Reply to MoCo childcare COVID policies forum

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[quote=Anonymous]The town hall last night that cleared up a lot of the confusion. In case it's helpful to you or others, here's an email I sent to my center as a follow-up to the town hall:

I was able to participate and take detailed notes on last night's childcare town hall (which was recorded if anyone missed it - https://www.facebook.com/montgomerycountyinfo/videos/616868016206965). I've connected with many other families who are eager for [our center] to update its COVID-19 policies now that the county has provided clarity on multiple issues. Many of our current policies were crafted in the early days of the pandemic and our leading public health entities have recognized that they are no longer useful.

I believe the key issues are:

1. Decision-making on adherence to Montgomery County or Maryland guidance: The panelists stated repeatedly that DHHS guidance is just that and that it is NOT a mandate. They informed providers that they are free to choose to implement it or to follow the guidance provided by the state of Maryland. I and many other parents strongly feel that the Maryland guidance is clearer, aligns with the CDC, and does not discriminate between children over and under 5, which the DHHS guidance does with no data-based explanation.

2. Quarantines for children under 5: The panelists clarified that the DHHS guidance (like the Maryland guidance) permits a 5-day quarantine for exposed children under 5 so long as they test negative, are asymptomatic, and can mask.

3. Test-to-stay (TTS): Dr. James Bridges enthusiastically announced to providers that they are definitely permitted to implement a test-to-stay program. He stated that information on this is available on the DHHS website and that they can offer additional guidance in a separate forum if requested. He noted that they would appreciate the submission of a plan for such a program to the health department, but that this is not a requirement. I cannot overstate how important TTS, as a replacement for close contact quarantines, is to families. With the inevitable persistence of Omicron, which will continue to circulate given its immunity-evading properties, it is imperative that we develop policies that will avoid sending healthy children home at all costs. Please bear in mind that providers should not have to administer tests; parents could do that and demonstrate to the center that their children continue to test negative.

4. Testing method: The panelists affirmed that antigen (rapid) testing is acceptable.

5. Travel policies: Dr. Bridgers stated that there is no need for childcare providers to have travel policies in place, as COVID-19 is just as present here as it is in any other state.[/quote]

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