Social Distancing of 1.5-2 Meters to Be Maintained Among Children in Kindergartens: Armenian Deputy Prime Minister

Starting from 23:59 on May 17, new regulations have been established by the Deputy Prime Minister regarding organizations in the field of preschool education to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

“The obligation to ensure healthy and safe conditions lies entirely with the director of the institution. In organizing the activities of preschool educational institutions, work is carried out to prevent the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in accordance with the phases of the epidemic situation in the country. At this stage, the following rules must be followed:

1. General Rules
   • Efforts should be made to refrain from involving employees from high-risk groups for severe development of the coronavirus in the workplace, adhering to the provisions of Article 186 of the Labor Code of the Republic of Armenia. Included in the high-risk group are:
   • a. Individuals with a weakened immune system (e.g., cancer),
   • b. Individuals aged 65 and older,
   • c. Individuals with chronic diseases (respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis, chronic heart failure, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease (hepatitis), chronic neurological disease (Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke)),
   • d. Individuals with diabetes.
   • Entry of accompanying persons into the preschool educational institution is prohibited.
   • Crowding of people in areas adjacent to the preschool educational institution is excluded. The reception and sending of children attending the institution is carried out in an orderly manner (for example, specific times for children to come and leave kindergarten may be established), maintaining a social distance of 1.5-2 meters between individuals.
   • The process of caring for and educating children in the preschool institution must be organized in smaller groups of 10-12 people to ensure a distance of 1.5-2 meters between children during play, activities, meals, and nap time.
   • Access to the preschool educational institution should be temporarily limited, giving priority to children whose home care is practically impossible due to parents' or guardians' inability to work remotely and/or other objective circumstances. A list should be prepared in advance of those children whose parents or guardians have expressed their intention to send them to the preschool institution.
   • If the parents (guardians) of a child have previously been confirmed to have coronavirus disease (COVID-19) or have been in contact with confirmed cases and have been in isolation and/or self-isolation, a laboratory diagnosis certificate indicating a “negative result” for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) must be presented by the parents (guardians) upon the first visit (the document must not be older than 7 days).
   • Temporary restrictions should be made regarding the organization of additional admissions to the preschool educational institutions to comply with the rules set out in points 4 and 5.
   • Events that suggest crowding, including mass gatherings and meetings, are prohibited.
2. Disinfection of the Area
   • General cleaning and disinfection work will be carried out in the entire territory of the institution one day before reopening and after each working day, including playgrounds and equipment if such exist, using disinfectants containing 60-80% alcohol. Disinfection in sleeping areas or designated areas for sleeping will be performed before sleeping, in playrooms or group rooms during nap time. After meals, cleaning will be carried out, including tables, handles, taps, and anything children may touch.
   • Ventilation of areas (group rooms, dining rooms, sleeping rooms, restrooms, etc.) in the preschool educational institutions will be conducted every 2 hours.
   • Containers with disinfectants containing 60-80% alcohol will be available at the entrance for mandatory hand disinfection of every entering person.
   • Closed trash bins will be placed at the entrance, restrooms, and within the institution's premises for the disposal of used masks and other personal protective equipment.
   • Toys and items that cannot be disinfected daily will be temporarily removed from everyday use. Such toys will be collected in separate containers and must be disinfected before reuse.
3. Rules for Employees
   • Employees will undergo temperature checks remotely or with individual thermometers at least 2 times a day, including one upon entering the institution. Individuals with fever will not be allowed to enter the institution and must immediately notify the health ministry's hotline by calling 8003.
   • All staff will be provided with personal protective equipment (gloves and masks) during work and break hours, replacing them every 3-4 hours if possible.
4. Care for Children
   • Children will undergo temperature checks and examinations with remote or individual use (brought by parents) thermometers at least 2 times daily, including one before entering the institution. Children with fever will not be allowed to enter the institution, and the health ministry's hotline must be notified immediately by calling 8003.
   • Group activities planned under the preschool education program (e.g., performances, celebrations, birthdays) will be temporarily canceled or postponed.
   • Children will be provided with handwashing opportunities using running warm and cold water, with elbow or foot-operated taps (where not available, immediate disinfection will be provided), and soap. Children will use restrooms one at a time. Frequent handwashing will be ensured.
   • The continuous process of managing groups will take place in the same group or classroom. Additionally, each child should sleep in the same bed continuously. Bedding will be washed and changed daily.
   • Close contact between children should be minimized during games and activities.
   • Informational sessions regarding preventive measures for coronavirus will be conducted in older groups.
5. Organization of Food
   • Children should bring food from home in separated containers whenever possible.
   • The use of disposable dishes is advisable. The use of multi-use utensils is allowed only with mandatory disinfection.
   • The number of cutlery and dishes used simultaneously should meet the entire demand for children’s meals. Dishes that are cracked, damaged at the edges, deformed, or have damaged enamel are not allowed.
   • When modern dishwashing machines are available, mechanical dishwashing should be performed according to their operating instructions, using dish and tableware disinfection modes at temperatures not lower than 65°C for 90 minutes.
   • Separate sinks are provided for washing dishes manually. Manual dishwashing will follow this procedure: mechanical removal of food remnants, washing in one sink with the addition of detergents, rinsing in a second sink with water not lower than 40°C and with two times fewer detergents than used in the first sink, and air drying on wire racks or shelves.
   • In the case of using disposable dishes, used dishes should be collected in tightly sealed plastic bags that are then transported to the landfill.