IPAC Measures During Outbreaks or Increases in Illness

Communications

  • It is recommended that the school administration send a notice to its community (families and staff) to notify them of the increase in illness and to advise them of recommended public health measures.

Management and exclusion of symptomatic persons

  • Protocol is in place to manage symptomatic staff/student at school (e.g. having a place to isolate an ill individual while contacting family for pickup of student(s); or sending ill staff or individual home).
  • Students and/or staff should stay at home when they have:
    • Symptoms of an enteric illness, including vomiting and/or diarrhea, and until their symptoms have been resolved for at least 48 hours.
    • Symptoms of a respiratory illness, including fever, cough, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, or sneezing until they are fever-free and feeling better without the use of medication for 24 hours.
    • Please refer to the Respiratory Illnesses webpage for additional information.
    • Other symptoms as described in the Communicable Disease Guidelines for Schools and Child Care Facilities.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) – including use of masks

  • Have appropriate PPE for staff providing direct care/supervision (less than 6 feet) for an ill student (medical mask, eye protection and gloves).
  • Resources for staff on the proper donning and doffing of PPE are available from Public Health Ontario (PHO).
  • Individuals should wear a mask for 10 days from the start of a respiratory illness when in public.

Cleaning and disinfection

  • Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of high touch surfaces, washrooms, toys/other shared objects minimum 2 times a day; immediate cleaning & disinfection of items used by ill student (e.g., toys, blankets).
  • Disinfectant contains a Drug Identification Number (DIN) and is not expired. Ensure staff are aware of disinfectant contact time (time the surface must remain wet for effective disinfection).

General measures during outbreaks or increases in illness

  • Personal items (e.g., water bottles, utensils) are not shared.
  • Consider removing sensory play during outbreaks (e.g., sand, play dough).
  • If items (e.g., toys, books) are shared, disinfect between uses if possible.
  • If kindergarten class(es) are affected, blankets/linens are sent home at the end of the week to be laundered.

Cots should be cleaned and disinfected at minimum once a week and immediately after use by a symptomatic student.

Hand hygiene and optional signage

  • Appropriate hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette should continue to be promoted and integrated throughout the school day.

Provide education to staff, students, and visitors on appropriate hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette to prevent the spread of germs.

Proper hand hygiene includes using alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) or soap and water (must use soap/water if visibly soiled) for at least 20 seconds. This should be done:

  • Once entering school and before leaving
  • Before/after eating food
  • After using the washroom
  • Before/after outdoor play
  • Before/after handling shared objects
  • Before/after the use of sensory materials such as sand or playdough

Respiratory Etiquette includes:

  • Covering nose and mouth during coughing and sneezing with a tissue or sneezing or coughing into your sleeve or elbow.
  • Disposing of used tissues into the garbage immediately after use.
  • Practicing proper hand hygiene immediately after coughing, sneezing, or touching one’s face.
  • Ensure hand hygiene products (soap and/or ABHR with a minimum of 70% alcohol concentration) are available throughout the school. Consider safe placement of ABHR to avoid consumption by younger students.
  • Consider using the signs below (e.g. at entrances, staff rooms, washrooms) and including information and reminders in newsletters to parents and families

Resources:

Adapted with permission from Ottawa Public Health.