March 15, 2020
Statement From Steuben County Health Dept:
Steuben County Public Health Department and County Management would like to make daycares and the public aware that current guidance is for daycares to remain open while schools have been dismissed for March 18 through April 12.
“We understand that school dismissals can create a hardship on parents,” stated County Public Health Director, Darlene Smith. “We want to make it clear that we are not recommending that daycares close at this time. We know children often show up to daycares with runny noses and sneezing, but those are not signs and symptoms of COVID-19 and should not necessarily prohibit children from attending daycares.”
Presently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not recognize children as a highly at risk group for COVID-19. Daycares maintain a small number of children and adults congregating at the same time and place. Currently, there are no cases of COVID-19 in Steuben County.
Should any child, family member of a child, or daycare employee present with symptoms associated with COVID-19 they should remain at home. Symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If an adult or child has one symptom only, it does not typically indicate COVID-19.
Daycares are urged to increase cleaning and disinfection of highly used surfaces, including toys. Children and staff should continue to wash their hands regularly. Daycares with questions can reach out to Steuben County Public Health at 607-664-2438.
