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Health & Safety Procedures for Reopening
BabyWorks
Bright Lights
PlayPenn
Pump-Kin Patch
Sunridge
During the pandemic, Kids@ Churchill Park is committed to implementing measures to mitigate
the health risks to the children, family, and staff at our programs. With the guidance of Alberta
Rev.08.18.2020
Health Services, Child Care Licensing, and corporate or property management support, the
following practices will be implemented during the reopening and continuation of operations at
Kids@ Churchill Park programs. These practices will be modified with knowledge of the health
risks and/or recommendations are made to best respond to the risks.
The health and safety procedures exceed the current recommendations of Alberta Health phases,
and will be modified in stages dependent upon the success of these procedures in relation to the
health risks to children and staff. The basics of the procedures include staggered enrollment to
control group sizes, the ages of children, the number of groups in each centre, implementation of
healthy practices, and well-being of all.
ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES
Procedures are in place to minimize the number of people entering the child care centre and to
ensure the health of children, that physical distancing is in place, and minimal contact in program
rooms.
To ensure space for physical distancing and group size, a maximum number of parents and
children will be permitted in the entrance areas at any one time. Markers will be in place for
physical distancing.
Parents and children, and staff may need to wait outside the main entrance to allow for physical
distancing, especially during arrivals and departures. Please allow sufficient waiting time in your
morning routine. Staggered times for drop off and pick up of children may be needed to avoid
line ups.
At no time is an adult or child to enter the centre if displaying symptoms of illness, even if
symptoms resemble a mild cold.
Masks
As of first of August, masks were made mandatory while in public indoor places in Calgary. This
would include places such as public building, plus 15 areas, etc. Child Care Centres are not
included in this bylaw as they are not open to the public.
Children who can unassisted put on or take off a mask, should wear one while the children are on
outings outside the centre. Please notify staff that your child has a mask, store in a plastic bag
and label both the mask and the bag. Masks are not recommended for children under 2 years of
age.
Masks are recommended at drop off and pick up for adults.
Rev.08.18.2020
Hand Sanitizer Use
Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance of the centre and throughout the centre for use of
adults. This will be stored in a manner that is inaccessible to children due to risk of accidental
ingestion. All adults entering the centre, must use hand sanitizer prior to entering.
Hand Sanitizer Use: How to Use Alcohol-based Hand Rub (Appendix A)
Daily Health Report
Parents must complete and submit a daily Health Assessment for their child prior to leaving
home for the centre. Child Care Staff are also required to complete the same Health Assessment
prior to arriving at the centre. The Health Assessment form will be available electronically through
HiMama. A hard copy is attached for your reference or if you cannot send electronically. Health
Screening Questionnaire (Appendix B)
Arrival/Departure
Upon arrival, a parent and child are greeted by either the Program Manager or Alternate Manager
to confirm receipt of the Health Assessment and to screen the child’s temperature. Entry cannot
be permitted without these two steps, and with results showing no symptoms.
Normal temperatures are:
Mouth 35.5-37.5 Celsius
Forehead 36.9–37.4 Celsius
Underarm 36.5-37.5 Celsius
Ear (Not recommended for infants) 36.5-37.5 Celsius
Strollers from home will not be permitted in the centre.
One parent will enter the lobby with a child. To limit the number of different people in the centre,
it is strongly recommended that the same parent dropping the child off also picks up the child at
the end of the day. Other than an emergency pick up, no person other than a parent is to drop
off or pick up a child. Parents will minimize their time at the centre and stay two metres away from
staff and children.
Non-essential visitors are discouraged. Any person remaining on site for longer than 15 minutes
must sign in with their contact information at the entrance. This information will be made available
to AHS to facilitate contact tracing if requested.
Child Escort to Program Room
A child care staff will welcome you and your child at the lobby and escort the child to the program
room, assist the child in storing items in cubby, and connect the child with the program staff. To
restrict the number of people in the children’s program rooms, parents will be unable to enter the
program rooms. Understanding that separation may be more difficult that it was before closure,
Rev.08.18.2020
the professional and caring educators will have your child’s needs first and foremost. Child care
staff will communicate with parents throughout the day through HiMama.
Upon arrival to the program room, children will be supervised to wash hands for at least 20
seconds.
Program Staff will continue to log children’s attendance hours upon arrival and departure.
Program Attendance may be reported weekly to Children’s Services, as requested.
GROUPS/COHORTS
At the beginning stage of reopening for each centre, children will be in cohorts (groups) of no
more than 10 people at a time, including adults. The cohort will consist of the same children and
staff throughout the day.
A cohort will be in an assigned reopening room. With low enrolled numbers and group sizes,
your child may not be in the same room as before the closure, and may have different educators.
You will be notified prior to the first day, which room your child will be joining along with the
names of the two educators for that cohort.
During each stage, new children will continue to join cohorts at a gradually enrolled pace. Every
two weeks, the cohorts may increase in numbers based on the health status of the centre.
Additional program rooms will open for new cohorts as child enrollment increases. Eventually the
cohorts will emerge into a pre-closure groups of same age children, up to a maximum group size
for that age group.
As of August 17, the three centres that re-opened on July 7, (PlayPenn, Pump-Kin Patch and
Sunridge) are in stage 3 with children slowly being placed in cohorts with own age group, and
may be up to 18 children.
Cohorts will not be mixed at any time. Cohorts will be of mixed ages with siblings placed in the
same cohort where possible. Group compositions and ratios will meet Child Care Licensing
Requirements.
With the first priority being to make the children comfortable and feel safe, the educators will
continue to plan activities based on observations of each child’s interest and development.
Communication will continue through HiMama including photos.
CHILDREN’S BELONGINGS
A child’s items brought from home will be restricted to what is needed at the centre (i.e. bottles,
water bottles, nap blanket, outdoor gear, and extra clothes). Where possible, items should remain
Rev.08.18.2020
at the centre rather than going back and forth. Bedding and dishes left at the centre will be cleaned
at the centre.
All items, with the exception of food items, will be bagged in the child’s cubby until needed. All
items must be labelled with the child’s name.
Toys and other items not needed for care will be returned to parent upon arrival for safe keeping.
Items needed from home will be disinfected at drop off and pick up and only be used by the child
owner.
PLAYTIME AND CARE ROUTINES
With the changes in play and group compositions, daily routines will be adjusted to meet these
changes.
Physical distancing for children will be practiced to a reasonable and developmentally appropriate
extent that allows for the care of children. We understand that staff need to be in close proximity
to children when engaging in care and will attempt to limit physical proximity as best as they are
able.
