DCDEE Covid-19 Update

 This Toolkit has been updated to provide child care providers with recommendations for implementing layered prevention  strategies based on: • current COVID-19 trends in the community and  • updated CDC and AAP guidance. Each section of the Toolkit has been organized into three categories that prioritize implementation of the strategies that  have been shown to be most effective in lowering the risk of COVID-19 exposure and spread in child care settings.  • Strategies that are REQUIRED are based on existing North Carolina laws and child care rules and must be  followed by all child care providers. • Strategies that SHOULD be implemented: – These strategies, if not implemented, create conditions of high risk for COVID-19 exposure and spread. – NCDHHS strongly advises that child care programs adopt all the strategies in these sections.  • Strategies that child care programs COULD CONSIDER adopting: – These are strategies to provide additional layers of prevention and that, if implemented, will further reduce  the risk of COVID-19 exposure and spread. Child care providers should continue to consult with local public health officials about transmission and vaccine rates in  their community to make operational decisions. Child care programs should consider developing a COVID-19 policy to  inform staff and families of how they will plan to implement the guidance in this toolkit. Child care providers should continue to maintain awareness of: Have questions about this guidance?  Reach out to dcdee.communications@dhhs.nc.gov. ChildCareStrongNC Public Health Toolkit • Published March 23, 2020; Updated January 2022 4 • the effectiveness of their current policy • any new restrictions by state or local public health leaders that are necessary to control the spread of the disease. All of these COVID-19 prevention strategies remain critical to protect people, including children, families, and staff, who  are not fully vaccinated, especially in areas of moderate-to-high community transmission levels. When considering  whether and how to remove prevention strategies, one prevention strategy should be removed at a time and the facility  should closely monitor: • increases in COVID-19 cases among children and staff • community outbreaks and clusters