Manitoba kids to return to childcare and day camp programs in July
When the school year ends in Manitoba, kids will be able to attend childcare programs and day camps.
Families Minister Rochelle Squires announced on Friday that these programs will be allowed to start operating on July 1.
"We know that a parent's ability to work may be dependent upon the availability of child care," said Squires.
The province said the day camps will be for children 11 and under and it helps families whose children aren't at licensed facilities.
Dr. Jazz Atwal, the deputy chief provincial public health officer, said these steps are possible because more Manitobans are being vaccinated and case numbers are going down.
"We're providing this information today to allow sites and parents to begin planning. More details will follow next week as new public health orders are finalized. This will help alleviate some of the pressure on licensed childcare facilities," said Atwal.
The cohort sizes will not be changing for childcare facilities but day camps will be limited to sizes of 20.
Atwal was asked what would happen if there are COVID-19 outbreaks at these camps or facilities.
"Whenever an outbreak occurs, a public health investigation is done, we are aware of the cases that occur there. Pending that investigation, we have to look at risk and what the risk is to the population that is there, and also to the population that might be not there, or to the general public. So if announcements are required, public health will lead that."
He said all these steps would apply to day camps as well and if an outbreak occurs, public health would take steps to mitigate any further spread.
Karen Kowalski, the assistant executive director for the Manitoba Child Care Association, said in an email to CTV News that this was something they were expecting.
She said facilities are well prepared to ensure all the kids are safe.
"The child care facilities have been following protocols for over 15 months now so they will keep doing what they have been doing while keeping everyone safe,' said Kowalski.
She said she has spoken with some directors and they are happy about the news as this will bring some normalcy back to the children's lives.
"For those parents who have been at home, may now be able to return to the workplace as their children will be able to return to their child care program."
She added she thinks kids miss their friends and this will help make life feel more normal for them.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal doctors' breakthrough discovery about causes of cerebral palsy giving hope
A breakthrough discovery made by doctors at the Montreal Children's Hospital about the causes of cerebral palsy is giving new hope to one West Island family.
Weather alerts issued for 7 provinces, 1 territory
Warnings of up to 60 millimetres of rain and other alerts have been issued for seven Canadian provinces and one territory ahead of the Easter weekend.
Ontario homeowner on the hook for $27,000 when contractor severed power line
An Ontario man who built a garage on his property has been locked in a battle with his electricity provider for a year and half over a severed power line.
For years she thought her son had died of an overdose. The police video changed all that
Austin Hunter Turner died in 2017, on a night that his mother has rewound and replayed again and again, trying to make sense of what happened.
Feeling older than you are? It could be how you sleep
Not getting enough sleep may cause you to feel five to 10 years older than you really are, according to two new studies.
OPP seize $7.5 million worth of drugs in eastern Ontario
The Upper Ottawa Valley Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police says one person is facing multiple charges after a traffic complaint on Highway 17 in Head Clara Maria Township.
CRA no longer requiring 'bare trust' reporting in 2023 tax return
The Canada Revenue Agency announced Thursday it will not require 'bare trust' reporting from Canadians that it introduced for the 2024 tax season, just four days before the April 2 deadline.
Why Kim Kardashian is being sued for 'knockoff' furniture
The estate of minimalist contemporary artist Donald Judd filed a lawsuit against Kardashian this week, claiming the fashion and beauty mogul promoted 'cheap knockoffs' of his furniture designs.
Where is the worst place for allergy sufferers in Canada?
The spring allergy season has started early in many parts of Canada, with high levels of pollen in some cities already. Experts weigh in on which areas have it worse so far this season.