Follow Cal/OSHA requirements for investigation, notification, and testing of exposed employees, as outlined in the new Cal/OSHA standards and explained in the FAQs.
The facility director should contact the local health department to determine whether the local health department is requesting all reports of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 infections. COVID-19 is a public health emergency, and the local health department tracks the spread and exposure of COVID-19.
Immediately report a positive test result to your local CDSS Child Care Licensing Regional Office and notify parents and staff of any positive test results in compliance with the most current Public Health guidance and instructions.
Protect the confidentiality of health information by not identifying the individual to anyone other than the Regional Office, the local health department, and other governmental agencies as required.
When a COVID-19 confirmed case is reported, the child care facility should follow current Guidance for Local Health Jurisdictions on Isolation and Quarantine of the General Public.
- Identify and contact all individuals who were exposed, meaning those who were within 6 feet of the infected person for 15 cumulative minutes or more in a 24-hour period.
- All staff who have been exposed to a COVID-19 positive person (close contact) must be: (1) offered testing at no cost during working hours; (2) excluded from the facility for the CDPH/local health department recommended quarantine period; and (3) provided information on benefits employees may be eligible for while off work.
- Treat the entire cohort, classroom, or other group as exposed—particularly if they have spent time together indoors. This is a best practice for all child care settings operating with a license or waiver.
- Not allow anyone into the child care program who has been identified as a COVID-19 case who is still isolated or anyone who was exposed to COVID-19 who is still in their quarantine period.
- Inform exposed individuals to quarantine at home per local health department recommendations.
- Consult the local public health department for their advice on taking any public health actions beyond removing sick or exposed children or adults from the child care program.
- Review COVID-19 current mitigation strategies to prevent exposure and determine gaps and implement necessary improvements to prevent future exposures.
Additionally child care facilities should:
- Close off areas used by the person confirmed to have COVID-19 until the area has been cleaned and disinfected.
- Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the areas.
- Wait as long as possible before you clean or disinfect to allow respiratory droplets to settle before cleaning and disinfecting.
- Clean and disinfect all areas used by the person confirmed to have COVID-19, such as offices, bathrooms, and common areas.
Child care providers or staff responsible for cleaning should clean and disinfect all areas such as offices, classrooms, spaces, bathrooms, common areas, including kitchens, hallways, and high traffic areas, and shared manipulatives, toys, electronic equipment (like tablets, touch screens, keyboards, and remote controls) used by the ill individuals, focusing especially on frequently touched surfaces.