While it may be a challenge to have children understand physical distancing during the day, the
play opportunities will be adjusted to promote distance. The adjustments could include smaller
group activities, spread out play area, spaced out seating at tables, and refraining from activities
that promote touching or closeness (circle time, hand-holding, center play, etc.).
During nap time, children’s cots will be spread out a minimum of 2 metres from each other.
Shared spaces, such as indoor gyms or outdoor play spaces, must be disinfected between cohorts
using shared equipment. Shared spaces that cannot be cleaned and disinfected between cohort
uses will not be used. In most cases, each cohort will use play items specific for that group.
Daily outdoor play will still be a part of the child’s program. Only one cohort will be in an outdoor
space at a time with materials that are age/developmentally appropriate for the children. Each
cohort may have own supply of portable toys, or toys are disinfected between use of differing
cohorts. Community playgrounds will not be used. Walks throughout the community and use of
outdoor green spaces are encouraged.
Shared washroom spaces will be avoided where possible. Where not possible, the space will be
arranged for each cohort group to minimize the number of shared spaces.
Staff will continue to document and observe children’s play to continue to provide planned
activities. They will communicate with parents during the day through HiMama, including sharing
photos.
Rev.08.18.2020
STAFF PRACTICES
Staff will be assigned to a cohort and will remain with only that cohort throughout the day.
If a staff is moving between rooms to support or give a break to a staff member in a cohort, the
extra staff must wear a mask at all times and wash hands thoroughly when entering and exiting
the groups.
Staff from differing cohorts will not join in shared spaces, such as the staff room.
Staff are only encouraged to wear a mask for prolonged close interactions with children such as
diapering or assisting with care needs. Alberta Health mask guidance can be found at
www.alberta.ca/masks
It is not recommended that young children wear masks.
Staff will continue to implement Universal Precaution practices for mitigating contact and spread
of body fluids and germs. Staff and children will follow proper hand hygiene and respiratory
practices (wash hands for 20 seconds with soap, sneeze into elbow, proper disposal of tissues,
etc.).
Hands will be washed:
After physical care of children
When entering and leaving rooms
After washroom use or assistance in the washroom
Before and after food service
Before and after mask and glove use
Hand Wash Procedures: How to Hand Wash (Appendix C)
Diapering procedures will remain as per Alberta Health requirements including use of gloves,
washing hands of staff and children, proper cleaning/disinfecting of surfaces, and disposal of
diapers.
For staff health and safety, Kids@ Churchill Park will have necessary items (ie. masks, gloves)
available at all times for staff use.
For safe practices of staff using Calgary Transit, extra measures have been implemented for rider
safety.
Calgary Transit: Covid-19 Info Rider Resource
Rev.08.18.2020
ILL CHILD AND/OR CHILD CARE STAFF
Health Services, and Child Care Licensing along with Kids@ Churchill Park have protocols in place
to respond to when a child in care and/or staff become ill during the pandemic. The following
steps will be implemented for when a child or staff reports ill or becomes ill while in care:
Report illness to centre.
Submit daily health form
Exclude from care
Illness has symptoms of Covid-19 OR
Family member with symptoms
Yes
Child or staff be tested for Covid-19.
Notify program manager of test date
Written Medical confirmation of
negative test status AND being
symptomatic free is required prior to
returning to child care.
OR
Child and staff excluded from care for
minimum of 10 days and until
symptom free.
Written medical confirmation that
child is free of Covid-19 symptoms
prior to returning to care.
Siblings in child care must also
be excluded until ill family
member tests negative or home
for 10 and free of symptoms
Program Manager will report to AB
Health Services Calgary Zone when
two or more persons (children or
staff) are symptomatic.
Next steps will be provided by AB
Health, such as:
-notifying centre parents of
symptomatic persons,
-closure of a cohort
-closure of the program
-additional health measures such as
providing list of names and contacts
for contact tracing
Illness such as rash,
ear ache, etc.
OR
COVID Test is negative
Parent provides
written medical
note that child
can return to
child care and is
free of
communicable
illness
Follow ill child
policy for not
attending, for
example:
*no fever
*no vomiting
*no diarrhea
*child able to
participate in
daily program
Communicable
illnesses reported to
AB Health as per
reporting protocols.
NO
Child or staff ill at home
Rev.08.18.2020
NOTE: No other people in the cohort needs to get tested when someone in the cohort is
symptomatic. Written medical confirmation of child and/or staff being free of
communicable illness, including Covid-19, is required before entering or returning to the
programme.
Staff will contact child’s parent to pick up. Assist staff in arrange transportation home. If Covid symptoms, do not take transit. Staff complete Ill Child form
Provide a comfortable space for supervised child, or staff away from others.
Staff supervising child wear PPE
Illness has symptoms of Covid-19
Yes
Child or staff be tested for Covid-19.
Notify program manager of test date
Written Medical confirmation of
negative test status AND being
symptomatic free is required prior to
returning to child care.
OR
Child and staff excluded from care for
minimum of 10 days and until
symptom free.
Written medical confirmation that
child is free of Covid-19 symptoms
prior to returning to care.
Siblings in child care must also be
excluded until ill family member
tests negative or home for 10
and free of symptoms
Program Manager will report to AB
Health Services Calgary Zone when
two or more persons (children or
staff) are symptomatic.
Next steps will be provided by AB
Health, such as:
-notifying centre parents of
symptomatic persons,
-closure of a cohort
-closure of the program
-additional health measures such as
providing list of names and contacts
for contact tracing
Illness such as rash, ear ache,
etc.
OR
COVID Test is negative
Parent provides
written medical
note that child
can return to
child care and is
free of
communicable
illness
Follow ill child
policy for not
attending, for
example:
*no fever
*no vomiting
*no diarrhea
*child able to
participate in
daily program
Communicable
illnesses reported to
AB Health as per
reporting protocols.
NO
ILL CHILD OR CHILD CARE
STAFF WHILE AT CENTRE
Rev.08.18.2020
Ill Child
If a child displays symptoms of illness at the centre, the child will be supervised in a designated
area of the child care centre. The child’s parent will be notified to immediately pick up their child
from centre. It is extremely important that a parent or authorized person is readily available to
pick up an ill child from the centre.
The child’s parent is to inform the program staff on the child’s registration record of child’s known
pre-existing conditions. If a child develops symptoms that could be caused by either COVID-19
or by a known preexisting condition (e.g. allergies), and it is uncertain if symptoms are from the
pre-existing condition, the symptoms will be reported to Alberta Health for further direction.
For non-Covid-19 illnesses, follow Ill Child Policy. Record child’s illness on Illness reporting form.
