The situation surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak is rapidly evolving and information and recommendations are changing quickly. Please follow the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommendations. We will try to keep you posted as we get information, but please know much of the time we are receiving information just as you are.

Are you are probably aware, Governor Walz presented Emergency Executive Orders on March 15, 2020. Items #13-15 address childcare (link below). Please note the orders state DHS is to provide strategies of support by March 20th and a hotline is to be established for childcare provider concerns. We are hopeful that these will provide a much-needed resource for childcare provider questions. https://mn.gov/governor/assets/EO%2020-02%20Final_tcm1055-423073.pdf

MN DHS Child Care Licensing sent out the below information in italics on 3-13-20 to licensed childcare providers:

The Minnesota Department of Health has published UPDATED information on its website, Information For Schools and Child Care on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) [https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/schools.html] for schools and child care programs about the coronavirus (COVID-19). You are encouraged to use the links in this email to read this important information. For additional information and resources about COVID-19 please check the MDH website often for updates. [https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/coronavirus/index.html]

The Minnesota Department of Health has a public COVID-19 hotline where you can direct specific questions. Call the MDH hotline at: 651-201-3920 or 1-800-657-3903 from 7a.m. to 7p.m.

Our recommendations are to continue to practice healthy habits to limit the spread of disease:

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and assist children who need help.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough into the inside of the elbow. Dispose of tissues immediately. Wash hands after.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Clean, sanitize and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
  • Practice social distancing guidelines. Cancel/reschedule field trips.

If you have not received a visit from your health consultant yet this month, your nurse may be in touch to discuss different visit options if needed. If you have a class scheduled with us or are a program not serving infants, we may need to reschedule as needed. If you need to reschedule, please contact us as soon as you know.

Thank you for your partnership and flexibility during this time of rapidly changing information.