“Yesterday, New York State released updated guidance on safety protocols for childcare programs and summer camps that blindsided many providers and parents. Under the new regulations, children as young as 2 are required to wear masks in most indoor and group settings, which is an abrupt reversal from previous guidance. Childcare providers and the Office of Children and Family Services were not consulted in the process of drafting the guidance, creating needless confusion and contradictory new rules. Additionally, the new guidance, which is effective immediately, gives childcare and summer camp providers no time to review or implement the guidance.

 “I have already reached out to the Governor’s office to relay the frustration currently being experienced by stakeholders and parents, and I urged the Governor and the Department of Health to immediately revise safety guidance for day care and summer camps to be consistent with or less restrictive than earlier guidance.”