Clarity for COVID-19 Screening Questions
In Manitoba, the number of cases of COVID-19 have been rising at an alarming rate. At Discovery we are continuing to practice the basics to keep our children, families and staff safe. Recently, there have been some discrepancies in the details for when children should or should not be allowed to enter the facility. Staff at Discovery have been instructed to error on the side of safety. Many of the decisions on whether or not a child should be sent home, come down to a “judgement call” which has to be made by staff either at drop off or during the day when a child begins showing symptoms. It has been difficult for some families when their child is being sent home repeatedly. We are sorry to cause difficulties for families, we understand that some employers are not totally understanding and parents are often being “scolded” by their place of employment. However, we are also very determined to keep COVID out of our building; for the sake of the children, the families and the staff.
We have been using the screening tool for several months now. There is an “A” list of symptoms and a “B” list of symptoms. There has been some confusion about the “B” list of symptoms.
A. Do you have a new onset, or worsening, of any ONE of the following symptoms?
• Fever > 38°C or subjective fever/ chills
• Cough
• Sore throat/ hoarse voice
• Shortness of breath/ breathing difficulties
• Loss of taste or smell
• Vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours
If “yes” to any one of the above, DO NOT ENTER
B. Do you have a new onset, or worsening, of any TWO of the following symptoms?
• Runny nose
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Headache
• Skin rash of unknown cause
• Nausea or loss of appetite
• Poor feeding (if an infant)
If “yes” to any two of the above, DO NOT ENTER *
* If you have only one symptom in section B and it has been less than 24 hours since it started, stay home and avoid contact with others. Re-evaluate after 24 hours, and use the on-line COVID-19 Screening Tool.
A copy of the COVID-19 screening tool can be found https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/screening-tool/
Just to clarify, if you have 1 symptom from “B” list, you may not enter, you will be instructed to go home and re-evaluate after 24 hours. If someone in your household is displaying symptoms, ALL household members must isolate. Also, when children return to care, either symptoms have gone after 24 hours or child has received a negative test result, the child MAY NOT return until they are symptom free. If you believe your child’s symptoms are due to an underlying health issue (such as allergies or asthma), this must be confirmed by a physician or medical professional. Staff will work with families when considering assessment of child’s symptoms.
If you have questions or concerns please contact Discovery management at dcc@discoverycc.com
Stay healthy and take care.