New York bans overnight children's summer camps
New York State Health officials say that overnight camps add risks that are too great compared to day camps. (WRGB FILE)
The announcement from New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker comes less than two weeks after Governor Cuomo announced that day camps would be allowed to reopen. At the time of that announcement, the fate of overnight camps was said to be unclear.
Dr. Zucker said in a statement that, unlike day camps, overnight camps are a difficult setting to manage social distancing, face coverings, and other measures to reduce the spread of the virus.
He says that in the close sleeping conditions these camps afford to their occupants, "even a single positive case in a camper or staff member could create an untenable quarantine situation and overwhelm camp health personnel."
Dr. Zucker reinforced the idea that, even as the infection rate continues to fall in New York State, precautions must still be in place as to not undo all the progress made over the last several weeks.
"I have fond memories of summer sleepaway camp as a kid and I understand the role they play in childhood development and the disappointment this decision may bring to families across the state," Dr. Zucker continued. "But amid the worst public health crisis in a century, my number one priority is the health and safety of all New Yorkers."
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