COVID Transmission in Child Care
Introduction
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, there is a growing body of evidence on the transmission of the virus in child care settings. This evidence is important for informing decision-making about child care operations and for developing strategies to prevent and mitigate transmission in these settings.
Evidence on Transmission
Several studies have examined the transmission of COVID-19 in child care settings. These studies have found that:
* Children are less likely to become infected with COVID-19 than adults.
* Children are less likely to experience severe illness from COVID-19 than adults.
* Transmission of COVID-19 in child care settings is primarily from adults to children, rather than from children to children.
* The risk of transmission in child care settings is increased when there is a high level of community transmission.
* Mitigation strategies, such as mask-wearing, handwashing, and social distancing, can reduce the risk of transmission in child care settings.
Risk Factors for Transmission
The following factors have been identified as risk factors for the transmission of COVID-19 in child care settings:
* High levels of community transmission
* Inadequate ventilation
* Large group sizes
* Close contact between children and adults
* Lack of mitigation strategies, such as mask-wearing, handwashing, and social distancing
Prevention and Mitigation Strategies
There are a number of strategies that can be implemented to prevent and mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 in child care settings. These strategies include:
* Encouraging vaccination of staff and families
* Implementing mask-wearing for staff and children over the age of 2
* Promoting handwashing and respiratory hygiene
* Maintaining social distancing
* Improving ventilation
* Reducing group sizes
* Screening for symptoms of COVID-19
* Isolating sick children and staff
Conclusion
The evidence on COVID-19 transmission in child care settings suggests that children are less likely to become infected with the virus and experience severe illness than adults. However, transmission can occur in these settings, particularly when there is a high level of community transmission or when mitigation strategies are not implemented. By following the recommended prevention and mitigation strategies, child care providers can help to reduce the risk of transmission and protect children, staff, and families.
