Ontario government officials announced in a press conference on Tuesday, June 9 that all child-care centres across the province, including home care providers, may reopen effective immediately once health protocols are met.
The requirements are strict, and centres can be fined up to $1,000 per child if they fail to meet them on inspection.
Specifically, the guidelines require that centres:
- restrict groups to 10 or fewer children and staff
- have COVID-19 response plans in place should a child, staff member, or family member be exposed to the virus
- screen all staff and children prior to entry
- be thoroughly cleaned before opening and frequently thereafter
- keep attendance records to support contact tracing
- prohibit non-essential visitors
- implement drop-off and pick-up protocols that facilitate physical distancing
There was some promising news for school-age kids too: summer day camps may open as soon as this Friday, June 12, if they are able to adhere to the health and safety requirements established by the province. Overnight camps are still prohibited for summer 2020.
There is just not enough information at the moment to feel safe about this. I am not personally overjoyed with this.