Coronavirus: Rockland Reopens Daycare Centers

NEW CITY, NY — Rockland County officials have revised the emergency order closing all daycare centers. Even though schools are closed, districts that have daycare must come up with plans to provide it for the children of emergency responders and healthcare workers, Gov. Andrew Cuomo ordered.

The order Cuomo signed on Monday, which closes schools statewide for two weeks starting March 18, omitted daycare centers and required districts to come up with plans to show that first responders and healthcare workers would have access to childcare during school closures.

During the pandemic, New York's communities depend on those people, who could not work if they have to stay home and take care of their children, he said during a news conference Tuesday.

Therefore, as of Thursday, daycare providers in Rockland County will be allowed to decide whether to reopen.

“We have received communication from the Governor’s Office insisting that their orders supersede those of the County. We have chosen to honor this request and allow daycare providers to open. If you require further guidance please contact the Governor’s Office at 518-474-8390,” said County Executive Ed Day. “While this goes against our best judgement and the judgement of our Commissioner of Health, the Governor is allowing daycare providers to open. Any residents who have questions about whether their business should be opened or closed in an effort to flatten the curve of COVID-19 infections should direct their questions to the Governor’s Office."

This is a rapidly evolving situation, county officials said. They asked residents to remain calm and be patient as policy adjustments are made on an as needed basis to protect the public health.

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