On any given day, up to 80 kids can occupy Keating out of School care, but on Wednesday it was empty as the program has closed while the COVID-19 outbreak continues
“It comes down the health and well being of the children in care as well as staff and wanting to prevent the spread of COVID-19.” Said Program Director Rachel Yukich.
The closure, however, was a voluntary one. On Tuesday the province announced the suspension of schools Kindergarten through grade 12 as COVID-19 aggressively spreads. But the provincial health officer is not yet ready to shut down day cares.
“Because they are essential services for our parents that work in essential services as well.” Dr. Bonnie Henry said while addressing the media in Vancouver Wednesday.
But when dealing with young children, social distancing can be a challenge of seismic proportions.
“It came down to the 50 person limit as well as the need for social distancing which of course when you’re dealing with many small children is pretty much impossible to do,” Yukich SAID.
But for owners of smaller operations, managing the health of workers and children, as well as staying financially healthy is becoming overwhelming.
“All of the Childcare community was really concerned about our own well being, our families well being, the children iN our care’s well being. It’s just a really unfortunate situation that we’re stuck in right now.” said the owner of Jenn’s Little Bears Jennifer Paine.
Other provinces such as Alberta and Manitoba have completely shut down daycares. But here in BC, what’s now becoming a tense situation will continue on.
Ben Nesbit
