New COVID-19 Monitoring Guidelines ForDay Care Centers In RI

PROVIDENCE, RI — As part of the state's shift to the next phase of COVID-19 response, state leaders are calling for child care and early education centers to implement new protocols to keep kids safe and in classrooms.

"With these recommendations, we can continue to ensure that it is safe for children to attend care and also reduce the burden of quarantine on families," Gov. Dan McKee said. "This framework aligns with our strategy to begin managing COVID-19 as an endemic as we are seeing in states across the nation and our federal government. Our neighboring states have implemented updated quarantine approaches for child care with great success, and we know Rhode Island families will benefit from this as well."

The Department of Health encouraged a test-to-stay approach when the state is at a high risk level, and a monitor-to-stay program for low and medium risk. The goal is to keep children and staff safe while avoid the need for closures and disruptions.

Under the new guidelines, children and staff who are up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccines or recently tested positive will not have to quarantine after an exposure, as long as they do not have symptoms. Regular, at-home quarantine protocols apply to anyone with symptoms or who were exposed at home.

The new guidelines will go into effect March 14. Next week, the Department of Health will hold trainings for child care providers about how to implement them, McKee said Friday.

"Given that young children are not yet eligible for vaccinations, this new quarantine framework is even more important," Said Dr. James McDonald, the interim director of the department. "This framework is based on science, data, and best practice, which helps child care programs choose the quarantine approach which best fits their communities and increase safe access to child care for children, families, and staff."

Following an extension of FEMA's reimbursement program, the state will provide child care facilities free, self-administered COVID019 test kits until the end of June. The tests will be distributed through the Rhode Island Association for the Education of Young Children.

"RIAEYC is proud to support this effort to help the early learning sector keep kids safe and keep classrooms open," Executive Director Lisa Hildebrand said. "We stand ready to support child care providers in implementing these new quarantine recommendations. Thank you Governor McKee, Director McDonald, and Director Mendez for your continuous support for the early learning sector."

Under the new CDC guidelines, Rhode Island is at low risk, meaning the monitor to stay program applies. Under these conditions, here's a look at what to expect under the new guidance.

Children over 2 years old and staff who were identified as a close contact of someone with COVID-19 can continue to attend child care if they screen for symptoms for five days after the exposure, wear a high-quality and well-fitted mask and get tested on the fifth day, if possible. This does not apply to at-home exposures or symptoms, which require at-home isolation.