Belated
Happy New Year!
This omicron
variant has certainly proven challenging for most (if not all) of you as you
continue to care for our youngest children. Some of you are dealing with your
first positive cases of COVID despite immaculate adherence to all guidelines
for reducing the risk of exposure. The changes in isolation and quarantine
periods for the general public (from 10 days to 5 days) has confused and
complicated the situation. I understand your feelings of anxiety and
frustration; you are likely having to make snap decisions, especially during “off
hours” when state resources are closed. Parents are also likely anxious and
frustrated, as quarantine and closures impact their ability to work, and I’m
sure you are feeling it. My heart goes out to you all.
Please be
aware that isolation and quarantine guidelines for early childhood education
and care settings have not changed since November 2021 to reflect the CDC recommendations
for the general public and for public schools. The U.S. CDC also still
recommends the full 10-day isolation (for COVID-positive individuals) and
quarantine (for close contacts) – see https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/child-care-guidance.html.
So, I continue to recommend adherence to the November guidelines from Child
Care Licensing until we hear otherwise – see https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/ocfs-covid-response
and scroll down to Child Care Licensing.
I am doing
my best to keep up with your calls, texts, and email messages and try to
respond in a timely manner. I ask for your patience as I may not be able to
respond immediately (the spring semester started this week). Remember to check
your resources to see if your questions might be answered.
Below are
some additional resources that might help inform your decision-making.
Recommendations
for Childcare Facilities with COVID-19 Positive Staff or Children: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/airborne/documents/Childcare-COVID-Packet-1.pdf
Isolation
and Quarantine (replace 5 days with 10 days): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html
I continue to
hope that this surge, along with more children being vaccinated, will soon lead
us to fewer restrictions and a clearer sense of what might be considered “normal.”
Warm
regards,
Deb
