered to;

·       Young children (aged 10 and under) in B.C. are unlikely to be infected with COVID-19;

·       COVID-19 is less commonly transmitted between children, and between children and adults;

·       COVID-19 is more commonly transmitted between adults, and from adults to children; and

·       Young children are less at risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

This remains true, even when the rate of COVID-19 cases is higher in some communities. However, while COVID-19 is present in our communities, it will exist in some child care settings. The infection prevention and exposure control measures in place have been shown to be effective at stopping or limiting transmission of COVID-19 within child care settings.

Child care settings differ from kindergarten to grade 12 (K-12) schools as child care generally have smaller, consistent cohorts of staff and children, typically serve younger age groups (0-5 years of age), with different types of adult-child interactions, and have a less structured environment due to the different developmental stages and needs of infants and young children. The public health guidance differs between the two settings to reflect these considerations. Child care provided for school-aged children in K-12 school settings should also follow the Public Health Guidance for K-12 Schools. http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/COVID_public_guidance/Guidance-k-12-schools.pdf

See additional information from WorkSafeBC on protocols for child care settings. http://www.bccdc.ca/Health-Info-Site/Documents/COVID_public_guidance/Guidance-k-12-schools.pdf

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BCCDC) website.  http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19

COVID-19 and Young Children COVID-19 has a relatively low infection rate among young children. Based on published literature to date, the majority of cases of COVID-19 in young children are the result of droplet spread from a symptomatic adult family member in the household setting. Children do not appear to be the primary drivers of COVID-19 spread in child care facilities, schools, or other community settings.

Children tend to have very mild symptoms of COVID-19, if any. They often present with mild respiratory symptoms, such as a cough. Children can experience the same symptoms as adults but may show symptoms differently. For example, fatigue may show in children as lack of appetite, decreased activity, or changes in behaviour. Most young children are not at high risk for COVID-19 infection; however, children under one year of age and those who are immunocompromised or who have pre-existing lung conditions are more likely to experience severe illness (see Children with Immune Suppression on the BCCDC website for further details). http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/covid-19-and-children/children-with-immune-compromise  Children who are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 can still attend child care. Parents and caregivers who are concerned about their child’s level of risk are encouraged to consult with their health-care provider.

For more information, see WorkSafeBC guidance on general ventilation and air circulation https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/about-us/covid-19/general-ventilation-and-air-circulation-covid-19-faq?lang=en

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, visit the BC Centre for Disease Control’s (BCCDC) website. http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19

The information sheet includes detailed information on the following topics with particular relevance to child care settings:

·       COVID-19 and young children, with a link for specific information for children with immune compromise  http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/covid-19-and-children/children-with-immune-compromise

·       Infection prevention and exposure control measures

·       Environmental measures, including:

o   Ventilation and air circulation, with a link to WorkSafeBC guidance on general ventilation and air circulation https://www.worksafebc.com/en/resources/about-us/covid-19/general-ventilation-and-air-circulation-covid-19-faq?lang=en

o   Cleaning and disinfection

·       Administrative measures, including:

o   Cohorting children and staff

o   Physical distancing and minimizing physical contact

o   Visitors

o   Transportation

o   Food and beverages

·       Personal measures, including:

o   Daily health check

o   What to do when sick

o   What to do when symptoms develop while at child care

o   Returning after sickness

o   Other considerations for managing illness in child care settings

o   Hand hygiene

o   Personal items and books

·       Personal protective equipment

o   Non-medical masks and face coverings (masks)

The guide also includes as an appendix a fact sheet on: What to Do if a Child or Staff Member Develops Symptoms.