Pandemics

A pandemic is a global outbreak of a virus that is easily and quickly transmitted from person to person. Most people will not have immunity to the virus and a vaccine may not be available for some time after the virus is identified. It is important for child care providers to be prepared in advance to work to reduce the impact and spread of a pandemic virus on the children in their care.

Before a Pandemic

There are steps you can take to reduce the impact of a pandemic 

  • Ensure pandemic response is covered in your emergency plan 
  • Involve community partners to assist with preparedness training and planning 
  • Follow and enforce proper sanitation processes and procedures (wash hands frequently, avoid close contact with people who are sick, stay home when you are sick, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing) 
  • Talk with parents and staff about procedures for interruption of care 
  • Remind parents to have back-up child care options available in the event that your child care program must close 
  • Make sure you have a process in place to communicate with children, staff, and parents 
  • Review requirements for reporting illness in your community/state

Other Resources

Cover your cough poster

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