Care of Ill Child
Staff supervising/caring for the ill child must wear a shield, mask, smock, and gloves. Staff should
avoid, where possible, contact with child’s respiratory secretions.
Staff will wash hands before donning a mask and before and after removing the mask, and after
touching child’s items. All items used by child while isolated will be cleaned and disinfected as
soon as child is picked up. Items that cannot be disinfected (i.e. books, paper) will be removed
from the centre and stored in a sealed container for 10 days.
Reporting Illness Procedures
When 2 or more persons are identified as having symptoms consistent with Covid-19, the Program
Manager will direct outbreak notification procedures.
CENTRE CLOSURE
At the direction of Alberta Health, a cohort connected to a confirmed or probable case of COVID-
19 may be required to close for a minimum of 72 hours to allow contact tracing, and then adhere
to recommendations from Alberta Health Services.
The Executive Leadership Team will make every effort to keep the child care centre(s) open without
compromising the health, safety, and well-being of children and adults. If the centre(s) are closed,
the ELT will continue the essential tasks required to maintain the organization, monitor the
situation, and implement plans to transition to resume regular business operations as soon as
possible.
Determining Factors for Closure of the Full Centre
Alberta Health will determine the need for a centre to close, the length of time for the closure,
and the necessary steps for re-opening.
Rev.08.18.2020
The Executive Leadership Team in consultation with the Chair of the Board of Directors
decide that the program cannot operate in compliance with the license issued by the Early
Learning and Child Care
OR if the ELT, in consultation with the Chair of the Board of Directors decide they are not
confident the organization can ensure the health, safety, and wellbeing of the children and
adults.
OR if management staff in consultation with the ELT decide they are unavailable to
perform critical services and functions
OR if ordered to do so by AHS/Child Care Licensing/Government of Alberta or
Canada(Diseases for Which a Certificate, Isolation Order or Warrant for Examination may
be Issued)
(Section 6(3) of the Alberta Communicable Disease Regulation; Sections 39(1), 44(1) and
47(1) of the Act)
Communication of Outbreak
Based on the directions provided by AB Health, communication will be provided to parents, staff,
and stakeholders of these directions. The Program Manager with assistance from Executive
Leadership:
Will notify parents and centre staff of the directions provided by AB Health for those
affected.
Will notify the parents / families in the case of a centre closure by reporting it on HiMama,
calling families individually, and by posting notices on the centre entrances.
Will inform parents that once closed, the centre may remain closed until enough staff
return to work and critical services and functions can once again be managed. The centre
may reopen on a staggered basis as staff recover and families indicate that they require
care.
The Executive Team and the Program Managers will monitor the progress of the pandemic, be
informed of public health warnings, and recommend actions to take, implement and modify the
Health and Safety Procedures as needed.
FOOD SERVICE
Kids@ Churchill Park food service will continue. The wonderful, healthy food choices for 2 daily
snacks and a lunch will be made at the Centralized Kitchen and catered to the centres (Pump-Kin
Patch, PlayPenn, Bright Lights, BabyWorks, and Kahanoff).
Under Alberta Health food service guidelines combined with the guidelines for child care, the food
will be prepared, catered, and served with the implementation of additional health procedures.
The procedures limit the number of people having contact with the food and food serving utensils
as well as additional sanitization practices.
Rev.08.18.2020
CLEANING/SANITIZING
Cleaning and disinfecting practices will be conducted throughout the day within the child care
centre. These practices include disinfecting toys, surfaces, door handles, light switches, and shared
use items as per AHS Guidelines for Environment Cleaning of Public Facilities during Respiratory
Illness in Community.
COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations for Environmental Cleaning of Public Facilities
(Appendix D)
In following similar practices as with an outbreak of a communicable illness, certain areas of play
will not be offered during the pandemic. These activities include materials that are difficult to
disinfect and/or are easily shared by children:
Sensory plan such as water, sand, etc. except if offered in single use/individual use and
disinfected immediately after use
Playdough and other similar materials
Shared craft supplies
Stuffed animals and soft furnishings (pillows)
Dress up clothes
Natural items such as sticks, stones, pinecones, shells
Paper items such as books must be kept within the cohort group
All toys that are placed in a child’s mouth will be immediately removed from access when the child
has finished playing with that toy. The toy must be properly cleaned and disinfected, then stored
for 72 hours prior to placing back in play. All toys used during the day in the rooms will be
disinfected that same day. Therefore, the amount of toys and materials available may appear less
than usual. However, the toys will be sufficient in type and quantity to meet children’s
developmental needs.
Rev.08.18.2020
Alberta Children’s Services Requirements for Child Care Operations
As required by Alberta Children’s Services, the following Alberta Health policies are embedded
into each of Kids@ Churchill Park Child Care program plans. These requirements will be monitored
for compliance by child care licensing staff to ensure the health and safety of Albertans during
the COVID-19 pandemic.
ENFORCEMENT:
As health and safety remains a top priority, failure to comply with any of these policy directives,
including required changes to the program plan and additional reporting during the pandemic,
may result in progressive enforcement action by the Director of Children’s Services.
Required Practices to Program Plan:
1) Kids@ Churchill Park will review, comply and implement all the Additional Public Health
Measures, which outlines enhanced measures to prevent the spread and risk of contracting an
illness available at: https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/covid-19-relaunch-guidance-
daycare-out-of-school-care.pdf
2) Kids@ Churchill Park will continue to adhere to the Alberta Health Services Child Care Facility
Guidelines, which combines regulatory requirements for child care programs and
recommendations from AHS. These health and safety requirements are monitored by AHS to
minimize the likelihood of child illness or injury. The guidelines can be found here:
www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/wf/eph/wf-eh-health-safety-guidlines-child-care-
facilities.pdf
3) Kids@ Churchill Park will comply with all temporary workplace rules in effect to address
COVID-19 to keep themselves, their staff and the families who access their program safe.
These rules can be found in Alberta Health’s Workplace Guidance for Business Owners at:
https://www.alberta.ca/temporary-workplace-rule-changes.aspx
4) Kids@ Churchill Park will continue to adhere to all applicable zoning, health and safety
legislation, including those within the Child Care Licensing Act and regulations, and all
standards not modified or suspended through an order or a superseding public health
measure.
5) Kids@ Churchill Park will ensure all program plan policies are in alignment with all public
health measures. If any current clauses do not meet or exceed any of these temporary health
measures, they are considered suspended and are not implemented in the program until
public health measures have been lifted.
