The Centers for Disease Control publish guidelines on how to contain the spread of COVID-19 in day care centers for adults with disabilities. (iStock)
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is offering new guidance to day care centers and people with disabilities whom they serve during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The guidelines are contained in two documents – one for administrators and staff and one for participants and their carers – that were released late last month.
“We know that these populations are at high risk for serious COVID-19 illnesses. These guidelines will help the administrators and staff of the center protect themselves and the adults who receive their services by promoting and implementing preventive behaviors that will reduce the spread of COVID-19 and help maintain healthy operations and the Surrounding these facilities, ”said Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC.
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Federal officials say day care centers for people with disabilities and older adults across the country should encourage COVID-19 vaccination, hand washing, wearing masks and physical distancing where possible. Both participants and staff should stay home if they tested positive for the virus, have been in close contact with someone who has symptoms, or if they have symptoms.
Non-essential visitors should be excluded from day-care centers, as indicated in the guidelines, as should services and programs that require individuals to be within two meters of each other. In addition, it is recommended that centers establish a plan to isolate and transport people with symptoms.
The CDC recommends day care centers change layouts to allow physical distancing, install plexiglass barriers, and prioritize outdoor activities. Participants should be assigned to small groups who regularly take joint measures to limit interaction. Meals, donations, and other activities should be staggered to avoid overcrowding.
The guidelines are intended to complement, not replace, existing federal and local rules and regulations for day care centers, the CDC said.
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