Coronavirus Changes For GA Kids In Summer Camps, Day Cares

GEORGIA — Parents who may be wondering when if their kids will be able to return to in-person teaching this fall may find some relief after Gov. Brian Kemp announced Tuesday that summer camps and daycare facilities may open.

Last month, Kemp allowed the statewide shelter-in-place order to expire, another easing of restrictions during the week when restaurants resumed dine-in service, salons began operating again and houses of worship prepared for in-person gatherings.

But the current guidelines make it difficult for parents to find childcare for their children, Kemp said during a news conference. He released a new executive order that increases the number of people allowed in a single classroom of a childcare facility from 10 to 20 people, so long as staff-to-children ratios set by the Department of Early Care and Learning are also maintained.

"We are told by the Departments of Early Care and Learning and Public Health that this expansion can be done safely and allows for more facilities to reopen," Kemp said.

Childcare facilities must continue to adhere to 13 minimum, mandatory criteria to be able to operate, including strict screening procedures and sanitation mandates for frequently touched items and surfaces.

Find the full executive order on Kemp's website.

In that same vein, Kemp said countless families have reached out to his office to discuss how summer camps can safely operate as the state continues to battle the spread of COVID-19.

"Working closely with the Department of Public Health, constituents, and summer camp operators, we have developed strict criteria so that these camps can start planning now to reopen with safeguards in place," Kemp said. "We are hearing that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will issue guidance soon. When that happens, their guidance will control, but until that time, we will put out guardrails so people can make plans. We have defined 'summer camp' as any entity offering organized sessions of supervised recreational, athletic, or instructional activities held between typical school terms, including entities commonly referred to as 'day camps.'"

Starting Thursday, summer day camps are allowed to operate if they can meet 32 minimum, mandatory criteria. These requirements are extensive and cover a wide range of operations to ensure the safety of camp workers and participants of all ages.

Even though there are measures in place to allow for summer camps, Kemp said the state is not allowing overnight summer camps in Georgia at this time.

"We will continue to watch the data, keep a close eye on compliance, and make a decision on a case-by-case basis when (Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen Toomey) and the Department of Public Health determine it is safe for overnight campers," he said.

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Gatherings of 10 or more people remain banned unless there is 6-feet in between each person, Kemp said. The gathering ban applies to all non-critical infrastructure businesses, local governments and organizations of all types, including social groups doing informal get-togethers, and recreational sports.

Also on Tuesday, Kemp extended the forced closure of all bars, nightclubs and live event venues in Georgia through the end of May.

However, the statewide public health state of emergency was extended through June 12. With it, the governor has now also extended the ban on nightclubs, amusement parks, bars and live performance venues through May 31.

"I know this extension is difficult for many Georgia business owners, and communities that have music venues," he said. "However, we believe that waiting a little bit longer will enhance health outcomes and give folks the opportunity to prepare for safe reopening in the future."

Restaurants have been allowed to reopen, as long as they could follow a set of guidelines Kemp and medical officials provided. Now, the restrictions are easing slightly to allow 10 patrons per 300-square-feet in a restaurant's public space, including waiting rooms, bar areas and patios. Additionally, party sizes at tables have increased from six per table to 10 guests at a table together.

The shelter-in-place order for medically fragile and elderly Georgians will continue through June 12, Kemp said.

Additionally, mandatory restrictions for social distancing will remain in place for all non-critical infrastructure businesses and for recently reopened businesses. The industry specific restrictions will be extended through the end of the month, Kemp said.

Related:

• Reopening Georgia: Bar Ban Extended, New Restaurant Guidelines
• Reopening Guidelines Released For Salons, Spas: GA Coronavirus
• GA Coronavirus: Reopening Guidelines Released For Restaurants