COVID-19 Child Care Operational Handbook - YMCA HFA COVID-19 Handbook (Novel Coronavirus) - YMCA of ...
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YMCA
YMCA of Northern
HFA COVID-19 Alberta
Handbook
COVID-19
(Novel Coronavirus)
• Policies and procedures
Child Care Operational Handbook
• COVID-19 amendments and reaffirmations
Last Updated January 25, 2021
Last updated: June 4, 2020
Principles
Please note subject matter for this handbook was resourced from Government of Alberta, Government of
Alberta’s guidelines for child cares and COVID-19 Info for Albertans. The Government of Alberta’s guidelines
and this document are subject to change.
This handbook is a living document and will be updated regularly to ensure YMCA of Northern Alberta
Employees and families have the most up-to-date information.
Any information contained in this document supersedes existing YMCA Child Care Policies and procedures.
YMCA employees must also reference the YMCA COVID-19 Employee Handbook.
YMCA of Northern Alberta is meeting or exceeding all Government of Alberta Covid-19 Guidelines.
For more information, please reach out to your Program Director, Child Care General Manager, Vice President
and/or the Health and Safety Team.
ii
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................................... 1
Preparing for Change ....................................................................................................................................... 1
YMCA Child Care policy and procedure amendments ................................................................................... 1
Health and Safety ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Symptoms ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
Probable Cases................................................................................................................................................. 3
Close Contacts.................................................................................................................................................. 3
Health Check Screening ................................................................................................................................... 4
Developing symptoms at a YMCA Child Care facility ..................................................................................... 5
Developing symptoms outside of a YMCA Child Care facility ........................................................................ 6
Returning to YMCA Child Care after exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms ........................................................... 6
Pre-existing Conditions.................................................................................................................................... 6
Immunizations during COVID-19..................................................................................................................... 6
New Medications or Medical Procedures during COVID-19 .......................................................................... 7
Testing negative for COVID-19 ........................................................................................................................ 7
If a child exhibits CORE symptoms and is not tested for COVID-19............................................................... 7
Testing positive for COVID-19 ......................................................................................................................... 7
Returning to YMCA Child Care after travel outside Canada .......................................................................... 8
Returning to YMCA Child Care after close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 .............................. 8
Outbreaks ........................................................................................................................................................ 8
Hygiene ............................................................................................................................................................ 8
Thermometers/taking a temperature ............................................................................................................ 9
Reporting Safety Concerns .............................................................................................................................. 9
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ..................................................................................................................... 10
Use of Masks............................................................................................................................................................ 11
Bring Your Own Mask Guidelines ............................................................................................................................ 12
Proper Usage of Masks ............................................................................................................................................ 12
Cleaning and Disinfecting ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Definitions...................................................................................................................................................... 13
Procedure for cleaning and disinfecting ....................................................................................................... 13
Approved Cleaners and Disinfectants ........................................................................................................... 13
Cleaning Cloths .............................................................................................................................................. 13
Frequency of cleaning and disinfecting ........................................................................................................ 13
iiiHigh touch surfaces and areas that receive enhanced cleaning and disinfecting each day ....................... 14
Cleaning and Disinfecting Body Fluids .......................................................................................................... 14
Toys ................................................................................................................................................................ 14
Washrooms .................................................................................................................................................... 14
Diapering areas .............................................................................................................................................. 15
Tables and Chairs ........................................................................................................................................... 15
Shelves and Counters .................................................................................................................................... 15
Lockers and Cubbies ...................................................................................................................................... 15
Bedding .......................................................................................................................................................... 15
Soft items (in infant rooms only) .................................................................................................................. 15
Items from home ........................................................................................................................................... 15
Wellness .................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Nutrition and eating/feeding ........................................................................................................................ 15
Rest Period ..................................................................................................................................................... 16
Programming ........................................................................................................................................................... 16
Programming and Physical distancing .......................................................................................................... 16
Programming and Child Involvement ........................................................................................................... 17
Outdoor programming and equipment ........................................................................................................ 17
Documentation of programming .................................................................................................................. 18
Family involvement and events .................................................................................................................... 18
Homework ..................................................................................................................................................... 18
Off-site excursions ......................................................................................................................................... 18
Indoor/outdoor environment ....................................................................................................................... 18
Pets and animals ............................................................................................................................................ 18
