A Westchester
County summer camp had to shut down for a few days due to an outbreak of COVID-19.
Westchester County Parks says
it is shutting down the camp until at least Tuesday.
In a note to families this week,
the camp said that there were several COVID-19 cases
"among counselors and participants."
Dr. Sherita Amler, the Westchester
County health commissioner, says it's a good, safe call.
"It's smart. If you know you
have a cluster in your facility, that you start taking measures again to
protect everyone else who was there. It sounds like they're being wise and
prudent in what they're asking of people," says Amler.
Dr. Amler says even though younger
people are at less risk, the department's decision to shut down the
camp might prevent a COVID case in a more vulnerable
person, like a camper's grandparents.
She says one of the biggest
challenges for programs like summer camps is that many people are tired of
dealing with COVID-19 and less willing to wear masks and social
distance.
She still advises everyone to
consider the risk factors among older or immunocompromised individuals.
When kids return to camp
next week, they'll be required to show proof of vaccination, or agree to
regular testing if they aren't vaccinated.