NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – New York state on Wednesday updated its COVID-19 guidance for child care, day camp and overnight camp programs.
The new measures go into effect Wednesday and include protocols for COVID-19 testing, physical distancing and sanitation, among other requirements to help prevent the spread of virus cases.
The update comes as New York state took a major step forward in its reopening on Wednesday, including easing mask and distancing requirements for fully vaccinated people.
“We are continuing to make incredible progress against COVID and lifting restrictions based on the science and numbers, but we are not yet at the finished line,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. “To help ensure maximum protections for staff and children at child care and camp programs, we are issuing this guidance so the facilities can implement basic but critical measures that will allow them to operate safely.”
Under the updated guidance, facilities and programs must collect COVID-19 vaccination status and documentation for all staff and children, and implement mandatory daily health screening practices of their staff and visitors, including daily temperature checks.
Facilities and programs need to notify the state and local health department immediately upon being informed of any positive COVID-19 test result by a staff member or child at their site, Cuomo said.
In addition, each site must implement a property-specific capacity limitation for children and campers that ensures appropriate social distancing. Staff who are not fully vaccinated must maintain a distance of at 6 feet from other unvaccinated staff.
Children and campers over the age of 2 and staff who are not fully vaccinated must wear face coverings except when eating, drinking, showering, swimming or sleeping/resting.
Since face coverings have been proven to be effective when distancing is not feasible, facilities and programs must provide and require the use of face coverings for individuals who are not fully vaccinated, Cuomo said.
Additional hygiene and cleaning and disinfection requirements as advised by the CDC and Department of Health must also be followed, according to the governor.
Full guidance for facilities and programs is available at NY.gov.
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