Equipment and play areas ............................................................................................................................. 18
Soft material .................................................................................................................................................. 19
Sensory items................................................................................................................................................. 19
Books and puzzles.......................................................................................................................................... 19
Art................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Board games .................................................................................................................................................. 19
Items from home ........................................................................................................................................... 19
Children and Educators are required to bring: ............................................................................................. 20
Supervision .............................................................................................................................................................. 20
Ratios and Supervision .................................................................................................................................. 20
Sign in and Out (Arrivals and Departures) .................................................................................................... 21
ivEmployee Scheduling..................................................................................................................................... 21
Communication ............................................................................................................................................. 21
Diapering and Toileting and Washroom Supervision ................................................................................... 22
Child Guidance ......................................................................................................................................................... 22
Administration ......................................................................................................................................................... 22
Hours of Operation and Program Information ............................................................................................. 22
Communication ............................................................................................................................................. 22
Orientation and Registration ........................................................................................................................ 22
Fees ................................................................................................................................................................ 22
Visitor, Volunteer and Student Involvement................................................................................................ 23
Visiting a YMCA Child Care ............................................................................................................................ 23
Records........................................................................................................................................................... 24
Employee Breaks and Rooms ........................................................................................................................ 24
Uniforms ........................................................................................................................................................ 24
Shared Spaces and Limited Access ................................................................................................................ 24
Sun Safety ................................................................................................................................................................ 25
Insect Repellent ....................................................................................................................................................... 25
Appendices .............................................................................................................................................................. 26
Management of children who are tested for COVID-19 and/or exhibits symptoms .................................. 27
YMCA of Northern Alberta Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidelines ............................................................... 29
Vehicle Disinfection Checklist ....................................................................................................................... 34
vIntroduction
The YMCA of Northern Alberta will look and feel different when YMCA Child Care reopens. That’s because we
are taking all necessary safeguards to keep the children, families and employees safe. However, as always, YMCA
Child Care will continue to be welcoming and quality-focused. Our team is standing by, ready to welcome all
children and families to the YMCA.
Preparing for Change
Children:
It may be difficult for children to understand and adjust to the COVID-19 environment, and we want children to
feel safe and prepared for their return to child care. Parent/guardians and educators are reminded and
encouraged to discuss changes that children may see or experience when returning to child care.
Some changes the child(ren) may notice:
• The children and educators in their group may be different than when the centre closed.
• They may be in a different classroom or centre.
• Their locker or cubby may be in a different location.
• They cannot bring toys from home daily.
• They may see different toys and equipment in rooms.
• They cannot go play or visit other educators, rooms, or spaces they may have previously.
• They will have their temperature taken daily.
• Their family will not be able to come into the centre at drop-off and pick-up.
• They may spend time in a classroom playing quietly while other children are napping.
• They will be going on more walks and to community fields to play.
• They may have to wear a mask
• They may see adults wearing masks and/or gloves and/or goggles more frequently.
Families:
Families are strongly encouraged to closely review procedure amendments and welcome back documents
provided, to be informed and prepare for re-entry into YMCA Child Care.
Employees:
All employees are required to participate in COVID-19 related re-opening training and review and acknowledge
through the YMCA Learning Management System.
YMCA Child Care policy and procedure amendments
YMCA Supervisors must:
• Be informed and follow all YMCA policies and procedures at all times.
• Build relationships with children, families, employees, and community stakeholders.
• Answer employee and family questions and concerns.
• Orient educators to the centre upon their return to active duty.
• Monitor all employees and children throughout day for COVID-19 related symptoms.
• Track all child and employee absences and the reason for absence and symptoms of ill health.
• Follow guidelines if an employee or child exhibits COVID-19 related symptoms.
• Inform management if employee absences will affect your program.
1• Ensure employees are implementing policies and procedures continuously each day.
• Wash hands upon entering the centre and throughout the day and practice proper respiratory
etiquette.
• Promote and maintain a respectful, safe and calm environment.
YMCA Educators must:
• Be informed and follow all YMCA policies and procedures at all times.
• Build relationships with children, families, employees, and community stakeholders.
• Welcome all children, help them store personal belongings, and assist them to wash their hands before
entering the classroom.
• Disinfect all children’s belongings with hard surfaces.
• Not mix groups of children, at any time. The same group of children will be kept together with the same
educators.
• Monitor themselves, fellow employees and children throughout day for COVID-19 related symptoms.
• Complete active screening each day and inform their direct YMCA Supervisor if they are not attending
work.
• Provide play-based activities based on children’s age and interests.
• Be a caring, sensitive, and fun play partner.
• Assist with cleaning and disinfecting.
• Observe physical distancing with all adults.
• Observe physical distancing on breaks.
• Educate and promote physical distancing with children, as much as possible.
• Send all children’s personal belongings home at end of day to be cleaned and disinfected.
• Wash hands upon entering the centre and throughout the day and practice proper respiratory
etiquette.
Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged:
• Be informed and follow all YMCA policies and procedures at all times.
• Notify the YMCA if their child attending exhibits COVID-19 related symptoms, even if their child is
absent.
• Prepare the children in their care for the return to YMCA Child Care.
• Upon arriving at the YMCA Child Care, allow time for screening and wait patiently (if required) and
maintain physical distancing at all times outside of the program.
• At departure, allow time and wait patiently (if required) and maintain physical distancing at all times
outside of the program.
