How Do We Protect Our Nannies From COVID-19?
How To Protect Your Nannies From COVID-19 With These Nanny Precautions
After months of quarantine and work from home set-ups — I’m sure you’re excited the new normal has finally come.
Big thanks to vaccines and strict safety protocols. People are slowly going back to their lives pre-pandemic.
But for some workers like nannies, this change means they’re moving on to the next chapter of their lives after doing the same work pre-and-post coronavirus.
On another thought, despite the numbers of daily COVID-19 cases falling from over 99,000 to 30,000 in the United States.
It doesn’t mean we should be complacent about the pandemic, especially as mothers with nannies.
Instead, it’s still best to secure your nannies from the ongoing threats of the COVID-19 outbreak…
We can do this as a way of thanking them for working as a nanny during the pandemic because they deserve it.
Since the risks of contamination are rampant due to the ‘new normal.’ Having to discuss COVID nanny rules with your nanny is a must-do.
These safety guidelines won’t only keep her safe but also your family at home.
But, if you don’t have any idea about the exact protocols to give your nanny.
Consider reading our list of nanny precautions, which you can share with her during these times.
These tips will help you protect your nanny from COVID-19 while educating her at the same time.
She can also teach your kids the protocols and help them understand why we do them in the first place.
So, stick with us and discover ways to protect your nannies from COVID-19 with these nanny precautions.
Nanny Precautions: Why Prevention is Always Better than Cure
Working as a nanny during a pandemic can be challenging since infection risks are high and unpredictable.
However, if your childcarer religiously complies with these covid nanny rules — mitigating the spread of COVID-19 is possible.
To give you more ideas on this matter, here is our list of simple yet effective nanny precautions:
Nanny Precaution #1: The importance of handwashing.
Make handwashing a top priority, especially when your nanny came from a public place like the train or grocery store.
This preventive measure also applies to everyone in the household to ensure safety at home.
Nanny Precaution #2: Mask up.
No matter how tempting it is to remove your mask during humid hours, please don’t.
Your mask is your primary shield against the virus, especially when you don’t know who is positive or not in the crowd.
Since masks limit the transmission of the COVID-19, they can protect you and those around you from acquiring the disease.
So, have your nanny wear her mask, especially when she’s around your kids, to avoid any possible transmission.
Nanny Precaution #3: Always check body temperature.
If you don’t have a live-in nanny, ensure to check your nanny’s body temperature every morning before and after she goes to work.
In fact, this method can help you track fever, which is the earliest symptom of coronavirus.
Besides your nanny, check the temperature of other household members, especially your kids.
Doing this can assure your nanny she’s safe in your house while taking care of your children.
Nanny Precaution #4: Clean and sanitize commonly used items.
Whether it’s the child’s toys or the door handles, do frequent cleaning and sanitization around the house.
This practice can limit the spread of COVID-19, so remind your nanny to clean and sanitize always.
Bonus Tip! You can place hand sanitizers or alcohol throughout the house, especially near the doors, to encourage proper hygiene in the household.
And if you have the privilege to have your whole house sanitized from time to time, you can also invest in professional cleaning services to add extra protection to your home.
Nanny Precaution #5: Practice social distancing.
Remind your nanny to practice social distancing, especially to other people in the household that aren’t your children.
It’s better safe than sorry. Take note as well how people should remain six feet apart (or two arm’s length).
Nanny Precaution #6: Have a weekly talk with your nanny.
Aside from these standard coronavirus precautions, ensure to have a weekly talk with your nanny.
Maintain open communication and have her talk about any concerns or suggestions she has in mind.
According to reports, the pandemic had a significant impact on mental health.
That’s why having this talk shows you care about your nanny and means you’re giving her additional emotional support.
Nanny Precaution #7: When your nanny feels sick, have her take a rest.
Whether you have a home nanny or a live-out nanny, please have her take a break and self-isolate when she feels unwell.