Re-Opening Health and Safety Procedure Appendixes
Kids@ Churchill Park Child Care Centres
Appendix A: Hand Sanitizer Use: How To Use Alcohol-based Hand Rub
Appendix B: Health Screening Questionnaire
Appendix D: Hand Wash Procedure: How to Hand Wash
Appendix E: COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations for Environmental Cleaning of Public Facilities
Appendix F: Surface Cleaning/Disinfection Guidelines for GI Outbreaks in Child Care Facilities
Appendix G: Alberta Children's Services Requirements for Child Care Operations
Appendix C: Face Coverings Bylaw
How to Use Alcohol-based Hand Rub
Original date: May 2017 Revised date: April 2019
*Periodically apply AHS-provided hand lotion for skin integrity.*
© 2019 Alberta Health Services
If you have any questions or comments regarding this information please contact the Infection Prevention & Control Hand Hygiene Program at: [email protected]
Roll up long sleeves and push up wrist accessories Apply a palmful of AHS-provided ABHR to hands Rub all surfaces of your hands and wrists
Include palms, fingers, fingertips and thumbs Rub until hands are completely dry
Adapted with permission from The World Health Organization
COVID-19 INFORMATION
GUIDANCE FOR DAY CARE/OUT OF SCHOOL CARE (CHILD CARE)
9
alberta.ca/biz-connect [email protected]
©2020 Government of Alberta | Updated: May 23, 2020
At the end of each hot and cold timed flushing process, water temperature should be stable and water should not be discolored or have any sediment.
APPENDIX B
Screening Questionnaire
PARENTS AND GUARDIANS MUST FILL OUT THIS QUESTIONNAIRE TO DECIDE IF THE CHILD SHOULD ENTER TODAY
Risk Assessment: Initial Screening Questions
1. Do you, or your child attending the program, have any of the below symptoms: CIRCLE ONE
Fever YES NO
Cough YES NO
Shortness of Breath / Difficulty Breathing Yes NO
Sore throat YES NO
Chills YES NO
Painful swallowing YES NO
Runny Nose / Nasal Congestion YES NO
Feeling unwell / Fatigued YES NO
Nausea / Vomiting / Diarrhea YES NO
Unexplained loss of appetite YES NO
Loss of sense of taste or smell YES NO
Muscle/ Joint aches YES NO
Headache YES NO
Conjunctivitis YES NO
2. Have you, or anyone in your household, travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days?
YES NO
3. Have you or your children attending the program had close unprotected* contact (face-to-face contact within 2 metres/6 feet) with someone who is ill with cough and/or fever?
YES NO
4. Have you or anyone in your household been in close unprotected contact in the last 14 days with someone who is being investigated or confirmed to be a case of COVID-19?
YES NO
* “unprotected” means close contact without appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE).
If you have answered “Yes” to any of the above questions, please DO NOT enter at this time.
If you have answered “No” to all the above questions, please sign in and out and practice hand hygiene (wash
hands for 30 seconds, and or use hand sanitizer) before and after your visit.
Our goal is to minimize the risk of infection to our staff and children, thank you for your understanding and
cooperation.
Name Signature
Current as of May 11, 2020
Updated July 29, 2020
Face Coverings Bylaw: Business and Operators Guidance Temporary face coverings bylaw in effect August 1, 2020 What you need to know as a business owner or operator The gradual reopening of businesses and resumption of activities has resulted in more people taking public transit, returning to the workplace and gathering in indoor public spaces. With the reopening comes a need for The City of Calgary to ensure effective methods are in place to help limit the spread of COVID-19 to protect the health, safety and well-being of Calgarians. An enforceable, temporary bylaw will now require individuals to wear a face covering in indoor public spaces and public vehicles, unless the person is separated from others by a barrier or is exempt. The bylaw will require businesses to prominently display signage with face covering requirement messaging in entryways of locations that are accessible to the public. The Temporary COVID-19 Face Coverings Bylaw (BYLAW NUMBER 26M2020) is in effect on August 1, 2020.
Requirements
For the safety and protection of our community and our economy, the bylaw requires Calgarians to wear a face covering in indoor public spaces and in public vehicles, with some exceptions. The City of Calgary recognizes the importance of addressing public safety while maintaining the momentum in reopening businesses and supporting our local economy. The requirements that business owners and operators need to know are:
The bylaw requires individuals to wear a face covering while in indoor public spaces or public vehicles, unless the person is separated from others by a barrier or is exempt.
Under the bylaw, business operators or owners are required to display signage informing the public of the face coverings bylaw requirement in entryways of their business or vehicle.
Signage Example: Download this entryway signage at Calgary.ca/covid19 for use Note: The signage has been created in standard 8.5”x 11” formatting so it can be easily printed for entryway placement. If needed, the size can be altered, but this signage, or signage your business has created with similar face coverings bylaw messaging, must be displayed under the bylaw.
Signage is available for download in several different languages.
Updated July 29, 2020
Individuals are expected to wear a face covering in any part of an enclosed indoor space the public can
readily access. If the public does not have access to the space, it will be exempt under the bylaw.
Examples of businesses where people will be required to wear face coverings include (but are not limited to):
• Retail stores • Shopping malls and plazas • Farmers markets (in indoor spaces) • Grocery stores, butcher shops, bakeries • Libraries • Churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other indoor faith-based places of worship • Art galleries, zoos (indoor areas), museums • Banquet halls, convention centres, arenas, stadiums, and other event spaces • Open houses and presentation centres for real estate and sales purposes • Common areas in hotels and motels (lobbies, elevators) • Entertainment facilities (including live performance venues, casinos, theatres)
The bylaw excludes indoor spaces where there is an enrolment or membership requirement, such as
schools, daycares and educational institutions. Please note that paying a fee to enter a premises is not
considered enrolment or membership, and does not constitute an exception under the bylaw.
Exceptions Exceptions to the Face Coverings Bylaw include:
Children under two years of age
People with underlying medical conditions or disabilities inhibiting their ability to wear a face covering
People who are unable to place, use or remove a face covering safely without assistance
People who are seated at a table in a public premises that offers food or beverage services
People engaging in an athletic or fitness activity
People who are caregiving for or accompanying a person with a disability where wearing a face covering would hinder the accommodation of the person’s disability (for example, the ability to lip read)
People who have temporarily removed their face covering where doing so is necessary to provide or receive a service (for example, a visit to the dentist)
Proof is not required if someone has an exception. Businesses are not expected to deny services as not everyone is required to wear a face covering.
Recommendations
Updated July 29, 2020
The following are recommendations you may want to utilize in preparation of the bylaw coming into effect:
Review the bylaw expectations with your staff so they can inform customers or visitors they must wear a face covering indoors, with some exceptions (for example, children under the age of two and people with certain health conditions, employees in designated areas or protected by a physical barrier)
Explain to staff members that proof is not required if someone has an exemption, and that they are not expected under the bylaw to deny service. However, businesses or operators can choose to deny service under their policies.