• Take the temperature of all children attending child care prior to arrival at the YMCA Child Care.
• Stay up to date with developments related to COVID-19.
2Health and Safety
Symptoms
Parents/guardians, children, employees and essential visitors must not enter the child care space if they have
COVID-19 symptoms.
COVID-19 symptoms can be mild and are similar to influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
• Core symptoms for under 18 years: fever, cough, shortness of breath and loss of sense of smell or taste
• Core symptoms for 18 years and over: fever, cough, shortness of breath / difficulty breathing, runny
nose and sore throat
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 Forehead: 36.6-38.0°C (97.9-100.4°F)
o Ear (not recommended in infants): 35.8-38.0°C (96.4-100.4°F)
• Other symptoms can include: stuffy nose, painful swallowing, headache, chills, muscle or joint aches,
feeling unwell in general, new fatigue or severe exhaustion, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea or unexplained loss of appetite), loss of sense of smell or taste (for 18 years and
over), conjunctivitis (pink eye).
• Symptom of serious illness: difficulty breathing or pneumonia.
• It is recommended to seek testing for anyone who presents symptoms of COVID-19.
Probable Cases
A probable case is a person with clinical illness who had close contact to a lab-confirmed COVID-19 case OR a
person with clinical illness who meets the COVID-19 exposure criteria, AND in whom laboratory diagnosis of
COVID-19 is inconclusive.
Clinical illness of a probable case is new onset/exacerbation of following symptoms:
• Fever, cough, shortness of breath/difficulty breathing, sore throat or runny nose.
Exposure criteria for a probable case is a person who, in the 14 days before onset of illness:
• Had any history of travel outside of Canada; OR had close contact with a confirmed or probable case of
COVID-19; OR is a close contact of a traveler with acute respiratory illness who returned from outside
Canada in the previous 14 days; OR had a laboratory exposure to biological material (e.g. primary clinical
specimens, virus culture isolates) known to contain COVID-19.
If Alberta Health Services Communicable Disease Control and Prevention informs a person or the YMCA that
they are a confirmed or probable case, we will follow additional guidance from Alberta Health Services.
Close Contacts
A Close Contact is defined as someone who, during the infectious period:
• lived with or was within two metres of a person who has COVID-19 for 15 minutes or more of
cumulative contact, i.e. multiple interactions for a total of 15 minutes or more, even if a mask was worn
during that contact, or
• has had direct contact with bodily fluids of a person who has COVID-19 (e.g., was coughed or sneezed
on), or
3• provided direct care for a person who has COVID-19, or
• has physical contact with a person who has COVID-19, such as handshake, hugging, kissing, or sexual
activity, or
• shares items with a person who has COVID-19 such as drinks, personal hygiene items, cigarettes, vapes,
lipstick, eating utensils, etc.
For sports that involve close, sustained or intermittent and repeated contact, all members of the teams playing
each other are considered close contacts when there is a case on a team.
For schools, generally, all students who share a classroom with a student who was infectious with COVID-19 are
considered close contacts.
Anyone who falls into any of the above categories is considered a close contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19.
Wearing a non-medical mask is not sufficient to exempt you from being considered a close contact.
Consistent and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) by regulated health care professionals
must be assessed to determine if the individual had adequate protection from a potential COVID-19 exposure.
Health Check Screening
• Children, employees, and essential visitors will be screened upon arrival for symptoms of COVID-19 and
monitored for symptoms throughout the day
• Signs will be posted at the entrance reminding persons not to enter if they have signs or symptoms of
COVID-19
• Parents/guardians, essential visitors and employees must fill out the screening questionnaire (see
COVID-19 ALBERTA HEALTH DAILY CHECKLIST) online at northernalberta.ymca.ca/healthcheck for each
child or themselves and YMCA employees must review the screening tool to ensure the individual is able
to enter the centre.
• For Early Years children and Out of School Care children that attend in the morning that day, the
checklist can be completed up to three hours before arrival online
at northernalberta.ymca.ca/healthcheck.
• For Out of School Care children that attend in the afternoon only that day, the checklist must be
completed by 9 am that day online at northernalberta.ymca.ca/healthcheck.
• Each child will be screened visually by a YMCA employee upon arrival each day for symptoms of COVID-
19 and monitored for symptoms throughout the day. Out of School Care children will be verbally asked
after school if they have any new or worsening symptoms that could be caused by COVID 19.
• Families and employees are encouraged to be familiar with the screening questionnaire. Individuals
should not arrive at a centre if they answer “YES” to the questions as indicated.
• The YMCA requires parents and guardians to check their children’s temperatures daily, before coming to
the centre. Parents and guardians will be reminded of this requirement during registration and by 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°)
o Forehead: 36.6-38.0°C (97.9-100.4°F)
o Ear (not recommended in infants): 35.8-38.0°C (96.4-100.4°F)
• The YMCA will have thermometers available, if required
• If COVID-19 related symptoms or an elevated risk of exposure is reported, that person cannot enter a
YMCA facility and instead follow the process outlined in Returning to YMCA Child Care.
