COVID-19 Response Plan

Dear Parents:

We are writing today to provide an overview of our response plan to the growing community concern about the spread of the Coronavirus strain, COVID-19.

This week, we have researched and read relevant information, contacted partners and experts, and developed a multi-level response plan, leaning on reputable sources such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health. New information is coming out every day; we will continue to monitor. Please be aware that as of now, we are in the first level response, Prevention and Risk Mitigation.

We determined that we must do all we can to implement preventative measures and engage in best practices during a time of growing public concern about this contagion. We are also in the process of developing levels 2-4 response plans which will be implemented if the virus enters and spreads in our state and community. If that becomes our reality in Minnesota, we will follow requirements established by Governor Walz and the Minnesota Department of Health. Please know that we are committed to staying very close to the information as it emerges and will inform you as protocols and decisions change at St. David’s Center.

Following is our Level 1 – Prevention and Risk Mitigation Plan:

1. STAY HOME IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS OF ILLNESS: Both staff and families who have children in our programs are instructed to stay home when the person has had a temperature of 100 degrees or more in the prior 24 hours (without medication); a persistent cough or runny nose; or other flu-like symptoms.

2. TEACHING CHILDREN TO COVER COUGHS AND SNEEZES: We are encouraging all children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues, avoid hands in eyes, nose and mouth and wash hands frequently.

3. HANDWASHING: In addition to current handwashing practices, we are adding the following:

• All staff are reviewing the CDC video regarding proper handwashing techniques to assure risks are minimized
• All children and staff must wash hands every time they enter the building
• All children and staff will wash hands at least once per hour throughout the day

4. SANITIZING: We are increasing our already strong practices of sanitizing surfaces in classrooms, treatment rooms and community spaces (e.g. lobbies) with more frequency and a new centralized tracking and accountability system. We are also adding hand sanitizers at central locations throughout our buildings for use in addition to, and not to replace, handwashing.

We recognize that the situation is stressful across our community and do not want to promote a fear-based response. Rather, we are engaging in additional measures that will mitigate risk to children, families, and our staff.

If you have questions, please reach out to our Director of Facilities and Risk Management, Jayson Palm, at jpalm@stdavidscenter.org. 

Sincerely,

Julie Sjordal, CEO, St. David’s Center for Child & Family Development