Navigating COVID-19 as a Nanny in 2024: Latest Guidelines and Best Practices
As we continue to navigate the challenges posed by COVID-19, especially with the rise of the JN1 variant, it's crucial for nannies to stay informed about the latest guidelines and best practices.
At Smart Sitting, we want to make sure you are keeping your nanny family safe – but just as much that you feel empowered to keep yourself safe. That’s why we’ve put together this little guide with the latest best practices in navigating COVID-19 as a nanny.
Understanding the Current COVID-19 Situation
It may not feel like it, but as of early 2024, the CDC reports that COVID-19 infection levels remain high. In better news, severe disease is occurring less frequently, thanks in part to widespread immunity from vaccinations and previous infections.
Despite this, it's important to remain vigilant, especially in high-risk situations. As childcare professionals working directly with little kiddos and closely in people’s homes, it’s still important for nannies to be mindful of infections and their families’ preferred approach.
Guidelines for Nannies
Get vaccinated
Ensure you are up-to-date with your COVID-19 vaccinations, including the latest booster shots. Current vaccines are effective against variants like JN.1. This is particularly important if you are working with very young children or in families where someone is immunocompromised or particularly sensitive.
Take preventative measures
Regular testing, especially after exposure or if symptoms develop, is still useful. This time of year, all manner of infections run rampant and general measures to prevent the spread of disease are helpful, not just for COVID but all contagious illnesses
Enhance indoor air quality by using air purifiers or ensuring good ventilation.
Practice frequent hand washing (and help your kiddos do it as well!) and consider wearing masks, especially in indoor settings or when around people with higher risk of severe illness.
Getting in outdoor playtime every day is a great way to reduce exposure to airborne germs, and help strengthen both you and your kiddos – which, in the long run, helps your bodies fight infections.
Refer to your contract
After the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, it became standard practice to include a COVID provision in job contracts. While this may seem less relevant now, and some families may be tempted to skip it, having a process written out is super helpful if and when someone tests positive.
“...if you go in and catch covid, will you get unlimited sick time to recover?”
(anonymous nanny in online forum)
By having it spelled out in your nanny job contract how the family would like you to handle a positive COVID test, and how they themselves will handle it on their end, it will be much easier for you all to know what to do when it happens.
Will the family pay you if you cannot work while they are sick?
When is it time for you to return to work after illness (yours or theirs)?
The job contract can also contain general guidelines regarding working while kiddos are sick. You can read more here about if nannies should work while kids are sick.
If you are a Smartsitter and need help in working this provision into your job contract, contact the Smart Sitting Team. We’ll be happy to help you and the family agree on something that works for everyone.
“I was out of pay for two weeks because my nanny family had Covid and I did not have guaranteed hours. It sucks for everyone involved.”
CDC recommendations
The current CDC recommendations are to isolate at home for at least 5 days if you test positive for COVID-19. For those with severe illness or who are immunocompromised, a longer isolation period may be necessary. Consult with healthcare providers for personalized advice – and keep an open line of communication with the family, who may also have personal reasons to extend the time apart.
“The minute someone in our house tested positive, we told our nanny and had her stay home. It eventually worked its way through every other member of the household. Nanny returned to work 5 days after the last family member tested positive. It was all covered under our guaranteed hours for the nanny and it worked to not spread it to her. ”
You don’t have to handle it alone
The great part about working with a nanny agency for your placements as a nanny is of course that when things come up, like a COVID-19 illness, you can have the agency’s support in navigating it. We work with hundreds of families at any given time and have helped loads of nannies in the last few years regarding COVID-related questions.
Our main recommendation is always going to be to spell your agreements out in the job contract, so that you can refer back to it when things come up. If it’s not in your contract, however, or if you disagree when a more nuanced situation comes up, reach out to us anytime. We’ll be happy to work through it with you.
Not already a Smartsitter?
Are you not already a Smartsitter? Then you’re in luck! We are always open to applications from dedicated, engaging, and wonderful caregivers who are looking to take that next step up in their childcare career. If you think you have what it takes, send in your application today!
Remember, these guidelines are subject to change as new information becomes available. Stay updated by regularly checking reliable sources like the CDC's website.