4• Upon completing the questionnaire, if the person entering the program has no COVID-19 related
symptoms or elevated risk of exposure please proceed to sign-in upon entry of any YMCA facility. Sign-in
is completed manually. If the screening questionnaire was completed electronically, please show the
completed screen at the time of sign-in via a mobile device. If an attendee/employee cannot show the
completed screen, they must complete the paper version prior to entry.
• A member of the leadership team in Out of School Cares will review the Health Check Screening tools
online prior to the bell ringing in the afternoon to be sure all children have a cleared check completed. If
the parent/guardian does not complete the health check prior to 9 AM that day, they will be contacted
to complete. If the Health Check is not completed, the child will not be able to attend the program and
the parent and guardian will be called for immediate pick up.
• Once families, essential visitors and employees have completed the screening questionnaire and have
signed in, they can enter the YMCA facility.
Developing symptoms at a YMCA Child Care facility
• If a child develops any symptoms of COVID-19 while at YMCA Child Care, a YMCA employee will contact
the parent/guardians or emergency contact immediately for immediate pick-up of the child. If
parent/guardian or emergency contact cannot be reached or refuses to pick-up their child immediately,
the YMCA will contact Child Protective Services and the Child Care General Manager.
• While awaiting pick-up isolation protocol will be followed (see Rapid Response Plan) to make sure the
child and the rest of the children in the program are safe.
• The YMCA will complete an incident report if a person develops symptoms on site.
Rapid Response Plan
In Child Care, the Rapid Response Plan refers to Supervised Care for Sick Children (Isolation Protocol). Children
at a child care centre who appear to have acute respiratory illness symptoms upon arrival or who demonstrate
COVID-19 symptoms while there, should go home immediately and have a parent/guardian follow the Stay at
Home Guide and screening questionnaire complete the AHS self-assessment test and book a time for testing (if
required).
After leaving, the symptomatic people should follow hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette and maintain at
least two metres of distance from others until they are able to safely self-isolate at home.
An incident report must be filled out in entirety. It must have the symptomatic person’s name and contact
information, and the areas and equipment they used. To help AHS perform timely tracing of close contacts,
Alberta Health recommends supervisors identify and record the names of all persons the sick individual has been
in close contact that day and in the 72 hours prior to when the symptoms started. AHS may request this
information if the sick individual later tests positive for COVID-19.
If the child is ABLE to leave immediately
• All surfaces and areas with which the person may have come into contact should be cleaned and
disinfected immediately. Supervisors should refer to the Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidelines for more
information about the enhanced cleaning and disinfection practices for specific facilities.
If the child is NOT ABLE to leave immediately
• If a child is ill, they will be isolated in a separate room or space at least 2 metres away from other
children while being supervised by a YMCA Educator, while waiting for pick-up.
• If the child is young and requires close contact and care, YMCA Educators will continue to care for the
child until the parent/guardian picks-up the child. Educators will wear required PPE (wear, gloves, gown,
5disposable mask, and eye protection) during all interactions with the child and will avoid contact with
the child’s respiratory droplets.
• The symptomatic person must go to the designated area in their centre.
• Educators will wash their hands before donning and after removing PPE, and before and after touching
any items used by the child
• Children will be provided appropriate items and toys to be kept comfortable.
• All items, bedding, toys etc. used by the child while isolated, and in the past 48 hours, will 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) will be removed from the centre and stored in a sealed container
for a minimum of 72 hours.
• If an Educator provides close contact and care, the Educator must change their clothing and may return
home for a shower prior to returning to the cohort room.
Developing symptoms outside of a YMCA Child Care facility
• If a child is absent from the program due to symptoms of COVID-19, this must be reported to the centre.
• View the child Stay at Home Guide to understand what to do if your child develops symptoms of COVID-
19.
Returning to YMCA Child Care after exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms
• Anyone that reports symptoms will be directed to stay home, seek health care advice as appropriate (i.e.
call Health Link 811, or their primary health care practitioner, or 911 for emergency response), and fill
out the AHS Online Self-Assessment tool to determine if they should be tested.
• Children or employees may return to YMCA Child Care when they no longer pose a health risk to others
as directed by Alberta Heath Services.
• Families must follow the Stay at Home Guide to return to YMCA Child Care
Pre-existing Conditions
• If a child or employee develops symptoms in or outside of the program that could be caused by a known
pre-existing condition (e.g. allergies), the child or employee should be tested for COVID-19 to confirm
that it is not the source of their symptoms before entering or returning to YMCA Child Care.
