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Using cloth face coverings safely
Guidance and poster updated 5/11/2020 to align with current NC Interim Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Guidance for Child Care Settings – updated 5/6/2020, which expands on the situations in which adults and children should wear cloth face coverings.
Update – guidance further updated 2/5/2021.
COVID-19 Exclusion Flowchart
This post was updated 5/11/2020. Please contact your Child Care Health Consultant for the latest flowchart, as guidance may vary from county to county. Visit the NC DHHS website for details about COVID-19 symptoms, and information about minimum self-isolation and quarantine recommendations.
Recent COVID-19 Updates
Now available are recorded COVID-19 webinars held by DCDEE for child care providers during the week of March 29, 2020. The webinars included discussions on Emergency Child Care Provider Application, available financial assistance information and health, safety and screening guidelines.
The information below includes other information topics and recent updates.
Child Care Access & Financial Assistance Available for Essential Workers
We have two resources for essential workers (as defined in Executive Order 121) who are in need of emergency child care.
- We partnered with the NC Child Care Resource & Referral network to launch a hotline, 1-888-600-1685, to connect families with child care programs that have agreed to meet updated health, safety and operational guidelines.
- For those essential workers who need it, financial assistance for emergency child care is available.
Child Care Payment Policies Released
On Friday, April 3, DCDEE released COVID-19 Child Care Payment Policies, which provides detailed information about policy changes that apply to licensed or regulated child care facilities.
COVID-19 Dashboard Updated
Data on COVID-19 can be found on the Dashboard. In addition to information on number of laboratory-confirmed cases, hospitalizations and deaths, there is demographic information and data about outbreaks in congregate settings.
New Video on Reducing Anxiety and Stress
Dr. Carrie Brown, NC DHHS Chief Medical Officer of Behavioral Health and IDD, has a new video on ways to manage stress and anxiety during COVID-19 social distancing, quarantine and isolation.
E-Newsletter, Issue 4, Volume 4: Coronavirus and COVID-19
Our latest newsletter is full of health, safety and screening information about Coronavirus, COVID-19 and how it affects childcare in North Carolina.
Daily Health Check Record
To assist child care facilities in keeping track of Daily Health Checks, we have created a Daily Health Check record that is now available for download.
For more information about limiting the spread of COVID-19, read about:
COVID-19 informational webinars for child care providers being offered by NC DHHS
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services are offering informative webinars on the response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- Current status of the COVID-19 crisis in North Carolina
- COVID-19 Emergency Child Care Provider Application
- Financial Assistance for Providers
- Financial Assistance for Parents
- Resources available
Following the presentation, NC DHHS leadership will lead a moderated Q&A session.
There will be four different opportunities for child care providers to participate in the webinar. Please choose the time that works best for you.
Tuesday, March 31, 2020 – 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Attendee Link: https://cisco.webex.com/cisco/onstage/g.php?MTID=e488e912d05a555da3c329bfe944c5106
Password – covid19
Tuesday, March 31, 2020 – 1:00-2:30 pm
Attendee Link: https://cisco.webex.com/cisco/onstage/g.php?MTID=e761628ddd93b2612789ad82661e7946a
Password – covid19
Tuesday, March 31, 2020 – 3:00-4:30 pm
Attendee Link: https://cisco.webex.com/cisco/onstage/g.php?MTID=e644cd1debe269c018cd0c95a1b8c608e
Password – covid19
For best results, it is recommended that each attendee join the meeting by computer, laptop, or tablet.
Updated guidance from CDC on cleaning and disinfecting
The Centers for Disease Control has updated their guidance for cleaning and disinfecting schools, child care and other community facilities on March 26th. The new guidance covers:
- Updated guidance for cleaning and disinfection of soft (porous) surfaces
- Updated links to EPA-registered disinfectant list
- Added guidance for disinfection of electronics
- Updated core disinfection/cleaning guidance
Please visit the CDC website to read more and also see our post from March 25th for links to North Carolina specific guidance.
Post screening criteria at entrance of child care facilities
If you are continuing to provide child care in NC, download and post this door sign created by the NC Child Care Health and Resource Center, at the entrance of your facility:
For more information on the steps child care facilities who remain open to serve essential personnel in their communities, visit the NC Department of Health and Human Services website. Read more about checking temperatures and using thermometers during the COVID-19 outbreak here.
Stay at Home Order for North Carolina
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has issued a Stay at Home order for North Carolina, effective Monday, March 30th at 5 pm until April 29th, 2020
Read the Executive Order in full and see the Frequently Asked Questions.
Child care providers who are following the required NC DHHS procedures are considered essential businesses and permitted to remain open.
View the press briefing below: