BUFFALO (WKBW) — Another childhood staple of summer has been put on hold because of COVID-19. New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker announced Friday that overnight children's camps will be prohibited from operating this year.
Dr. Zucker said he based his decision on data and science. "Unlike day camps, which are approved to open June 29, overnight camps are a difficult setting to manage social distancing and face covering and infection control practices. Overnight camps have congregate settings and sleeping arrangements in close quarters that present too many risks." said Dr. Zucker in a statement.
Dr. Zucker believes even one camper testing positive for COVID-19 could "create an untenable quarantine situation and overwhelm camp health personnel that may not be able to handle a serious infectious outbreak of this nature."
Dr. Zucker said while he understands his decision may be disappointing his number one priority is the health and safety of New Yorkers.
