As the state begins to reopen, the Department of Education and the Department of Health is outlining precautions that will need to be taken in order for childcare centers and camps to operate safely this summer.
The Office of Public Health (OPH), has instructed that all childcare centers adhere to social distancing guidelines, maintaining small groups that don't interact with other groups. These groups can be separated by walls and have separate playground time. Any shared equipment will need to be cleaned frequently.
OPH also advises that students be monitored for symptoms of COVID-19, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, and/or sore throat. Of course hand washing will also be a vital part of this operation.
In Phase One, groups should be limited to 10 people including adults. For childcare centers and entities offering summer school, camps, or extracurricular activities, the occupancy rates currently approved for the facility apply. Adjusted occupancy rates are not applicable, as these entities must adhere to strict social distancing and other health and safety measures specific to childcare and summer school or camp settings.
Everyone over the age of 2 without any breathing difficulties will need to wear a cloth mask in public spaces.
For full details and guidelines, including the reasoning behind reopening childcare, visit this link.
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