Infectious Disease Procedures

Limit the spread of infectious disease through daily routine risk reduction. During an outbreak, use the guidance from your local public health experts to determine the level of risk in your community and follow their recommendations to reduce risk.

Ways to reduce risk every day:

• Stay up to date on immunizations for infants, children, and adults.
• Stay home when you’re sick.
• Do daily health checks.
• Wash your hands.
• Use gloves when appropriate.
• Cough or sneeze into your elbow.
• Clean, sanitize, and disinfect.
• Increase access to fresh air.
• Check for food safety recalls.

Ways to reduce risk when there is a disease outbreak:

• Wear a mask for protection from airborne disease.
• Talk to your health care provider if you are exposed to an infectious disease or have symptoms.
• Get tested if applicable.
• Increase the amount of fresh air and create physical distance between people (as feasible) when the disease is spread through a respiratory route:
  • Safely open windows and doors for fresh air.
  • Partner with a ventilation consultant to evaluate indoor air quality and the HVAC system.
  • Increase the time children spend outdoors.
  • Arrange outdoor spaces for staff breaks.
• Adapt infection control policies and procedures and use other strategies as needed to reduce the risk of spreading disease.
• Communicate all policy changes to families and staff.
• Train staff on the signs and symptoms of disease and on steps to reduce the risk of infection, especially on any new recommendations.
• Share information about available immunizations for the disease outbreak, epidemic, or pandemic.
• Review Individual Health Care Plans for children who may need accommodations in a disease outbreak.
• Offer calming activities for children.
• Talk to your Health and Mental Health Services Advisory Committee to stay informed about the spread of disease in your local community. Find health, nutrition, and mental health resources that children, families, and staff may need in a health emergency.
• Adapt learning activities to virtual platforms if needed.

Last Updated: June 5, 2025