* THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE THOSE OF THE AUTHORS AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OFFICIAL POLICY OR POSITION OF THE INTERNATIONAL NANNY ASSOCIATION. THE CONTENTS OF THIS BLOG POST ARE INTENDED TO CONVEY GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND NOT TO PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE OR OPINIONS. THE CONTENTS OF THIS POST SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS, AND SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON FOR, LEGAL OR TAX ADVICE IN ANY PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCE OR FACT SITUATION. THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS POST MAY NOT REFLECT THE MOST CURRENT LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS. NO ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN IN RELIANCE ON THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS POST THE INA DISCLAIM ALL LIABILITY IN RESPECT TO ACTIONS TAKEN OR NOT TAKEN BASED ON ANY OR ALL OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS POST TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. THE INTERNATIONAL NANNY ASSOCIATION RECOMMENDS THAT AN ATTORNEY SHOULD BE CONTACTED FOR ADVICE ON SPECIFIC LEGAL ISSUES.
By Christa D. Nader
Like most of you, my family, friends, colleagues and I have been affected by the changing state of the world. Some of us have lost jobs; others have lost loved ones. Despite these challenges, we consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have one another to rely on, whether it be a lively group video call, an informative webinar from industry experts, or simply a listening ear when advice is sought out through our member’s Facebook group. We are here to support one another, and I am truly grateful that you are a part of our community. In this time of hardship, our hearts go out to everyone experiencing challenges.
Our understanding of this virus continues to evolve; with new information comes new reflection about the best steps to take during this time. Like all coronavirus strains, scientists’ current research surrounding COVID-19 has shown that this particular virus is contagious before symptoms are shown, and it is estimated that 25% of infected persons are completely asymptomatic (1). With this in mind, here are some Recommended Safety Measures for both Nannies and Agencies during COVID-19. These guidelines are based upon the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the content and ideas our industry’s leaders have put forth thus far. These recommendations do require a certain level of economic and physical ability, and are not always possible for everyone to follow. It is important to do what is best for you and your community at large, to the fullest extent possible, as well as reach out to your community if you are in need.
Please note that these recommendations may change. I urge you to keep up to date on further specifics to your area as time passes. Additionally, local governments may have recommendations that do not align with the CDC and WHO, so I encourage you to respect both the shifting situation in your community, as well as each individual’s comfort and decisions in protecting their family’s personal safety.
Recommended Safety Measures for nannies and families who are still working together:
It is clear what an immense challenge most families are facing right now. Setting aside the unpredictability of this illness and the unknown end date to protective measures, many families have had to learn how to be a full time teacher, juggling their own careers or job loss, all while trying to care for their children. Many nannies with families of their own are facing the same challenges, plus an inability to find safe and reliable childcare so that they may physically report to work. While we navigate this new normal, it will be important to reflect and openly communicate with one another, respecting that feelings may change and shift from one day to the next.
If your family has not been deemed an essential worker, consider the inherent risks to both your family and nanny by commuting daily. Strategize a way to keep your nanny employed, whether reducing the amount of in-person time spent, or providing safe transportation. If you yourself are still employed, consider having a nanny stay home with their usual full pay as a retainer and show of good faith that you will be together again soon. If your family’s personal career has suffered income loss, consider furloughing the nanny so that they may receive government assistance in income lost. When possible, make sure to retroactively put their income legally on the books so that they may easily receive unemployment benefits.
Here are some practical and interpersonal tips for working together in-person:
- Take your temperature each morning before you leave for work, or welcome your nanny back in for the day. It is recommended that all house members do this as well to track any changes. The normal temperature for adults is around 98.6; children are slightly elevated above this.
- Commit to weekly check-ins to keep communication open and light. Discuss any issues or suggestions that would help one another stay invested and rested.
- Limit going out in public places during your personal time apart. When necessary to go out, keep a minimum of 6 ft. of distance between your family and another person. Avoid interactions with multiple people as much as possible. Stay home as much as you are able.
- Sanitize door handles and light switches regularly.
- Exercise handwashing with soap that lathers for 20-30 seconds when coming in from outside, after using the restroom, and before and after eating.
- Place hand sanitizer at the door to use before exiting the home to lessen your germs going out into the world.
- Wear masks when going out in public. When possible, take or provide a car to work instead of mass transit.
- For nannies arriving to work in a vehicle that is shared with others, bring a change of clothes for each day of the week, and change once you arrive.
- Do not touch your face, and kindly help children with this directive as much as possible.
- Don’t share eating utensils, food or drinks; serve food to each person individually.
- Follow guidelines for sick pay under the FFCRA, and pay out full sick days.
Recommended Safety Measures for Agencies:
As there are many critical industries that still need childcare during this unfolding pandemic, we empathize with the confusion and concern many parents and nannies are feeling at this time. Businesses that provide crucial support in these connections are faced with many hard choices and decisions that are often out of their control. Many states are under strict at-home orders, while others are beginning to lift their quarantines. Out of concern for protecting themselves and their families, many clients, nannies and families alike, will opt to stay home during this time, and we must be supportive of each person’s comfort level.
Unfortunately, it seems as though the virus will be here for the immediate future, and we must find a new normal in which to adapt. It will be important to find creative solutions to pivot your business wherever possible to provide safe, respectful care, and following all federal and state regulations regarding social distancing, and upholding the Family First Coronavirus Response Act when employees get sick.
- Strategize a plan for how you will protect your staff, your candidates, and your families from exposure. Release this statement publicly, and follow it internally.
- Educate clients on FFCRA and the CARES Act, including what to do in the event their employee exhibits symptoms of COVID-19.
- Stress to clients the importance of putting a nanny on-the-books retroactively where necessary, and refer them to payroll companies that are making this easy, like HomeWork Solutions and GTM. The FFRCA and CARES Act will be applicable to employees who are paid legally, regardless if they are physically working in the home at the moment. Unemployment will also be much easier for the employee to attain, if the need arises.
- Help stop the spread of the disease in your community by postponing planned in-person events, even if attendees have no symptoms, as COVID-19 is transmitted without showing signs of illness.
- Limit in-person interactions as much as possible: consider moving to video conferences with candidates and families, and recommend your clients and candidates do the same.
- In line with social distancing guidelines, transition on-call services from sending nannies to different homes each day to short-term temporary positions that provide continuity of care and lessen the spread of germs. Be transparent with families and nannies about the prior placements, as well as the amount of quarantine time spaced between each new family and nanny.
- Help nannies have conversations with confidence. Encourage them to self-advocate with professionalism and grace. Remind them that their health and wellbeing is just as important as their employers.
- Ask temporary clients and nannies to commitment to one another’s health and wellness: regularly sanitizing the work environment, personal belongings, and other safe hygienic practices, as well as transparency in regards to personal physical and mental wellbeing to the extent each party is comfortable doing so.
- If showing any symptoms related to the virus, or you or your housemates were exposed to anyone else exposed, self quarantine for 14 days. Do not return to work until your fever has vanished for at least 48 hours without medicine.
- If you have tested positive for COVID-19, it is recommended to receive a clearance from a physician before coming back to work, if at all possible. Each member in your household should be symptom-free for over 7 days, and fever-free without medicine for 72 hours.
We are a diverse community full of compassionate care providers, unified in our resolve to come out of this crisis stronger. We all will do our best to avoid contracting and passing along this virus; we all will do our best to stay strong, and protect one another. We look forward to brighter days!