Keeping COVID-19 Out Of Summer Camp

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Sending your kids to summer camp this summer? Worried about them being exposed to COVID-19?

You're not wrong to be nervous. But at least now there are standardized guidelines in place.

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (DHS) has released its mandatory summer camp guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The DHS guidelines are based on recommendations from the VI Department of Health (DOH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• The OCCRS strongly recommends that all summer camp staff be vaccinated.
• The maximum occupancy for licensed summer camp facilities must be half of the original licensed capacity or must not exceed 200 campers (whichever is less.)
• Camps must be adequately staffed with enough space for mandatory social distancing

The guidelines also require that summer camps enforce temperature checks and ongoing health screenings. Staff and campers must wear masks at all times and should maintain six feet of physical distance. Camps should also nix any high-contact sports from the schedule. sp

If a camper or staff member presents a COVID-19 positive test result, the individual must provide a negative test or an official clearance statement from the VI Department of Health in order to return to camp.

Summer camp facilities and childcare providers are asked to seek the most up-to-date guidance on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/schools-childcare/summer-camps.html

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