Plan to post the signage in advance of August 1. All entryways must have the provided signage reminding everyone who enters to wear a face covering.
Together, we want our city to thrive, for businesses to stay open and for Calgarians to stay healthy. The temporary bylaw should be considered one of our most important tools to keep Calgary open.
Enforcement and reporting The City of Calgary’s primary focus is educating Calgarians on the importance of wearing face coverings in indoor public spaces and public vehicles. Failure to wear a face covering where required or failure to display signage can result in a penalty of $50 and $200. To report infractions, please call 311 (from within Calgary) or 403-268-CITY (2489) (from outside Calgary).
Questions and Answers
Signage If a business has existing signage for masks under their policy, do they need to take them down and replace them with The City signage?
Businesses are required to display signage informing the public of the face coverings bylaw requirement when entering the premises. The sign in the bylaw includes parameters such as the prohibition, bylaw number, exceptions, website information, and a pictogram of a variety of face coverings that businesses can download and use. If businesses already have signage in place with face covering requirement messaging, they are welcome to utilize that as an alternate to The City of Calgary signage provided.
Where and how many signs need to be placed?
Signage needs to be placed at all public entrances of the premises in a prominent location.
Staffing
Updated July 29, 2020
Are all staff in business establishments required to wear face coverings?
If staff are sharing an indoor space with the public, they are required to wear a face covering under the bylaw unless the person is separated from the public by an installed screen, shield or other barrier.
Are face shields considered a face covering?
The bylaw defines face coverings that inclusively cover the mouth, nose and chin, ensuring a barrier that limits the transmission of infectious respiratory droplets. A face shield only qualifies under the bylaw if it wraps around the face and chin, fully covering the mouth, nose and chin.
Will individuals need to wear a face covering if physical distancing can be achieved?
Yes. Physical distancing in indoor public spaces is inconsistent and unpredictable and part of why this temporary bylaw is necessary. The bylaw is written in a manner that makes it easy for citizens to understand and easy to achieve compliance.
Places of worship or events Do face coverings need to be worn in places of worship?
Places o f worship are included in the bylaw definition of a public premise, as they are enclosed buildings that members of the public have access to. Those attending places of worship are permitted to temporarily remove their face covering to provide or receive service, such as to receive communion. Weddings or funerals in a place of worship are not considered public events, and therefore attendees are not required to wear face coverings. But face coverings are strongly recommended in settings where it is difficult or impossible to maintain physical distance.
Is a person singing or speaking on stage an exemption?
The bylaw applies to people that are speaking or singing on stage, although there could be thought given to installing a screen, shield or other barrier between the person singing or speaking and the audience rather than using a face covering.
In community centres or event spaces, if renters are occupying or hosting the space, what is applicable?
Renters who are hosting private events are an exception as the space would not be open to the public. If an event is indoors and it is open to the public, face coverings are necessary under the bylaw.
If a wedding or funeral is being hosted in a church, does the bylaw apply?
When locations such a churches or community associations are being used for weddings and/or funerals, they are not considered an open public indoor space and are exempt from the bylaw.
Meetings Are meetings such as condo board meetings exempt from the bylaw?
Updated July 29, 2020
A meeting such as a condo board meeting is exempt as members of the public do not have access. Participants are not required under the bylaw to wear face coverings.
For-hire transportation Are vehicle for-hire companies and cab companies included in the forms of transportation that must follow the bylaw?
Passengers of Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) and taxis require a face covering as both are defined under the bylaw as a public vehicle. In the bylaw, a ‘public vehicle’ includes a bus, LRT vehicle, taxi and any vehicle that is used to transport members of the public for a fee. Drivers are required to wear a face covering unless they are separated from their passengers by an installed screen, shield or other barrier.
Outdoor spaces Are there any instances where masks would need to be worn in an outdoor setting in Calgary? If so, where?
The bylaw only applies to enclosed indoor public spaces, but face coverings are strongly recommended in outdoor settings where it is difficult or impossible to maintain physical distance.
Fitness facilities Does this bylaw apply to gyms/sports centres/fitness studios in Calgary?
Gyms, sports centres, and fitness studios are considered public premises under the bylaw. People actively engaging in athletic or fitness activities in gyms, sports centres and fitness studios are exempt from the bylaw, however, people who are not engaging in such activities have to wear a face covering (for example, when entering the premises and using the change room).
Schools and daycares Will children and staff who attend daycares and school be mandated to wear face coverings?
People are expected to wear a face covering in any part of an enclosed space to which the public can readily access. The bylaw excludes premises for which there is an enrolment or membership requirement such as schools and daycares. Because daycares and schools are not public premises, the bylaw does not apply.
What about indoor playgrounds? Is that considered physical activity (like a gym)?
Indoor playgrounds are considered public premises under the bylaw. Children playing at an indoor playgroup fall under exception E of the bylaw for persons engaging in an athletic or fitness activity. Parents observing children are required to wear a face covering.
Post-secondary
Updated July 29, 2020
Do face coverings need to be worn in classrooms of post-secondary institutions?
The temporary face coverings bylaw applies to indoor public spaces, so students or faculty are expected to wear face coverings in areas that are readily accessible to the public under the bylaw. Classrooms which are not open to the public are exempt. However, post-secondary institutions (similar to businesses and establishments) may create and enact their own policies on the wearing of face coverings in their buildings and facilities.
Restaurants and dining Do people have to wear a mask when they are not eating or drinking?
The exemption in the bylaw refers to people who are seated at a table at a public premises that offers food or beverage services. That means people are only exempt when they are seated in this type of establishment. If they are waiting in the lobby or using the restroom, a face covering is required.
Are you exempt if you are carrying a drink while walking around the mall?
The exemption in the bylaw refers to people who are seated at a public premises that offers food or beverage services. As people who are walking with food or a beverage are not in the public premises that has offered the food or beverage, they must wear a face covering. People can consume their food or beverage at the premises where it was purchased and then wear their face covering to walk around.
Payment required Do businesses that require payment prior to entering fall under the face coverings bylaw?
Face coverings are required in this situation as paying a fee to enter a premises is not considered enrolment or membership and does not constitute an exemption under the bylaw. Any business that invites the public to pay an entrance fee to enter its premises is a ‘public premises’ (for example a museum, zoo, or movie theatre).
