EXCERPTS
Ministry of Health
COVID-19 Guidance: Emergency Childcare Centres
Version 1, March 29, 2020
In order to support health care and frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, certain childcare centres are exempt from the order to close all licensed childcare centres, pursuant to the emergency declared in Ontario on March 17, 2020.
These childcare centres are required to follow all existing health and safety requirements as directed by the local medical officer of health and as outlined in the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 and other policies and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Education. Plans must also be in place to respond should any staff, children, or parents/guardians be exposed to COVID-19.
Requirements for health and safety
Ensure all current infection prevention and control practices are adhered to, this
includes but is not limited to:
- Ensuring all toys used at the centre are made of material that can be cleaned and disinfected (e.g. avoid plush toys);
- Increasing the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting objects, toys and frequently touched surfaces;
- Frequently touched surfaces are most likely to become contaminated,
- including doorknobs, light switches, toilet handles, and tabletops, and must
- be disinfected at least twice a day;
- Only using disinfectants that have a Drug Identification Number (DIN). Low-level hospital-grade disinfectants may be used;