Dear Provider:

The Department of Children and Families is aware of the increase of COVID-19 cases throughout the state.
Please note the following guidance and reminders as it relates to coronavirus:

• The latest CDC guidance for Early Care and Education/Child Care Programs can be found at
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/child-care-guidance.html
• Providers are required to report an outbreak to your local health department pursuant to Section 7.23
Homes Handbook and Section 6.1.2 Facility Handbook. For COVID, one person is considered an
outbreak and requires immediate reporting. Additionally, providers must follow the health department’s
direction. This includes following cleaning protocol, quarantine/closure, and providing contact
information of parents/teachers as necessary for contact tracing. Please be advised the Department
of Health maintains confidentiality of sensitive information pursuant to Chapter 64D-3, Florida
Administrative Code.

Homes Handbook Reference

Section 7.23 Communicable Disease Outbreaks

Operators are required to notify the local county health department immediately upon any suspected
outbreak of communicable disease and follow the health department’s direction. A suspected outbreak
occurs when two or more children or adults have the onset of similar signs or symptoms, within a 72-
hour period or when a case of a serious or reportable communicable disease is diagnosed or
suspected in a child or employee. Some examples include shigella, salmonella, chicken pox, measles,
pertussis, and hand, foot and mouth disease. Contact your local health department for a determination
of whether reporting is required.

Facility Handbook Reference

Section 6.1.2 Outbreaks

A. Operators are required to notify the local county health department immediately upon any
suspected outbreak of communicable disease and must follow the health department's direction.

B. A suspected outbreak occurs when two or more children or child care personnel have the onset
of similar signs or symptoms within a 72-hour period or when a case of a serious or reportable
communicable disease is diagnosed or suspected in a child or employee. Some examples include
 shigella, salmonella, chicken pox, measles, pertussis, and hand, foot and mouth disease. Contact
your local health department for a determination of whether reporting is required.

We understand the challenges many of you are facing to balance the health and safety of the children in care
with the operations of your business. As always, your licensing counselor is available to provide technical
assistance. Please use the child care contacts map for contact information for the licensing office nearest
you.

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