Roll up long sleeves and push up any wrist accessories
Wet hands with warm water
Apply enough soap to cover surfaces of the hands
Vigorously rub soap over palms, backs of hands and wrists
Include space between fingers, fingertips and thumbs
Procedure should take 15 to 30 seconds
Rinse under warm, running water
Pat hands dry with disposable towel
Turn tap off with the disposable towel
*Periodically apply AHS-provided hand lotion for skin integrity.*
Adapted with permission from The World Health Organization
How to Hand Wash
© 2019 Alberta Health Services.
If you have any questions or comments regarding this information please contact the Infection Prevention & Control Hand Hygiene Program at: [email protected]
Original date: May 2017 Revised date: June 2019
COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations for Environmental Cleaning of Public Facilities
Public Health Guidelines for Environmental Cleaning of Public Facilities during Respiratory Illnesses in the Community
This document is to support owners and operators of public facilities with general cleaning and disinfection considerations as it relates to COVID-19. For general information on COVID-19 or to find site specific resources, please visit: ahs.ca/covid.
General Cleaning
• Increase daily cleaning and disinfection of common areas and surfaces. Pay particularattention to door knobs, light switches, staff rooms, desktops, washrooms and other hightouch surfaces.
• Cleaning refers to the removal of visible dirt, grime and impurities. Cleaning does not killgerms but helps remove them from the surface.
• Disinfecting refers to using chemical to kill germs on surfaces. This is most effectiveafter surfaces are cleaned. Both steps are important to reduce the spread of infection.
• Use a disinfectant that has a Drug Identification Number (DIN) and a virucidal claim.Be sure to follow the instructions on the label to disinfect effectively.
• Alternatively, you can make a 1000ppm bleach water solution by mixing 20 ml (4teaspoons) of unscented, household bleach with 1000 ml (4 cups) of water. Ensure thesurface remains wet with the bleach water solution for 1 minute.
• Be sure to take the appropriate precautions when using chemicals for cleaning anddisinfecting. Consult the product’s Safety Data Sheets.
Prevention
• Wash your hands often and well• Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands• Avoid close contact with people who are sick• Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched• Stay at home and away from others if you are feeling ill• When sick, cover your cough and sneezes and then wash your hands
Enhanced Measures
• In the event of a cluster of illness in a specific public facility, please adhere to anyadditional recommendations provided by Public Health at that time.
Environmental Public Health Last Updated: 04/15/2020 0940h
ECC Approved: 03/30/2020 1400h
COVID-19 Environmental Cleaning of Public Facilities Recommendations • 2
References: Alberta Health Services Infection Prevention and Control Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
For more information, please contact your nearest Environmental Public Health office. Edmonton Main Office 780-735-1800 Grande Prairie Main Office 780-513-7517 Calgary Main Office 403-943-2288 Red Deer Main Office 403-356-6366 Lethbridge Main Office 403-388-6689 www.ahs.ca/eph PUB-0568-202004 ©2020 Alberta Health Services, Safe Healthy Environments
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-commercial-Share Alike 4.0 International license. You are free to copy, distribute and adapt the work for non-commercial purposes, as long as you attribute the work to Alberta Health Services and abide by the other license terms. If you alter, transform, or build upon this work, you may distribute the resulting work only under the same, similar, or compatible license. The license does not apply to content for which the Alberta Health Services is not the copyright owner.
This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an “as is,” “where is” basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information.
Health and Safety Guidelines for Child Care Facilities
Safe Healthy Environments Environmental Public Health
Surface Cleaning/Disinfection Guidelines for GI Outbreaks in Child Care Facilities
A. Surfaces of Concern
e the surfaces that are most likely to be contaminated, and should be cleaned and disinfected daily, and when visibly soiled.
Give extra attention to these surfaces:
Tabletops,
Light switches,
Door knobs,
Sink taps,
Toilet handles,
Other surfaces that are frequently touched.
B.
For high touch surfaces that are not grossly contaminated, you can uprocedure to clean and then disinfect. Wipe the surface thoroughly to remove dirt and other contamination, then disinfect by wiping the surface a second time with another clean cloth that has been soaked with one of the disinfectants below.
If a high touch surface is very dirty, it should be first washed with soap, then the soap rinsed away with a clean cloth, then the surface wiped with another clean cloth that has been soaked with one of the disinfectants below.
C. Recommended Disinfectants
Two disinfectants permitted by Environmental Public Health for use during outbreaks:
1. Diluted household bleach solution. Prepare fresh disinfectant solution everyday. Add 1/3 of a cup of 5% household bleach to 4 litres of water. This creates a1:50 bleach dilution that provides the recommended 1000 ppm (or mg/L) chlorinedisinfectant.
2. 0.5% Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide, used according to the label instructions.
If you have questions about disinfectants or cleaners, please contact your local Environmental Public Health office.
Modified From: Alberta Health Services (2009). Child Care Facility Environmental Public Health Information Manual. Edmonton: Alberta Health Services.
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COVID-19 INFORMATION
GUIDANCE FOR DAY CARE/OUT OF SCHOOL CARE (CHILD CARE)
Overview
Under current Chief Medical Officer of Health Orders, businesses and entities are required to:
implement practices to minimize the risk of transmission of infection among attendees; provide procedures for rapid response if an attendee develops symptoms of illness; ensure that attendees maintain high levels of sanitation and personal hygiene; comply, to the extent possible, with the COVID-19 General Relaunch Guidance, this guidance, and any other
applicable Alberta Health guidance found at: https://www.alberta.ca/biz-connect.aspx.
This document has been developed to support licensed child care centres in reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19.This guidance builds upon the Alberta Health Services Health and Safety Childcare Guidelines, which all child care operators are required to follow. All re-opened licensed child care centres will also be required to be in compliance with applicable zoning and health and safety legislation, including the Child Care Licensing Act and Child Care Licensing Regulation.
In the event of a conflict between this document and the AHS Health and Safety Childcare Guidelines, this document will prevail.
COVID-19 Risk Mitigation
Before Re-opening
Many buildings where child care centres are located have had reduced or no water flow through the plumbing system during the pandemic, leading to the stagnation of water in the pipes. Prior to re-opening, each site needs to ensure fresh water replaces the stagnant water in the water lines. See Appendix A for instructions.
Staff and Screening
Before every shift at a child care centre, a staff member must assess themselves for symptoms of COVID-19 (see Appendix B).
Additional Public Health Measures
Child care programs may operate in cohorts of 30 people. This includes both staff and children. o A cohort is defined as a group of children and staff members assigned
to them who stay together throughout the day. o Cohorts cannot mix with other cohorts or be within in the same room/space
at the same time, including pickups and drop-offs, mealtimes, playtime, outdoor activities, staff rooms, naptime, etc.
o Separate cohort groups may be divided by non-permeable physical barriers. These barriers must be at least 2 metres high or 2 metres apart.