• If symptoms are due to a pre-existing condition, individuals can return to care with a negative COVID-19
test, if they are able to pass the screening questionnaire, and with written documentation from a
medical professional, where possible, about a pre-existing condition. This would include information on
the exact symptoms, what brings on the symptoms, and if any changes to the environment would
change these symptoms.
• A child or employee that has a pre-existing condition and has tested negative for COVID-19 does not
need to be retested unless new or different symptoms develop.
• Families, children and employees are required to monitor and document symptoms that may be related
to a preexisting condition. If symptoms change or worsen, or if the individual develops new symptoms,
they will have to follow the Stay at Home Guide and screening questionnaire prior to returning to YMCA
Child Care.
Immunizations during COVID-19
• See Routine and Seasonal Immunization During COVID-19 FAQ
• After getting immunized some individuals can have side effects similar to symptoms of COVID-19 such as
fever, headache, cough, runny nose, or sore throat. Side effects start within 24 hours after getting the
6vaccine. For vaccines that protect against Measles, Mumps, Rubella, and Varicella, side effects can start
5 to 12 days after the immunization. Side effects tend to be mild and could last 24 to 48 hours.
• An individual that has side effects that are the same as COVID-19 symptoms must stay home and isolate
even if it is thought they are from the vaccine.
• If the anticipated or expected side effects are exhibited by the immunized person in the clinically
expected timeframe and then resolve within 48 hours of onset, an individual can return to YMCA Child
Care once they are symptom-free for 24 hours and are able to pass the screening questionnaire.
However, if the individual has been told to isolate for other reasons, isolation must continue.
• If the side effects last longer than 48 hours, continue to isolate. Review the Stay at Home Guide to
return to YMCA Child Care.
New Medications or Medical Procedures during COVID-19
• An individual may exhibit side effects to new medications or medical procedures that can be similar to
symptoms of COVID-19. The YMCA will follow guidance as indicated by medical professionals regarding
attendance at YMCA Child Care facilities.
• An individual that exhibits symptoms outside of the clinically expected side effects or timeframes, must
follow the Stay at Home Guide and screening questionnaire to return to YMCA Child Care.
Testing negative for COVID-19
• If a person tests negative and has no known exposure to the virus, they are not legally required to
isolate; however, it is important to stay home until symptom free to avoid infecting others. Individuals
may return to a YMCA Child Care once they are symptom-free for 24 hours and are able to pass the
screening questionnaire.
• If the person tested negative and has had an exposure to the virus, they are legally required to isolate
for 14 days from the last known exposure date and/or as determined by Alberta Health Services. If a
child or employee does develop symptoms, they must isolate for an additional 10 days from the
beginning of symptoms or until they are feeling well, whichever takes longer. If the child or employee
does develop symptoms, use the AHS Online Assessment Tool or call Health Link 811 to determine if
testing is recommended. This timeframe must not be less than 14 days from the last known exposure
date and/or as determined by Alberta Health Services. Individuals may return to a YMCA Child Care
after this timeline once they are symptom-free, if applicable, for 24 hours and are able to pass the
screening questionnaire.
• If symptoms persist beyond 10 days, individuals can return to YMCA Child Care if they are able to pass
the screening questionnaire and with written documentation from a medical professional, where
possible, about a pre-existing condition. This would include information on the exact symptoms, what
brings on the symptoms, and if any changes to the environment would change these symptoms.
• Proof of a negative COVID-19 test result is not necessary to return to child care.
If a child exhibits CORE symptoms and is not tested for COVID-19
• As per guidance from Alberta Health Services, an individual may choose not to get tested, but they must
not attend a YMCA facility for a minimum of 10 days. At the time of return, an individual must have been
symptom-free for a minimum of 24 hours and are able to pass the screening questionnaire.
Testing positive for COVID-19
• The individual/family should follow all Alberta Health Services guidelines and refer to Outbreaks.
• Supervisors should be notified immediately
7• A child or employee who tests positive for COVID-19 is legally required to isolate for 10 days from the
start of their symptoms, or until symptoms free, whichever takes longer. Individuals may return to a
YMCA Child Care after this timeline once they are symptom-free for 24 hours and are able to pass the
screening questionnaire.
Returning to YMCA Child Care after travel outside Canada
• A child or employee that has travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days, cannot return to the
program for 14 days, plus an additional 10 days from the onset of symptoms, should they occur, unless
enrolled in the Alberta COVID-19 International Border Pilot Project and then they must comply with the
program restrictions at all times.
• If the child or employee does develop symptoms, use the AHS Online Assessment Tool or call Health Link
811 to determine if testing is recommended. Individuals may return to YMCA Child Care after this
timeline once they are also symptom free for 24 hours with negative test results (if applicable) and are
able to pass on the screening questionnaire.
Returning to YMCA Child Care after close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19
• A child or employee is legally required to isolate for 14 days from the last known exposure date and/or
as determined by Alberta Health Services and monitor for symptoms if they are a close contact of a
person who tested positive for COVID-19 (even with a negative test result).
