CDC Issues COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for Day and Overnight Campers

     The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  has issued guidance for day camps, overnight camps, and summer learning programs to protect children, families, and staff from COVID-19 and its many variants, some of which spread more easily and quickly than others.

     When it comes to physical distancing in camp, the CDC is saying to follow the same guidelines are used by schools, which require at least 3 feet of distance between children who are in the same cohort or “pod.” When campers and students are eating and drinking, they should increase their social distance to 6 feet. 

     At 1.4%, the COVID positivity rate is the lowest it has been since Oct. 28, cases of COVID-19 are decreasing, however, 31 New Yorkers died yesterday from the virus, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said today.

     In addition to maintaining 3 to 6 feet of social distance, campers must stay home when feeling sick or after having had contact with someone with COVID-19, continue to wear tight fitting masks that cover noses and mouths, and practice good and intermittent hand hygiene with the use of soap and hand sanitizer.

     “The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to keep the virus from getting into your camp program in the first place,” the CDC’s website says. “Ask parents, guardians, and caregivers to monitor their children for signs of infectious illness including COVID-19.”

      The cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and transportation vehicles is also recommended, as is the practice to limit children’s propensity to share objects and items that could easily transmit germs and viruses.

      “Keep each camper’s belongings separated from others’ and in individual, labeled containers, cubbies, or areas,” the CDC says. “Ensure adequate supplies to minimize sharing of high-touch materials, such as art supplies.”

       If any activities are held indoors, counselors should open window and doors open to bring in fresh air, which helps keep virus particles from concentrating inside, the CDC says.