In order to ensure that child care centres maintain licensing requirements for child/staff ratios, allow coverage for staff lunch and coffee breaks, and to protect the separation between cohorts, child care operators should adopt the following staffing practices: o Designated room staff are assigned a cohort and must stay with that cohort and
not interact with staff or children from any other cohort. o Where possible to do so and maintain ratio requirements, programs should avoid
having substitute or “float” staff that work with multiple cohorts. o If float staff members are required to maintain adequate coverage each float
staff person should be assigned to no more than three designated cohorts and should limit physical interactions with children where possible.
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o Any person (director, float staff, etc.) who will enter the space of more than 1 cohort must wear a mask any time they are in the presence of other staff/children and they must wash their hands (or use alcohol-based hand rub) when entering or exiting each room. Information on how to use a mask can be found here: www.alberta.ca/masks
Use of shared spaces
Shared spaces and structures that cannot be cleaned and disinfected between cohorts should not be used.
If play structures are to be used by more than one group, the structures can only be used by one cohort at a time and must be cleaned and disinfected before and after use by each cohort.
Only one cohort at a time may use a licensed outdoor play space. Centres are encouraged to also use alternatives to licensed outdoor play spaces, such as walks and supervised play in parks and safe open spaces (not playgrounds). Follow physical distancing practices when possible.
Each cohort should have designated equipment (e.g., balls, loose equipment) or clean and disinfect equipment between cohort uses.
Naps should take place within the cohort’s designated room. The centre should establish a plan to prevent mingling of cohorts in washrooms
and no unnecessary items should be stored in washrooms. Programs that utilize a space that has other after-hour user groups (e.g. programs
in churches, community centres) must ensure the space is cleaned before and after using the space. It is recommended that cleaning be done by one person within the cohort directly before the group enters the space and after it exits the space. A cleaning log must be posted and used to track cleaning.
Programs that are located in seniors centres that do not have the ability to operate as a stand-alone program (separate entrance, separate washrooms, and separate play areas) will not be able to open.
Entering and exiting the centre
Develop procedures for drop off and pick up that support physical distancing and separate cohorts to the greatest extent possible. Possible strategies include separate cohort entrances, having one designated parent/guardian pick up and drop off each child, staggering entry, or limiting the numbers of people in entry areas.
Records should only be kept for 2 weeks. An organization must make reasonable security arrangements to protect the personal information.
Any personal information that is collected for COVID-19 contact tracing can only be used for this purpose, unless an individual provides their consent o For more information, the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner
has released Pandemic FAQ: Customer Lists about collecting personal information from customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
There should be no non-essential visitors and no volunteers at the program. Parents or guardians are able to enter the program when needed, but should minimize the time spent there and stay two metres away from staff and other children at all times. o Facility operators and staff should use telephone or video conferencing when
possible to meet with staff and parents.
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o Parents picking up children from more than one cohort at the centre should not be allowed to enter the cohort room unless absolutely necessary, if they must enter, a distance of 2 metres must be maintained between staff and other children.
Alcohol-based hand rub (with at least 60% alcohol) must be placed in all entrances to the program area in for use by staff, parents doing pick- ups/drop-offs, and any visitors to the centre. Dispensers should not be in locations that can be accessed by children as there is a risk of accidental ingestion. The manufacturer’s instructions for each product must be followed.
Signs should be posted at the entrance reminding persons not to enter if they have signs or symptoms of COVID-19
Sick parents, staff or children
Parents and children must not enter the child care space if they have COVID-19 symptoms.
The child care centre must ask parents to check children’s temperatures daily before coming to the program. Parents should be reminded of this requirement when children are first registered for the child care program, and through visible signage at the entrance to the child care centre. For reference, normal temperatures are: o Mouth: 35.5-37.5°C (95.9-99.5°F) o Underarm: 36.5-37.5°C (97.7-99.5°F) o Ear (not recommended in infants): 35.8-38.0°C (96.4-100.4°F)
Parent or guardian conducting drop off must fill out attached screening tool (Appendix B) for each child every morning, and child care staff must review the screening tool with the parent to ensure the child is able to enter the centre.
If a child develops symptoms while at the facility, the child should be isolated in a separate room and the parent or guardian should be notified to come and pick up the child immediately. If a separate room is not available, the child needs to be kept at least 2 metres away from other children. o If the child is young and requires close contact and care, staff can continue to
care for the child until the parent is able to pick the child. Staff should wear a mask during all interactions with the child and should avoid contact with the child’s respiratory secretions.
o Staff should wash their hands before donning a mask and before and after removing the mask (as per Alberta Health mask guidance), and before and after touching any items used by the child.
o All items, bedding, toys etc. used by the child while isolated should be cleaned and disinfected as soon as the child has been picked up. Items that cannot be cleaned and disinfected (e.g. paper, books, cardboard puzzles) should be removed from the centre and stored in a sealed container for a minimum of 10 days.
Programs should keep records of children’s known pre-existing conditions. If a child develops symptoms that could be caused by either COVID-19 or by a known pre-existing condition (e.g. allergies), the child should be tested for COVID-19 to confirm that it is not the source of their symptoms before entering or returning to the program. o A child that has tested negative for COVID-19 does not need to be retested
unless new or different symptoms develop.
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COVID-19 INFORMATION
GUIDANCE FOR DAY CARE/OUT OF SCHOOL CARE (CHILD CARE)
If two or more children are identified as having symptoms consistent with COVID-19, the child care program should follow outbreak notification procedures as per routine zone protocols.
Any cohort connected to a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 will be required to close for a minimum of 72 hours to allow contact tracing, and then adhere to recommendations from Alberta Health Services.
Safe practices onsite
Activities cannot violate a public health order. To help plan activities, staff should ask themselves the following questions to determine the risk of the activities and whether they are allowed to proceed: o Does the activity involve shared surfaces or objects frequently
touched by hands? o Can an activity be modified to increase opportunities for physical
distancing? Where possible, physical distancing practices should occur, for example:
o Avoid close greetings like hugs or handshakes and encourage physically-distant greetings such as “air fives” and waves,
o Plan for physically-distant activities such as shadow tag and where possible avoid activities that require clustering around a particular item or part of the room. Consider ways to set up rooms to avoid clustering or traffic jams
o Consider staggering individual participation in activities or use of equipment to avoid clustering in any specific area.
o For naps, increase distance between sleeping mats/cots up to 2 metres if possible, and always practice head-to-toe placement.