• If a child or employee does develop symptoms, they must isolate for an additional 10 days from the
beginning of symptoms or until they are feeling well, whichever takes longer.
• If the child or employee does develop symptoms, use the AHS Online Assessment Tool or call Health Link
811 to determine if testing is recommended.
• Individuals may return to YMCA Child Care, after this timeline once they are also symptom free for 24
hours with negative test results (if applicable) and are able to pass the screening questionnaire.
Outbreaks
• The YMCA will adhere to recommendations from Alberta Health Services.
• Programs directly associated with a confirmed or probable case of COVID-19 must adhere to
requirements from Alberta Health Services. This may include temporary program closure to allow for
contact tracing processes to occur.
• If two or more children or employees are identified as having symptoms consistent with COVID-19, the
YMCA will follow outbreak notification procedures as per routine zone protocols for additional guidance
and decision making:
o Identifying and Reporting Suspect Outbreaks in Edmonton Area Child Care Facilities
o Algorithm for Identifying and Reporting Suspect Outbreaks in North Zone Child Care Facilities
and Family Day Homes
o Provincial Outbreak Number: 1-844-343-0971
• The YMCA will contact Alberta Health Services through the Provincial Outbreak Number and Licensing
through intake in the Edmonton Region or by contacting Licensing Officers in Grande Prairie and Wood
Buffalo if a COVID 19 positive case is reported to the program.
Hygiene
• YMCA Child Care programs must adhere to handwashing guidelines outlined in the AHS Health and
Safety Child Care Guidelines. Hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol is recommended as there is
evidence that this supports effectiveness against COVID-19. Hand sanitizer can help reduce the risk of
8infection by, or the spread of microorganisms when hand washing is not possible. If families have
questions about their child using alcohol-based hand sanitizer they may contact the YMCA to discuss
potential alternatives.
• Access to hand sanitizer needs to be monitored in 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.
• Alcohol-based hand rub (with at least 60% alcohol) will be placed in all entrances to the program area in
for use by employees, parent/guardians doing pick-ups/drop-offs, and other essential visitors.
Dispensers will not be in locations that can be accessed by children as there is a risk of accidental
ingestion (as alcohol-based hand sanitizer is not generally recommended for use by young children).
Manufacture instructions for each product must be followed.
• Children will 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).
• Signs will be posted with visual cues around the program area to remind employees and children to
perform proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette
• All participants must wash their hands:
o Upon entering the centre and each classroom and throughout the day.
o Before donning and after removing PPE.
o After using the washroom.
o Before handling each child’s lunch bag.
o Prior to eating.
o Following close, physical contact.
o Before and after outdoor play and between activities if the surfacing is wood chips and the
children touch surface with their hands.
o Prior to and after each application of sunscreen and insect repellent.
Thermometers/taking a temperature
• The YMCA will have thermometers on site if a child develops symptoms or the child’s temperature was
not taken prior to arrival at the centre.
• The YMCA will follow manufacturer instructions regarding normal temperature readings with the
thermometers onsite.
Reporting Safety Concerns
It is everyone’s responsibilities to ensure a safe working place. Supervisors are responsible for responding to and
controlling identified hazards, and all employees are responsible for reporting any hazards or incidents. While
supervisors have specific responsibilities for safety in the workplace, employees are also vitally important in
keeping themselves and their coworkers safe by staying informed and engaged in the Health and Safety
Management system. An Employee Safety Rights and Responsibilities FAQ has been developed to respond to
questions as we work to keep each other safe. This can be found in the appendix of the YMCA COVID-19
Employee Handbook.
Any concerns employees have should always be reported to their supervisor, as per the normal processes.
Unsafe work observations and near misses should continue to be reported through the Incident Report or Near
Miss Report forms.
9Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
All positions will have an up-to-date Job Hazard Assessment completed before reopening. All required PPE will
be supplied by the YMCA of Northern Alberta.
Employees should ensure adequate PPE for the duty they are performing (i.e. First Aid versus cleaning) and the
equipment is cleaned and sanitized between users.
When wearing gloves, employees should avoid touching their faces and other exposed body parts.
Type of PPE Description When to Use
Disposable Gloves protect against the transfer of • First aid, laundry, diapering, application of
gloves infectious agents to one’s hands during sunscreen and/or insect repellent etc.
direct contact with participants/members • Food service
with suspected/confirmed transmissible • Arrivals screening
infections or their immediate environments. • Rapid Response Plan (Isolation protocol)
• The use of gloves does not replace
the need for regular hand hygiene.
• Hand hygiene should be performed
before and after glove use.
Gown Gowns are used to protect against the • Rapid Response Plan (Isolation protocol)
transmission of infectious agents to the
employee on their arms/clothes during
direct contact with a participant/member or
their immediate environments.
