New Guidance Released from Department of Health

On Oct 25, 2022, the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) released an updated version of the Guidance to Prevent and Respond to COVID-19 in K-12 Schools and Child Cares  which is effective on November 1 to coincide with the lifting of the last of the remaining Governor’s State of Emergency proclamations.

In this new version, many of the previous requirements have become recommendations. Remember that you must continue to follow all of the DCYF licensing requirements for excluding ill children and staff and notifying parents of communicable diseases. Child care providers may choose to enact stricter policies than DOH for their facility, but not less.

Providers are encouraged to pay attention to the COVID-19 level in the community. The Child Care Health team will begin sending out Health Alerts whenever the community level changes. The current community level is low. To receive our Health Alerts, subscribe here: Notify Me • Snohomish Health District, WA • CivicEngage (snohd.org).

The SHD’s Child Care webpage is in the process of being updated. 

Families are strongly encouraged to vaccinate their children who are eligible, in consultation with their health care provider. COVID-19 vaccination is now available to children 6 months and older. 

Child care facilities that need rapid antigen tests (home tests) can now contact Snohomish Health District to make a request for those tests. Tests are provided at no charge to child care facilities through Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) program funding. Please call the COVID Call Center (425-339-5278) or email childcarehealth@shd.org to request your kits. 

To report a COVID-19 case, or if you have any other questions about COVID-19, please call 425-339-5278 and leave a message or email childcarehealth@snohd.org. A staff person from the child care COVID-19 team will get back to you.