Childcare programs get new CDC guidance

Childcare programs get new CDC guidance

 

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance for childcare programs during the pandemic last week, emphasizing the importance of mask-wearing for everyone 2 years of age and older, as well as air ventilation and other strategies.   When it comes to spacing, the CDC is also reviewing data to see if physical distancing in schools should be changed to advise people to stay at least 3 feet apart, instead of at least 6 feet apart, according to a federal official.   Vaccines and testing were not among the "key" strategies the agency laid out. The guidance instead called them "additional layers" of Covid-19 prevention.   "I also want to stress that our childcare guidance emphasizes the importance of Covid-19 vaccination as an additional layer of prevention for childcare workers," CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said during a White House briefing last week. "I strongly encourage America's childcare workers to get vaccinated."   Walensky also warned that there have been "concerning" declines in childhood vaccinations against other infectious diseases, such as the MMR vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella. She urged parents to make sure their children are up to date on their vaccines.   "On-time vaccination throughout childhood is essential because it helps to provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. During the pandemic, we have seen substantial declines in pediatrician visits, and because of this, CDC orders for childhood vaccinations dropped by about 11 million doses -- a substantial and historic decline," Walensky said.