COVID-19 Control Protocol

The health and well-being of Baby Bloom’s clients and the Newborn Care Specialists (NCS) are of utmost importance. To do its part to control the spread of COVID-19, Baby Bloom implements the following policies, effective immediately:

All clients will report to the NCS and directly to Baby Bloom the following:  (1) any recent out of state travel; (2) symptoms related to COVID-19 (fever, fatigue, loss of smell, dry cough, difficulty breathing, etc…); and/or (3) whether any family member has recently come into contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient. To the extent the clients report any of the above prior to, or during the term of the contract, the contract will be immediately suspended until negative tests are obtained by the affected parties.

All NCS will engage in the following safety measures to control the spread of COVID-19 as recommended by the Center for Disease Control and the Rhode Island Department of Health:

  • NCS will wear appropriate face coverings - NCS must wear face coverings while in the client's home (unless requested otherwise by the family and agreed to by the NCS). 

  • NCS will engage in CDC recommended hand washing - NCS must wash hands frequently and thoroughly. The CDC recommends washing hands throughout the day, before/after meals, after restroom use, before/after handling equipment, and before leaving the workspace for at least twenty (20) seconds per hand washing.

  • NCS will engage in frequent and appropriate cleaning of workspace - NCS must implement proper cleaning and sterilization of the environment and workspace. NCS will work together with the client and discuss what products shall be used in the home (Clorox wipes, cleaning products, etc...). 

  • NCS will limit their exposure to suspected virus sources.

  • NCS will appropriately quarantine after travel to any state under travel restrictions pursuant to the then-applicable state executive orders - NCS must quarantine for fourteen (14) days after returning to RI from any such state.

  • NCS will report any concerning symptoms - To the extent NCS is experiencing any symptoms related to COVID-19 (fever, fatigue, loss of smell, dry cough, difficulty breathing, etc...), the contract will be immediately suspended while the NCS quarantines and takes appropriate measures to obtain testing.  Baby Bloom will make every effort to place a suitable replacement NCS as soon as practicable.  If an agreeable replacement cannot be made, the original NCS will be prepared to return to work ten (10) days after the development of symptoms and/or after receiving a negative COVID-19 test, whichever is shorter (unless the client prefers a longer time period).  

All other safety measures and considerations will be made on a case by case basis.  To the extent a family desires certain measures to be taken, those requests should be made directly to Baby Bloom, and if agreed upon by Baby Bloom and the NCS, those measures will be taken throughout the duration of the contract.

1 All NCS are independent contractors and non-employees of Baby Bloom.  The parties agree and acknowledge that contractor is an independent contractor, as defined by Federal and State law. Contractor is not, and shall not be deemed to be, for any purpose, an employee of Baby Bloom. However, it is expected that NCS will comply with these safety measures.

2 For the convenience of Baby Bloom’s clients and the NCS, COVID-19 screening tools are available online (https://health.ri.gov/forms/screening/COVID19_Employee_Screening_Tool).