Eye protection Eye protection protects the eyes (and • Cleaning with chemicals that require them
(i.e. face mouth/nose if using a face shield with a face • Rapid Response Plan (Isolation protocol)
shield/safety mask) of the wearer from contact with
glasses) splashes, sprays and splatter of bodily fluids
from other people.
Wearing a face shield without a face mask
does not provide an adequate barrier
around your nose and mouth and should not
be used as a substitute for a face mask.
PPE, such as eye protection, may be reused,
only if the manufacturer allows it and has
provided clear cleaning and disinfecting
instructions.
Face Masks Face Masks provide the wearer a barrier • See Use of Masks
protection against large particle droplets,
splashes or bodily fluid, such as saliva. *The
Job Hazard Assessments and Jobsite
Assessments have identified when a mask is
required for work.
10Use of Masks
• In consideration of the increased number of Covid-19 cases in Alberta, with Direction from the
Government of Alberta’s new restrictions, the YMCA has updated our mandatory mask requirements,
effective November 25, 2020, YMCA of Northern Alberta is requiring the use of face coverings in all
indoor spaces (except exempt categories) in all YMCA of Northern Alberta facilities:
o A face covering means a mask, balaclava, bandana, scarf, cloth or other similar item that covers
the nose, mouth and chin without gapping. Note: Employees and volunteers must adhere to
“bring your own mask” guidelines outlined in the YMCA Employee COVID-19 Handbook.
o An indoor space is any space that is indoors at a YMCA facility e.g. Shared offices spaces,
meeting rooms, program spaces, rental spaces, reception areas, lounges, hallways, and
accessible washrooms and locker rooms.
o This requirement applies to all employees, volunteers, members, participants, tenants, visitors,
parents and contractors. This requirement applies regardless of whether the individual is
registered in a program, has a scheduled appointment/booking, or a membership.
• While a mask is an additional measure to protect against the spread of COVID-19 to others, we continue
to emphasize frequent and thorough hand washing, and maintaining a minimum distance of 2 meters
apart from others, to further minimize the risk of COVID-19 spread.
• Children in Grade 4 to 6 are required to use face masks indoors when physical distancing is not possible
effective the first day of school.
• Children in Kindergarten to Grade 3 who can consistently use a face mask correctly and safely during the
day, are strongly encouraged to wear masks indoors when physical distancing is not possible effective
the first day of school.
• Young children are unlikely to be able to wear a mask properly and not touch it so mask wearing is not
recommended.
• Visitors to the program will always be required to wear a mask while in the presence of employees or
children
Exemptions
The requirement to wear a mask will not apply to:
• persons under the age of 2.
• persons who are unable to place, use, or remove a face covering without assistance.
• persons unable to wear a face covering due to a mental or physical concern or limitation, or protected
ground under the Alberta Human Rights Act.
• persons consuming food or drink in designated seating areas or as part of a religious ceremony
• persons engaged in physical exercise.
• persons providing care or assistance to a person with a disability where a face covering would hinder
that caregiving or assistance.
• persons engaging in services that require the temporary removal of a face covering.
• person has a private enclosed office and they are alone.
• program participants (children) in child-care centres except as indicated above.
Proof that the exemption applies is not required.
11Bring Your Own Mask Guidelines
• Reusable cloth masks must be YMCA appropriate – no patterns, pictures, words or symbols that could
be considered controversial or offensive.
• Masks should fit properly, covering the nose and mouth and allowing the user to communicate clearly.
Proper Usage of Masks
When using disposable or reusable masks all persons should:
• Make sure the mask fits their face properly and ensure it covers their nose and mouth and allows for
clear breathing.
• Wash or sanitize their hands thoroughly before putting the mask on, and before and after taking the
mask off.
• Avoid touching their face when putting on or taking off their mask.
• Avoid touching their mask while wearing it,
• Change their mask as soon as possible if damp or dirty.
• Put on a new mask when arriving at work (e.g. after taking public transit).
• Not share their mask with others.
• Remove their mask completely when not in use. It should not be left around your neck or on your head.
In addition, for reusable masks:
• Note: reusable masks can be used throughout the day, if properly stored (see above bullet) to avoid the
need to replace the mask throughout the day. All reusable masks should be brought home to wash after
each day.
• Keep mask clean and wash daily at home by putting it directly into the washing machine, using a hot
cycle, and then dry completely or washing it thoroughly by hand, using soap and hot water and allow it
to dry completely.
• Store mask in a separate bag (e.g. labelled ziploc or breathable, washable bag) when not in use and keep
it with personal belongings. Do not place it on shared surfaces or where it can be picked up by others.
During all interactions with a member or participant who is presenting COVID-19 symptoms during Rapid
Response to Symptomatic Person, or if required by their Job Hazard Assessment, a YMCA employee must wear a
disposable mask.