Encourage her to stay at home to not only reduce your children’s risk of exposure and give time for her to feel better.
Ask your nanny to disclose her symptoms so that you can trace if the illness could’ve been acquired at your home or somewhere else.
Note: If your nanny tested positive for the virus, make sure to call your pediatrician as soon as possible.
Have your whole household checked as well to see if you need to quarantine and do contact tracing.
Additional COVID Nanny Rules:
If your nannies live far from home and need to ride public transport, have them bring extra clothes and masks.
Once they arrive at your place, make sure they’re well-sanitized and wearing a new set of clothes before they start working.
Remind your nannies of the ‘avoid touching MEN, instead follow WOMEN’ policy.
This acronym means you should avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose to prevent coronavirus spread.
On the other hand, follow WOMEN stands for: washing your hands consistently, obey rules and regulations, move away from the crown, exercise daily, and never ignore the disease’s symptoms.
As much as possible, have your nanny and kids play outside or stay in a well-ventilated area.
The CDC advises everyone to improve ventilation at home to limit the spread of COVID-19.
Have your nanny turn on exhaust fans and purifiers inside your child’s room to promote air filtration and flow.
Frequently Asked Questions: Working as a Nanny During the Pandemic
From Parents
Can I let my part-time nanny self-quarantine with us at home?
If your part-time nanny lives in your home, you must have her self-quarantine with you.
However, if you have a live-out nanny, you can opt not to have her self-quarantine with you at home to avoid any transmission.
Is it safe to hire a nanny during the COVID pandemic?
To be honest, it’s not 100% safe to hire a nanny during a pandemic.
However, most nanny agencies like Karen’s Nanny Agency make sure to provide you with nannies who understand the government’s safety guidelines and rules against COVID.
Also, don’t forget to screen your potential nanny before hiring them. Ask about their health status (questions like are they healthy or immunocompromised, etc.) and their exposure risks.
How do I find the best nanny?
We understand how difficult it is to look for a nanny who suits all your preferences. That’s why we’re happy to share with you the best tips to find the perfect nanny.
First, ask for a referral from your close friends and family.
Once you do this, you’re guaranteed you’ll find the nanny worth your trust since your loved ones already trusted them.
Next, look at nanny listing sites and Facebook groups.
Lastly, seek help from a nanny placement agency like Karen’s Nanny Agency to make your search easier than ever.
From Those Working as a Nanny During the Pandemic
What benefits can people like me working as a nanny during the pandemic have in lockdown?
Experts recommend you ask for paid sick days from an employer since you’re working as a nanny during a pandemic.
And your employer must compensate for the risks of exposure you’re doing for work (e.g., traveling from home to your employer’s place).
Should I opt to work as an at-home nanny rather than a live-out nanny?
Since exposure risks are higher when you live far from your employer, try negotiating with them if they can let you be an at-home nanny than a live-out nanny.
If they won’t allow it, try asking for additional compensation or benefits that will help you in case you contract the disease.
Protecting Your Nannies From COVID-19 With These Nanny Precautions
Protecting your nannies from coronavirus is possible with our trusty seven nanny precautions.
With the proper observance of these preventive measures, you and your nanny can help each other limit the risks of COVID-19 exposure in your home.
Moreover, we added some vital covid nanny rules to remind your childcarer of what they can do to prevent acquiring the virus, especially if they don’t live with you.
We also included a few frequently asked questions from parents and individuals working as nannies during the pandemic.
In the end, if you’re looking for someone who’ll follow and understand all of our nanny precautions, you can check Karen’s Nanny Agency — for premium nanny services during the pandemic.
References:
Ways Families and Nannies can Address the Coronavirus Outbreak
https://anewenglandnanny.com/how-families-and-nannies-can-address-the-corona-virus-outbreak/
Coronavirus: Advice for Nannies
https://www.youremployeewellbeing.co.uk/blogs/coronavirus-advice-for-nannies/
