COLUMBUS, Ohio — It's an announcement that was supposed to come Monday, but we are getting it today— and that deals with daycares. Many parents were left in the lurch, not knowing what to do with their children as they head back to work. But now they have an answer.
- Childcare providers can reopen May 31
- Reopening requirements include intensified cleaning, mandatory masks, daily temperature checks and smaller number of children per room
- DeWine said there's no great data when it comes to childcare and COVID-19
What You Need To Know
“On May 31st, childcare providers in Ohio will be able to reopen,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.
Contingent to reopening are intensified cleaning, mandatory masks worn by caretakers, daily temperature checks for both workers and children, and reduced numbers of children per room.
Governor Mike Dewine and Health Director Dr. Acton were candid Thursday about the dangers of reopening this part of Ohio in particular.
“We do not really have any great data when it comes to childcare and COVID-19,” said DeWine.
“We don’t want to gamble. Gamble is a harsh word. We don’t want to gamble on anyone. There’s nothing more that we want than to get our citizens safely through, and that means we’re all going to have to learn to live with it over the next year or two," said Dr. Acton.
But, they say they are committed to getting this right.
“We want to have the safest childcare system in the nation— one that nurtures the health and continued growth and development of our young people, and one that protects the health of childcare workers, teachers,” said DeWine.
“The governor and Dr. Acton both said that they really want to be leaders when it comes to childcare and they want to nation to look to their example.
Today Dr. Acton announced that the state is partnering with Yale University for a study that looks at childcare and COVID-19.