The implementation of protective and hygienic measures in day care centres in Germany

Abstract

Abstract Background Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, day care centres in Germany needed to implement protective and hygiene measures (e.g., care of children in fixed groups). Our research questions are: To which extent can day care centres implement protective measures in daily practice? Which difficulties and needs regarding the implementation of these measures do they report? Methods We draw on data from a nationwide survey (October 2020-June 2021) of approximately 3,000 centre managers in Germany. Measures are clustered in four categories: reducing (1) contact opportunities, (2) airborne transmission (where social interaction cannot be avoided), (3) contact transmission, and (4) handling (the lack of) symptoms. To analyse implementation of protective measures in daily practice, we compute indices for different contact situations based on the persons involved: contact situations between (1) staff and parents), (2) staff and children of own group, (3) staff and children of other groups, and (4) the different groups of children. Results Day care centres increasingly implemented protective measures during the second wave. Yet, all four categories showed room for improvement, especially reduction of contact opportunities and handling (the lack of) symptoms. Our data suggests higher implementation of protective measures in contact situations among adults compared to contact situations between staff and children. Additionally, staff report high uncertainty regarding the attendance of children with mild symptoms (e.g., head cold), difficulties regarding the parental acceptance of the new organizational rules and a need of training. Conclusions Implementing protective measures between staff and children is seemingly difficult, likely due to pedagogical and developmental reasons. Staff's and parents' compliance with protective measures becomes all the more important within day care settings.