Use of masks by program staff is only encouraged for prolonged close interactions with children (e.g. changing a diaper or assisting with feeding). o If masks are worn, Alberta Health mask guidance must be followed
and can be found here: https://www.alberta.ca/prevent-the-spread.aspx.
o Once a mask has been removed, it should be thrown in a lined trash bin (disposable masks) or placed in a sealed container to be laundered (reusable masks).
o Young children are unlikely to be able to wear a mask properly and not touch it so mask wearing is not recommended.
Staff and children should be frequently reminded to follow proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette (wash hands frequently, sneeze/cough into their elbow, put used tissues in a waste receptacle and wash hands immediately after using tissues) o Post signs with visual cues around the program area to remind staff and
children to perform proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. Child care programs must adhere to handwashing guidelines outlined in the
AHS Health and Safety Child Care Guidelines. While alcohol-based hand sanitizer is not typically recommended for routine use in child care, it has been proven effective for hand hygiene when soap and water is not readily available. Access to hand sanitizer needs to be monitored at all times and can result in accidental poisoning if ingested. Children must be closely supervised when using alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Manufacture instructions for each product must be followed.
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GUIDANCE FOR DAY CARE/OUT OF SCHOOL CARE (CHILD CARE)
For food service, meals and snacks: o Programs may provide food to children, however no family style meal
service and they must not allow the children to self-serve. o Food provided by the family should be stored with the child’s belongings
or, if refrigeration is required, should be kept in an area designated for the child’s cohort and should not be handled by other cohorts’ staff.
o Close the kitchen/nourishment areas off that could be accessed by children, non-designated staff, or essential visitors.
o Cease activities involving child participation in food preparation. o Ensure that food handling staff practice meticulous hand hygiene and are
excluded from work if they are symptomatic. o Where possible, children should practice physical distancing while eating. o There should be no common food items (e.g. salt and pepper shakers). o Meals should be served in individual portions by a designated staff
member to each child. o Utensils should be used to serve food items (not fingers).
Field trips, group transportation, holiday events, performances or celebrations must be postponed or cancelled until further notice, as these events offer fewer possibilities for physical distancing and may lead to the mingling of cohorts.
Cleaning and disinfecting items
Programs should engage in frequent, thorough cleaning and disinfecting each day.
With the exception of diaper change tables, clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces as per AHS’ Guidelines for Environmental Cleaning of Public Facilities during Respiratory Illnesses in the Community https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/info/ppih/if-ppih- covid-19-environmental-cleaning-public-facilities.pdf. o Cleaning and disinfection of diapering areas must continue to be done
as per usual protocols. Cleaning and disinfecting of toys should be done by:
o Commercial dishwasher o OR :
Wash with detergent and water Rinse with clean warm water Wipe, spray or immerse for 2 minutes in an approved
disinfectant. Air dry
Discontinue shared use of items that cannot be cleaned and disinfected (natural materials such as acorns, sticks, cardboard etc.)
Ensure mouthed toys are immediately put into a designated bucket to be cleaned and disinfected.
Soft toys (plush toys and blankets) should not be shared at this time. Launder in hot water and dry thoroughly between children or discontinue use.
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Close all shared sensory tables including water tables, sand tables, shared play dough. o Individual sensory bins or activities that are not shared between children
may be used (play dough labelled for individual child use, small individual water bowl with sensory activities)
Items such as books and puzzles should not be moved between rooms and should stay within each cohort room only as they cannot be fully cleaned and disinfected between cohort uses.
Regarding items that travel with the child from home to the child care centre on a daily or regular basis: o Children bringing in non-essential personal items should be
discouraged. o Equipment that is required for children’s day-to-day use (e.g. mobility or
feeding devices, weighted blankets, headphones) should be cleaned and disinfected at drop off and pick up, and should not be used by anyone other than the child.
Other resources General information regarding COVID-19 (Government of Alberta)
www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx How to hand wash (AHS)
https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/healthinfo/ipc/if-hp-ipc-flu- handwash-how-to.pdf
How to use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (AHS) https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/healthinfo/ipc/if-hp-flu-hand- rub-how-to.pdf
Diapering procedures poster (AHS) https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/wf/eph/wf-eph-diapering- procedure-poster.pdf
Hand washing posters (AHS) https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/wf/eph/wf-eh-youd-clean- em.pdf https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/wf/eph/wf-eh-youd-clean- em-2.pdf
Arts and crafts safety (AHS) https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/assets/wf/eph/wf-eh-arts-crafts- safety.pdf
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COVID-19 INFORMATION
GUIDANCE FOR DAY CARE/OUT OF SCHOOL CARE (CHILD CARE)
APPENDIX A
Drinking water safety
During the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many buildings where child care facilities are located have had reduced or no water flow through the plumbing water system. Under these conditions, water may stagnate, disinfection residuals may decline and water temperatures change, creating environments with poor water quality. As a result, each site needs to ensure fresh water replaces the stagnant water in the water lines.
Child care facilities in larger buildings
If the child care facility is located within a large building that has been vacant or at significantly reduced occupancy, speak with the building owner/operator to ensure: The water feed lines to the premises have been thoroughly flushed, the plumbing system and fixtures
in common areas of the building have been thoroughly flushed, HVAC, humidifiers etc. in the building have been maintained and operating effectively, Any hot water tanks, reservoirs are replenished with fresh water as needed.
After the above is confirmed, flush the child care facilities water supply, this will refresh the child care facilities area’s water supply and disinfectant residual. Flush all water faucets in the premises for 5 minutes. Flush cold water supply first. Drain the hot water tank if one is present in the child care facilities. Flush all hot water taps for 5 minutes. Run any automatic dishwashers through one cycle. Flush other water equipment. For example,
refrigerators with ice makers and ice machines should be flushed and the first batch of ice discarded. At the end of each hot and cold timed flushing process, water temperature should be stable and water
should not be discolored or have any sediment. Report any observations of discolored water or problems with the water to the building operator.
Child care facilities in stand alone sites
If the child care facility is located within a stand-alone building the following needs to be completed: Flush the feed line to the premises first by opening the closest faucet to the water line coming
into the premises. Flush this faucet for at least 10 minutes. Flush the remaining cold water taps for 5 minutes. Guidance for Hunting and Fishing Lodges, Camps and Outfitters
Drain the hot water tank. After draining the hot water tank, flush all hot water taps for 5 minutes. Run any automatic dishwashers through one cycle. Flush other water equipment. For example,
refrigerators with ice makers and ice machines should be flushed and the first batch of ice discarded.
At the end of each hot and cold timed flushing process, water temperature should be stable and water should not be discolored or have any sediment.