* Attention*
Dear Child Care Families
With regards to the Coronavirus (Covid-19 we wanted to reassure our parents/guardians that we have and will follow our Pandemic Plan which states that we must follow the directions of the Federal, State, and local authorities, and at this time have no plans to close the Center. If we were forced to close the Center by Federal, State, or local officials, parents would not be charged tuition for the time we are required to remain closed.
Keeping children healthy and safe is our priority and we recommend these simple steps from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for preventing the spread of germs and illness:
MINNESOTA D EPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Decision Tree for People with COVID-19 Symptoms in Youth, Student, and Child Care Programs
Symptoms of COVID-19 include: new onset cough or shortness of breath by themselves OR at least 2 of the following: fever (100.4ºF or higher), chills, muscle pain, sore throat, loss of sense of smell or taste, and gastrointestinal symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea.
If a person has a new symptom (for example, new loss of smell only) with no other diagnosis to explain it, they should stay home and talk to their health care provider about testing for COVID-19, even if it is the only symptom they are experiencing.
For people who received a laboratory test for COVID-19
Positive test result: Stay home at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared AND until no fever for at least 3 days without medication AND improvement of other symptoms.
Siblings and household members also stay home for 14 days.
Negative test result but symptoms with no other diagnosis: Stay home at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared AND until no fever for at least 3 days without medication AND improvement of other symptoms.
Siblings and household members also stay home for 14 days.
For people with a COVID-19 diagnosis without a lab test OR people with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 without a medical evaluation (e.g., monitoring symptoms at home)
Stay home at least 10 days since symptoms first appeared AND until no fever for at least 3 days without medication AND improvement of other symptoms.
Siblings and household members also stay home for 14 days.
For people with other diagnoses (e.g., norovirus, strep throat) that explain the symptoms, or when a health care provider says symptoms are connected to a pre-existing condition
Stay home until symptoms have improved. Follow specific return guidance from the health care provider or follow the Infectious Diseases in Childcare Settings and Schools Manual (www.hennepin.us/daycaremanual).
If symptoms related to a pre-existing condition change or worsen, talk to a health care provider to determine next steps.
Siblings and household members do not need to stay home.
Minnesota Department of Health | health.mn.gov | 651-201-5414 | 1-877-676-5414 | 625 Robert Street North PO Box 64975, St. Paul, MN 55164-0975 Contact health.communications@state.mn.us to request an alternate format.
06/02/2020
– Please keep children who are sick at home. Follow the Decision Tree above. Contact the Director for further information
– Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. We work closely with all children to properly and effectively wash hands and do so often.
– Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
– Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of the elbow.
We have sanitizing and disinfecting procedures that we diligently follow on a daily basis and will continue to do so.
Thank you for your continued support to our program. Your children’s safety is always our first priority.