If masks are worn, Alberta Health mask guidance must be followed and can be found here:
https://www.alberta.ca/prevent-thespread.aspx
Information on how to use a mask can be found here: http://www.alberta.ca/masks
Cleaning and Disinfecting
• The YMCA will engage in frequent, thorough cleaning and disinfecting each day and will meet or exceed
guidelines provided by Alberta Health Services.
12• With the exception of diaper change tables which will be cleaned after each use, all frequently touched
objects and surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected as per AHS’ Guidelines for Environmental Cleaning
of Public Facilities.
Definitions
• See Health and Safety Guidelines for Child Care Facilities (Appendix F) – Cleaning and Sanitizing Food
Contact Surfaces, Equipment, Toys and Other Surfaces
• Cleaning is defined as removing all visible dirt from the surface of an object.
• Disinfecting is reducing the germs on a surface and is done after cleaning.
Procedure for cleaning and disinfecting
• “Wipe Twice” (with bleach as a disinfectant) - For high touch surfaces that are not grossly contaminated,
the “wipe twice” procedure will be used 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 will 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.
• Commercial dishwasher: use washing and sanitizer mode; or
• Wash with detergent and water
• Rinse with clean warm water
• Wipe, spray or immerse for 2 minutes in an approved disinfectant Bleach solution, with a concentration
of 100ppm in the three-sink method only
• Air dry
Approved Cleaners and Disinfectants
• The YMCA will be using disinfectants with evidence for efficacy against COVID-19.
• The YMCA will be following Alberta Health Services’ COVID-19 Public Health Recommendations for
Environmental Cleaning of Public Facilities.
• The YMCA will be using a bleach solution, made daily, with a concentration of 1000 ppm, at all times, as
a disinfectant for food contact surfaces and toys and will allow it to air dry for 1 minute.
• The disinfectant will not be sprayed around children and children will not play on wet surfaces.
• Diversey OxivirTb Disinfectant Wipes will be used on diapering surfaces.
• Diversey OxivirTb Disinfectant Wipes and/or Alcohol wipes will be used on electronic items.
Cleaning Cloths
• Separate cleaning cloths will be used for food surfaces and messy activities.
• Cleaning cloths will be discarded/washed after use. The same cloth will not be used for the full day.
• At this time, programs are only permitted to use washable cleaning cloths if the center has access to
laundry facilities.
• Cleaning cloths will be laundered daily.
• Used disposable cloths will be discarded as needed and at the end of the day.
Frequency of cleaning and disinfecting
• The YMCA has adjusted cleaning schedules to meet or exceed recommendations from Alberta Health
Services. Cleaning schedules are identified on the revised cleaning checklists (cohort classroom, office,
laundry room, break room, kitchen) opening, closing, and outdoor checklists.
13• See Health and Safety Guidelines for Child Care Facilities - Appendix G – Cleaning and Disinfecting
Schedule for Child Care Facilities.
• Any items or equipment will be cleaned and disinfected, in addition to the schedules, if visibly dirty or
after contact with respiratory fluids.
• If a person is symptomatic in a cohort, any items they engaged with will be cleaned and disinfected
immediately
High touch surfaces and areas that receive enhanced cleaning and disinfecting each day
(after cohorts leave a room, minimum every 4 hours, when visibly dirty or after contact with respiratory fluids)
• Tabletops
• Light switches
• Doorknobs
• Sink taps
• Paper dispensers
• Toilet handles
• Electronic equipment such as phones, two-way radios, computers, keyboards,
• Desktops
• Counters
• Break rooms, kitchens, washrooms
• Baby gates
• Other surfaces that are frequently touched
Cleaning and Disinfecting Body Fluids
• Cleaning and disinfecting body fluids will be done as per Health and Safety Guidelines for Child Care
Facilities – Appendix I.
Toys
• All toys and play areas will be cleaned and disinfected daily or weekly as indicated on the cleaning
checklist.
• Mouthed toys will be immediately put into a designated bucket to be cleaned and disinfected.
• Items such as books and puzzles will not be moved between rooms and will stay within each cohort
room only as they cannot be fully cleaned and disinfected between cohort uses. If these items do need
to be disinfected, they will be removed from the centre and stored in a sealed container for a minimum
of 72 hours.
• Any toys or equipment that have to be shared between cohorts, will be cleaned, and disinfected
between groups.
• Supervision will determine if an item must be removed or disinfected.
Washrooms
• YMCA employees will disinfect (counters, sinks, faucets, paper towel dispensers, hand dryers) before
and after each cohort use if it is a washroom used by more than one cohort, if visibly dirty, or after
contact with body fluids, urine, stool, mucus from sneezing, etc.
• YMCA employees will disinfect cohort washrooms a minimum of every 4 hours, if visibly dirty, or after
contact with body fluids, urine, stool, mucus from sneezing, etc.
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